The Four Seasons Resort held their 1st regatta for OC1/OC2 canoes on an early Saturday morning. There was a high surf warning and most paddlers were unfamiliar with this section of coast line. There was some early speculation about how to get across the shallow rocks during the lulls. But this well staffed and organized event came prepared to offer valet canoe launches.
About 12 people formed a fire-bucket-brigade style line to pass canoes over the shallow rocks. Paddlers would just carry their canoe to the start of the line, then proceed around the shore to a entry path that was lined with sandbags to protect your feet. At the end of the path you waded out and your canoe was served to you ready to paddle.
The start line was about 1 a mile warm up to the north, then south about 5 miles and another 4.5 back to the finish.
With this prize list, paddlers brought their A-Game:
- 1st Place, OC1 Menʻs and Womenʻs Overall – each will receive a two night stay at the Resort (including room, taxes, parking & $250 per day for expenses) plus $500 cash
- 2nd Place, OC1 Menʻs and Womenʻs Overall – each will receive a dinner for 4 at Ulu Ocean Grill
- 3rd Place, OC1 Menʻs and Womenʻs Overall – each will receive a dinner for 4 at Beach Tree
- 1st Place, OC2 Menʻs (or Mixed) and Womenʻs Overall – each will receive a dinner for 4 at Hualālai Grill
Registration was capped at 100 and filled up within a few hours. Lots of Keaukaha Paddlers came out for this race with some short course paddlers trying the longer distance for the first time.
Congrats to both Jose (1st) and Kama (3rd) who put in some wicked fast times along with Tyler (4th). It was almost a Keaukaha shut out. And excellent paddling to everyone who came out for a challenging race including one of our Jr.’s Eha who took 1st V1 and was the 4th Jr. overall. For several paddlers it was their first time doing a long course.
Racers: Jose, Kama, Tyler, Kyle, Keola, Eha, Eric, Grant, Loren, Rodrigo, Gary, Kawai, Kwai-Chang, Warren
There was a lot of video and photography at this event, so we’ll post a follow up with some of that.
Also don’t forget to order your 2022 Jersey!