HANALEI — More than 160 swimmers, some coming from as far as Maine and ranging in age from 5 to 85, took part in the Namolokama Canoe Club’s third annual open water swim on July 25 at Hanalei Bay. There
HANALEI — More than 160 swimmers, some coming from as far as Maine and ranging in age from 5 to 85, took part in the Namolokama Canoe Club’s third annual open water swim on July 25 at Hanalei Bay. There were five races in total, with two for keiki and three for adults.
Naomi Yokotake got the morning started with a blessing and her conch shell blower. Koko Kanealii, a local artist, emceed the event.
First up were the 8 and under keiki who raced around the pier. Finishing first for the boys was Dutch Fairbanks in a time of 3:43. Reaching the beach first for the girls was Sarah Keith in 4:01.
Then the age 9-12 keiki took their shot around the pier. For the boys, Bryson Baligad came in with a time of 2:41, followed closely by girls winner Hanna Landry in 2:59.
Landry, from Riverside, Calif., said “I’m glad I did it. I’m surprised I did so well.”
Next up was the 1/2-mile open water swim. Aaron Pigott knifed his way through the chop and finished in a time of 11:52.77. The next finisher was first for the females as Sophie Britzmann completed with a time of 13:39.57.
In the one-mile race, Matthew Ross took first with a time of 18:46.44.
He was follwed by Leo McCarthy and Dylan Thomas, who both finished in under 20 minutes. Jacquelyn Bencic led the female charge, closing with a time of 20:58.92.
New to this year’s event was the first two-mile race. Jeff Maddux took the inaugural title with a time of 35:55.66. John Lobdell was only about a body length behind when he reached the shore in 35:59.08. Elena Zanone represented well for the women with a 39:39.61 showing.
Dick Roth, a gold medal winner at the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games, was one of the event’s prominent participants.
“It was great to have the chance to congratulate both the first and last youth swimmer across the finish line,” he said.
A portion of the funds from the event will be given to the Kaua‘i Food Bank.
Namolokama Canoe Club began hosting the swim in 2007 as a club fundraiser and community service.
