LIHU‘E — Beginning swimmers had an opportunity to make a splash when Mokihana Aquatics hosted a big splash and belly flop contest Saturday during its annual Splash Bash swim meet at the Kaua‘i High School pool. “This is the end
LIHU‘E — Beginning swimmers had an opportunity to make a splash when Mokihana Aquatics hosted a big splash and belly flop contest Saturday during its annual Splash Bash swim meet at the Kaua‘i High School pool.
“This is the end of summer,” said Mokihana Aquatics coach Orlando “O” Anaya. “The pool will be shut down for two weeks for maintenance, so the swimmers get a break before the fall program starts up.”
Affectionately known as the Lollipop Meet, the Splash Bash is intended to celebrate the swimming accomplishments of students who took swimming classes during the summer.
Both Mokihana Aquatics and swimmers of the county’s Kapa‘a Pool celebrated graduation Saturday morning. Afterwards, many of the swimmers went directly to the fun meet.
“This was good fun, Mokihana style,” Anaya said. “The community score-free competitive swimming experience, the free jumbo hot dog lunch — I know, we got to get bigger buns — free shave ice and free popcorn. But the best was our swimmers doing community service and watching them being proud to do it.”
Beneath the surface of fun and more swimming, the parents and young swimmers were introduced to the more formal swim meets as veteran Mokihana Aquatics swimmers demonstrated each event after it was described by Anaya.
These included the 25 yard swims in butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke and the freestyle for the younger swimmers.
Older swimmers were treated to swims in the 50 yard butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle and a special 100 yard individual medley.
Anaya also pointed out the discrepancies of the novice swimmers with the help of a certified swim official, but no penalties were assessed, the event was to highlight what swimmers can do wrong.
All swimmers were treated to lollipops for each event swam, and everyone had free hot dogs, popcorn and shave ice.
Highlighting the fun, two-time defending Parents’ Sprint champion was replaced by new faces, including one, the dad of Dakine Haroldson, 4, the youngest swimmer at the meet, who captured both the big splash and the belly flop competition.
Following the break for pool maintenance, Mokihana Aquatics will be hosting its annual Fun Meet 2012 Aug. 18 and 19 at the Kaua‘i High School pool. Visit www.mokihanaaquatics.com, or call 821-0587 for more information.
