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2023 Keaukaha Regatta

Another epic fun regatta! There’s so many moving parts to hosting 1,256 paddlers and their friends and family. It’s no small feat. From getting permits to vending to fund raising all the way to paddling and setting up the course, there’s a job for everyone.

It’s amazing how well we all pull together but that is the basic nature of paddling.

The points was a close repeat from the last regatta with Puna in first and us in second with a 54 point gap. Some points were lost to DQ’s which is always tough on crews. But that’s a fixable problem and we should be able to iron out those issues by Moku and States.

Hardware

We had a lot of podium finishes with 8 gold, 7 silver and 7 bronze, that’s about 1/2 of our crews. A quick shout out to the 8 crews the managed to light their lanes on fire.

  • Boys 12 (Caius Cowell, Manoalii Publico, Mystiq Rosario, Reigan Shimahara, Zyan Subica, Treyston Yung)
  • Girls 16 (ZOE AOKI, Jezney Chang, Tati Dunhour, Pua’ena Estocado, Pualani Estocado, Kaohulani Kalama)
  • Boys 16 (Eha Kiyuna, Kai’olino Kualii, Malakai Laititi, Tanoa Laititi, Niau Paulos, Ulu Yung)
  • Girls 18 (Jezney Chang, Kamaka Frasco, Nahiena Kekuawela, Dalilah Martin, Waiolu Publico, Kaliko Uyeshiro)
  • Mix 18 (Eha Kiyuna, Nauhikapakea Liwis, Dalilah Martin, Waiolu Publico, Kaliko Uyeshiro, Ali’i Youderian)
  • Women Freshmen (Kawena Brooks, Anna Kaaua, Cherie Kauahi, Kawai Kauahi, Kanoe Lee Loy, Brandi Rapozo)
  • Men 65 (Jeff Clemenson, Warren Dela Cruz, Greg Kane, Mike Shintaku, Ben Smith, Egan Tasaki)
  • Men 50 (Eric Baicy, Keone Chin, Grant Kauahi, Nathan Osorio, Romo Romo, Moku Young)

We also had several crews post impressively fast times, even if they didn’t quite squeeze out the other crews. Both the Men 40’s (3rd) and Men Juniors (2nd) posted the fastest 1/2 mile and 1 mile times for our club Saturday but the competition was fierce. Men’s 40 had the 3rd fastest 1/2 mile of the day and Men Juniors had the 2nd fastest mile.

Novices continue to improve their times and are doing well with Women Novice A on the podium and several other crews close to the top spots.

Full results: https://hcrapaddler.com/hcra_results.php?view=byevent&rid=976

Coverage

Mike recorded our races with help from a few paddlers. You can go to his channel and see the latest uploads there. https://www.youtube.com/@crabbiepaddle/videos

La’a live streamed our regatta and the results were very professional. Some of the coverage can be replayed on his facebook page. He used 2 camera angles and showed on-line results in real time. Check it out. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087853629116

Kawiki Singson also was there doing his thing and got some great shots which include Waimāpuna and our paddlers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1T2O6szX68

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Kailana & Te Aito

Our first 2023 Hilo regatta was a great success with most crews improving their standings. 20 crews made it to the podium with the keiki coming on strong off the line with 10 crews in the top 3.

Combining the keiki and Novice A and B paddlers we were leading the regatta points going into the 1 mile events.

Good job to the Novice A/B/Mix crews. WNB with 3rd, XNB 10th (sorry about the poor holding job, current on lanes 4 & 5 were strong), MNB (DQ along with 2 other DQ’s. It happens), WNA 2nd, MNA 8th.

Gold Standards

Nice work to all our top crews

  • X12 – (Jordyn Osorio, Manoalii Publico, Mystiq Rosario, Reigan Shimahara, Taaroto Tuaupiki, Bailey Uyeshiro)
  • G15 – (Zoe Aoki, Tati Dunhour, Marley Osorio, Alohi Paulos, Malia Lani Simram, Brandy Uyeshiro)
  • B15 – (Kaiwiula Baker, Malakai Laititi, Tanoa Laititi, Reid Okazaki, Kotah Prudholm, Ulu Yung)
  • G16 – (Zoe Aoki, Jezney Chang, Tati Dunhour, Pua’ena Estocado, Pualani Estocado, Kaohulani Kalama)
  • B16 – (Kaiwiula Baker, Eha Kiyuna, Kai’olino Kualii, Malakai Laititi, Tanoa Laititi, Ulu Yung)
  • B18 – (Eha Kiyuna, Kahalia Masaoka, Tyler OBrien, Niau Paulos, Noah Pila, Umi Yung)
  • G18 – (Nahiena Kekuawela, Nauhikapakea Liwis, Dalilah Martin, Tyler OBrien, Noah Pila, Waiolu Publico)
  • M65 – (Jeff Clemenson, Warren Dela Cruz, Greg Kane, Mike Shintaku, Ben Smith, Egan Tasaki)
  • M50 – (Eric Baicy, Keone Chin, Grant Kauahi, Nathan Osorio, Romo Romo, Moku Young)

Lots of tough races with our club getting 2nd overall and 9 Gold, 8 Silver and 3 Bronze. We did see a large gap between us and Puna who took home 20 golds but they did it using their barely legal grandfathered koa canoe, Kalapana….

Keaukaha Regatta & Medals

At our regatta on the 24th we will distribute previous medals and celebrate the season after racing is pau. So be prepared to stick around for some fun. More information about everyone’s kuleana will be coming from coaches and members as we move through this week.

For food there will be food trucks and pop-up vendors that Kwai-Chang is organizing along with So Juicy also supplying food and juices.

KOYD will be selling cold pupus as part of their fundraiser to get the 13 kids to Samoa for the IVF World Distance race.

Keaukaha will also be selling drinks to help raise funds for the halau rebuild and canoe repairs.

Te Aito – Congrats Ali’i

The famous Tahiti rudderless race (V1) took place on June 11th. Our very own Ali’i Youderian (Puakea Team Rider), who also qualified for the individual event at World Distance with KOYD, made an impressive appearance by finishing this extremely competitive race in 11th for his division. Just for comparison he was a mere 5 minutes behind 1st place (Keoni Sulpice) who is already a professional paddler for Shell Va’a.

Serious Competition
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Sponsors For World Distance 2023

Last years IVF World Sprints in London was a huge success and an amazing experience for our paddlers. This year we’re looking to get 13 kids to World Distance hosted in Samoa.

We had 2 teams qualify for World Distance this year. OC6 Girls 16 and Boys 16 and Ali’i Youderian (individual V1). KOYD is starting their fundraiser to help get these teams to Somoa to compete. Having individual or corporate sponsors would be fantastic. Here’s how:

Aloha ʻOe,


We are Keaukaha One Youth Development a Hawaiian non‐profit organization, a dedicated canoe/paddling
collective from Hilo, Hawaiʻi and would like to humbly ask you and your company to consider becoming a
sponsoring partner on our way to the prestigious IVF outrigger canoe world distance championship this
August in Apia, Samoa:

http://www.ivfiv.org/2023‐world‐distance‐champs.html

Our story:
From the small town of Hilo, Hawaiʻi, a group of thirteen (13) athletes with heart, dedication, and willpower
surprised everyone in the paddling world and qualified for the “Olympics” of outrigger canoe paddling.
Cherishing and perpetuating the values instilled in us through our heritage of paddling and navigating, this
path has brought us to this once in a lifetime opportunity that is now before us.

Our goal:
As a youth development program that began from humble beginnings, stemming from a proud but not
necessarily affluent community, we want to represent Hawaiʻi on the biggest stage. Our will to succeed did
not come overnight but our success did. We believed deeply in the possibilities yet were surprised by
qualifying after our initial partaking. This is part of the reason why we could not create long‐term plans for
our budget but pretty much need to raise the necessary funds within weeks, not months…

Our promise:
We do not take our kuleana (responsibility & privilege) lightly. We know that every dollar chipped in for
our cause could have been spent in so many ways…that is why we would like to remind you why your
decision in sponsoring our goal is a pono (correct & rightful) thing to do:
* Become part of an incredible story, which is a one‐of‐a‐kind opportunity for your company’s social
media exposure.
* Become a member of our crew that travels across the world to represent Hawaiʻi and showcase
the true values and spirit of aloha and sportsmanship.
* Become a true cultural ambassador to Hawaiʻi on a globally covered/visible event.
* Become a prime vessel to reach your target audience and clientele.
* Show the world, your audience, that you are serious about corporate & social responsibility, live
your actions and support ambitious athletes.
* As pioneers and believers there is no end to possibilities, only beginnings.

To become a Sponsor or Donate:
All donations are tax‐deductible and can be accepted via check to Keaukaha One Youth Development at
the address above, or visit our GoFundMe page available online at:

https://gofund.me/71d2ee2a

For all other inquiries or possibilities on how we can represent your brand, sponsorship, business, or
organization, please feel free to reach out to us.

ʻAʻohe mea ke alu like mai kākou (there is nothing we cannot accomplish together),

Shadd Keahi Warfield Ph.D.
Executive Director

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Ira & Barbara Kekaualua ’23 LD Race

The Hilo weather was nice for the Hui Waʻa ʻO Waiākea club race on Saturday, June 3rd. With keiki’s lined up for the short course of 3 miles followed by the 6 mile long course for adults.

Photos Courtesy of Maile Nunez

Short Course

We didn’t have any keiki racing from our club this race but it was a good turn out of 30 canoes for the short course. Top honors went to Kamehameha’s Boys 13 in 18:39 with the Hoemana’s Girls 13 finishing just 13 seconds behind them. In fact a lot of close finishers in that race which made for great spectator action.

Long Course

On the long course, that was a different scene as we fielded multiple canoes in a fleet of 46. Here’s their overall results:

  • 1st Overall (unlimited): Open Men (Brawn Albino, Grant Kauahi, Kama Leeloy, Tyler Makaiwi, MARIO MAUSIO, ROBERT WHITNEY JR.)
  • 9th Overall: Open Men (Laʻa Kamakawiwoʻole, Keao Kiyuna, Nathan Osorio, Denis Perdomo, Kwai Chang Publico, Paco Sanchez Tusie)
  • 20th Overall: Men Novice: (Sam Carlos, Mike Enos, Jeffrey Laasch Chandler, Casey Morris, Rick Myers, Jonah Villiarimo)
  • 25th Overall: Women Open: (Paige Breen-Page, Kawena Brooks, Kawai Kauahi, Kauilani Marquez, Michelle Melendez, Liana Prudholm)
  • 31st Overall: Women Open: (Rena Kiyuna, Crystal Martinez, CRYSTAL NICOLAS, Alexia-Marie Osburn, Corrina Publico, Leiana Reyes)
  • 38th Overall: Women Novice: (Lisa Eller, Katie Friday, Haunani Miyasato, Junko Nozawa, Maile Nunez, Linda Santiago)
  • 45th Overall: Women Novice: (Jackie Ahia, Ashley Kahiapo, Syrissa Sacca, Thelma Tomich, Kehau Usui, Nikki Vierra)

Full Results

Full results overall and by division: https://hcrapaddler.com/hcra_ld_results.php?view=byplace&rid=973

Congratulations to the unlimited crew for putting a fire to whole fleet and making them chase them around the course. Also to all the novice paddlers who continue to be a force on the water and comprised 1/2 of our entries with 3 canoes! Keep up the hard work. You’ll see it pay off in time as you work together and develop speed and endurance. Garans!

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Founders Regatta and DLNR Shutdown

The weather was clear and the water was blue. Two things often a staple at Kona Regattas. Another constant is the conflicts between commercial and recreational uses at the pier and surrounding properties. But we were unprepared for a new twist at this race.

Keiki crews lined up for a solid day of racing in the morning hours. Our 12’s made some large improvements over last week’s regatta. Against 13 and 11 canoes, they pulled off a 6th and a 2nd. This trend continued throughout the events with numerous podium finishes.

Novice crews raked in the points too with their large fleets even a mid-pack finish pulled in a lot of regatta points. WNB at 5th (7pts), XNb 6th (6pts), MNB 5th (5pts), WNA 8th (3pts), MNA 7th (5pts). Each one of these races gathered enough points to close the gap on Puna and Kai ‘Opua. Keep at it! It’s going to make a huge difference for us this season.

Open Divisions also did really well. MFr/WFr both pulling of 3rds and WJr pulled of a blazing 1st place with the MJr battling it out in a tough race with Keauhou (Jose knock it off….) that got them 2nd.

Full results: https://hcrapaddler.com/hcra_results.php?view=byevent&rid=972

Shutdown

DLNR acting on a report of possible reef damage suspended our races to inspect the flag moorings. To the surprise of some (at least me) they weren’t on fixed moorings but dropped with bricks. This is the same thing we do in Hilo but the sea floor in Hilo is sand and, well, let’s just say muck.

DLNR Regatta Photo via Big Island Video News

DLNR regulates use of anchors and moorings in all the bays around the islands and issues yearly permits for them. DLNR allowed the event to continue but it was understood everything had to be pau by 6pm. According to Eddie someone decided to just start pulling flags after event 25 which forced an end to the race.

So the race ended after the Juniors around 4:00pm. We don’t yet know if the 1/2 day of points counts or if it will be a full reset. Also the next regatta will have to be moved to Hilo or cancelled. Another unknown right now.

Obligatory Kawika Video

Hui Wa’a O Waiakea’s Long Distance Race

In the meantime this next race on June 3rd is a long distance race based out of Hilo. Let’s go Keaukaha!

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2023 Papa Kimitete Regatta

Sea of Paperwork

Before getting into the regatta results, it’s important to communicate why we had so many registration issues. For the past couple years HCRA accepted our electronic forms. However about 3 weeks ago they rejected them (long story) as we started submitting all our waivers, ID’s, photos, etc. This was a huge issue for our club as we were unprepared to process over 250 waivers by hand (which included all the kids). A few volunteers quickly stepped up to try to help get it done. HCRA then started rejecting them for trivial technical reasons, making even more work. Some paddlers had to sign 4 or more times before getting approved. Tracking who was approved, who needed to resubmit, who was missing papers, who was stuck in the system was nearly impossible to do perfectly.

Without going into the weeds, except to say we had over 20 paddlers waiting for approval before their deadline and they got ignored by HCRA, our volunteers tried to plug all the leaks in the dam to get as many approved by whatever means it took on Saturday.

Sadly this left some people in the cold. And some crews were forced to scratch their event.

However at this point we are down to about 15% or less of our paddlers that need HCRA approval before 5pm Wednesday again, so please try to be patient and understanding as we attempt to get everyone approved.

Let’s Race! Paddles Up!

A nice overcast day in Kona provided some relief from the fireball that usually reverts the asphalt pier back into molten goo. And leading the charge was the keiki divisions and novice crews who helped set the dominant tone for the day.

Just look at our medal totals!

GoldSilverBronzeTotal
Puna Canoe Club156526
Keaukaha Canoe Club93618
Kai ‘Ehitu48416
Kai Opua Canoe Club311721
Kawaihae Canoe Club33612
Keauhou Canoe Club3339
Kamehameha Canoe Club1326
Waikoloa Canoe Club112
Hoemana112
Paddlers of Laka235
Na Wa”a Hanakahi112
Keoua Honaunau Canoe Club11
Hui Wa’a O Waiakea0
Kailana Canoe Club0
Tui Tonga0
Kona Athletic Club0
Miloliʻi Canoe Club0
2023 Kai ‘Ehitu Regatta Medal Count

If you’d like to know how the points and divisions work check out our post from the first 2022 regatta.

And here’s the full results for the regatta.

The Good

Keiki crews filled every event and we had multiple crews that literally walked away from the fleet. There’s so much that could be said about all their dedication and teamwork but the best part is they had a great time together. By the time the kids crews wrapped up their races they put our club in 2nd overall, 1 point ahead of Puna and a mere 10 points behind Kai ‘Ehitu, with us finishing 3rd overall by the end of the regatta.

Novice crews faced their first race with blazing paddles and a fire in their eyes, and maybe a butterfly or two in their stomachs. As far as most people can remember this is the most novice crews we’ve fielded in a long time. Good job crews! I can’t wait to see your progress this season. Shout out to those crews:

  • Women B’s: Jackie Ahia, Kelly Bernier, Ashley Kahiapo, Crystal Obrien, Kehau Usui, Nikki Vierra
  • Men Nov. B’s: Scratched due to sea of paperwork instead of salt water.
  • Mix Nov. B’s: Jackie Ahia, Kelly Bernier, Jeffrey Laasch Chandler, Casey Morris, Kehau Usui, Jonah Villiarimo
  • Women Nov. A’s: Whitney Dahm, Nalani Laititi, Lisa Lucia, Michelle Melendez, Haunani Miyasato, Keala Stant
  • Men Nov. A’s: Francis Alcain, Laʻa Kamakawiwoʻole, Ryan Lucia, Rick Myers, Nathan Osorio, Patrick Parker

We also had a few crews that were completely untouchable. They not only brought the heat, but packed it up, took it home and had a BBQ with the leftovers.

These are crews that not only were 1st but had significant gaps on the whole fleet.

  • Girls 15: Zoe Aoki, Tati Dunhour, Kalena Harbottle, Jillian Lum, Malia Lani Simram, Brandy Uyeshiro
  • Girls 16: Zoe Aoki, Tati Dunhour, Pua’ena Estocado, Pualani Estocado, Olena Harbottle, Kaliko Uyeshiro
  • Boys 16: Eha Kiyuna, Malakai Laititi, Niau Paulos, Chanstin Uahinui-Vagai, Ulu Yung, Umi Yung
  • Girls 18: Jaydee Ah Sing, Pua’ena Estocado, Pualani Estocado, Olena Harbottle, Dalilah Martin, Waiolu Publico
  • Boys 18: Eha Kiyuna, Kahalia Masaoka, Tyler OBrien, Niau Paulos, Noah Pila, Umi Yung
  • Mix 18: Dalilah Martin, Kahalia Masaoka, Tyler OBrien, Noah Pila, Waiolu Publico, Kaliko Uyeshiro
  • Womens Jr: Kawena Brooks, Anna Kaaua, Kawai Kauahi, Brianna Ninomoto, Alexia-Marie Osburn, Brandi Rapozo
  • Men 65: Jeff Clemenson, Warren Dela Cruz, Greg Kane, Mike Shintaku, Ben Smith, Egan Tasaki

An unsung hero goes to George Thomas who is not only our oldest paddler, but he practically has his own 80’s division. He’s an inspiration to all of us. In fact, I personally know a few older non-paddlers who now have new motivation seeing him hammer in the 55 (?!) division.

Also a big thanks goes to Keahi who never fails in the dozens of tasks needed to pull these events off: trailer the wa’a, rigging, dealing with officials, paperwork, and somehow keeping over 50 kids out of trouble while paddling a priceless koa canoe in tight spaces.

Also mahalos to all the boat holders, paper wrestlers, snack bringers, tent setters, kid watchers, and all the others who try to keep the wheels on.

Which brings us to the bad.

The Bad

It’s bound to happen, but 4 hulis (5? I lost count) in one day is a lot. And it’s tough on crews, especially the steersman. I tried to help one girl in tears because she was devastated feeling she got her crew DQ’d as a large group of adult paddlers jump off the race boat to help empty the canoe and get them across the finish line. It’s a gentle reminder that if it was easy, it wouldn’t be so exciting and rewarding. And we should be supportive of each other.

Also in the bad list was the collision between two Koa canoes that was bad enough to cause cracks on both of them and the wa’a had to be retired. This is also one of the risks of paddling and learning. While it breaks everyone’s heart when it happens, it does happen and we just want to emphasize caution.

And while that stuff was bad, there’s still the ugly.

The Ugly

Our paddling organization is very large and a bit unwieldy like a 3000 person canoe might be. It’s impossible to keep everyone happy although we try our best. Each island and club is a little different. Everyone has their own challenges at all levels and it’s important to keep that in perspective.

In the wise words of Ted Lasso (video clip must see):

Be curious, not judgemental.

-Fictional show about soccer or football or both maybe?

So, like in the wa’a, let’s move forward together and let others fret about the wake behind us.

The Fun

My favorite part.

Kawika Singson got some great footage, look for the high speed huli. And Waimapuna charging hard in a lot of the shots.
Cheeeeeeehooo! Photos from Keith Kefford

Keauhou Canoe Club Regatta 5/27

Let’s get ready to race again on the 27th! Lessssgoooo!

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Kawaihae & Kaiwi Solo

Last weekend featured two races, one OC6 and the premier world OC1 championship race between Moloka’i and ‘Oahu.

From Keaukaha 5 crews set out in the sunny (read hot) Kawaihae waters with a slight northerly breeze. This race tends to bring out the Big Island hammahs and this race was no exception as the competition stepped it up. The course was the same for both divisions and the women crews started the day off on this 9 mile race towards red hill and back.

Women’s Open crew launched off the start line and battled their way to 2nd in their division only a 1 minute behind first.

The lack of a novice division inspired 2 women’s 40 crews, one with veteran paddlers and the 2nd with novice crew. The first W40 crew hammered into 4nd Place a mere 30 seconds behind a podium finish. And the W40/Novice crew rose to the challenge and completed the 9 miles in 1:35:25 a quick pace for any novice crew in the open waters. Great job and good training for this season.

We also had 2 M40’s crews on the water. Our first crew placing 10th overall and 2nd in the division. And our 2nd crew (mostly 50’s) placing 16th overall and 4th in the division.

A quick glance at the overall results reveals some tough 50’s competition for this coming season with Kawaihae 50’s finishing less than 1 minute behind the top open teams at 4th overall.

Two teams were disqualified for mounting cameras on their canoes. This is no longer allowed by HCRA you can only wear a camera.

Full results are posted here:

https://hcrapaddler.com/hcra_ld_results.php?view=byplace&rid=968

Molo Solo (Pa’a Kaiwi Solo)

The race that is largely considered the world championship of OC1 racing, the Molo Solo took place on Sunday.

This race features some of the biggest names in outrigger paddling around the world. It’s a 31 mile race with one paddler per OC1 canoe. No changes. No mercy.

Keaukaha Ali’i Youderian charged to a division first place and in the top 20 beating some of the world’s best. Our own Mario Mausio bought his ticket and charged the channel breaking the top 30. Amazing!

The top 3 overall OC1 winners are Danny Ching (40th Birthday during the race), Millon Manutea, and Tuteraii Hoatua.

Kaiwi Champs 2023

Full Results

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Catching Up with KCC

There has been a lot of paddling and some partying going on and keeping up is tough. In this post we’ll cover the end of the OC1 Season, the IVF World Distance, Our Potluck and the start of the OC6 Season with the first long distance race.

OC1 Season Wrap Up

In chronological order of the OC1 season which completed with the Yamagata Challenge:

KEAUHOU KUUIPO RACE – March 11th RESULTS

The Kuuipo Race was held at Keauhou Canoe Club on historic Keauhou Bay.  After a week of high wind and waves, conditions moderated for race day to light winds and 3′ swells from the northwest.  The 9.5-mile Long Course started outside Honokohau Harbor and ended at Keauhou. The 7.5 mile Short Course started at Keauhou and ran south to Neanue Point then returned to Keauhou.  Many paddlers thought the Long Course was easier that the Short Course on this day.

-HIPA

FREDDIE BERENGUE MEMORIAL RACE – March 18th RESULTS

The Freddie Berengue Memorial Race was held at Honokohau Harbor on a sunny day with light breezes and very small seas.   The 10-mile Long Course and 5-mile Short Course started outside Honokohau Harbor and returned to the finish line at the harbor entrance.

-HIPA

SURF PARK RACE – March 25th RESULTS

The Surf Park Race was held at Pua Ka`ilima Cultural Surf Park in Kawaihae on a mostly sunny day with light breezes and very small seas.   The 10-mile Long Course (featuring 33 canoes) and 6-mile Short Course (featuring 31 canoes) started inside Kawaihae Harbor and finished outside the breakwater at Surf Park.  Paddlers reported good conditions and lots of dolphins.

-HIPA

EAST HAWAII CHALLENGE – April 1st RESULTS

The 2023 East Hawaii Challenge featured two courses from Leleiwi Park to Bayfront Park in Hilo Bay.  Paddlers and spectators enjoyed a nice day for a canoe race.  A 5′-7′ swell and 10-15 mph wind combined to provide a good push for the portion of the courses heading west.  The 7-mile short course included 47 boats and ran from Leleiwi Park to a turn near Honoli’i then into Hilo Bay and down the grand strand of Bayfront Part.  The 12-mile long course featured 54 boats and first ran east from Leleiwi Park for 2 miles then turned around and followed the short course to the finish.

-HIPA

FOUR SEASONS HUALĀLAI OC1 OC2 CANOE REGATTA – April 8th RESULTS

The 2nd annual Four Seasons Hualālai OC-1 & OC-2 Canoe Regatta included 68 canoes and was run on a 14+ mile round trip course from Kukio Bay.  The chance to win big awards and enjoy the hospitality of the Four Seasons Resort Hualālai drew many of the top paddlers from the State and a good crowd of spectators.

-HIPA

YAMAGATA CHALLENGE – April 15th RESULTS

The final race of the 2023 spring season was the Yamagata Challenge which began at Honokohau Harbor and finished at Keauhou Bay on a beautiful sunny day. Water conditions were a light wind chop from a 10 mph southerly.  The 10.7-mile Long Course included 30 canoes and one prone-board.  The 9-mile Short Course included 35 canoes.

-HIPA

One Man Season Tally

The end of the year results are calculated by adding up each paddlers division points and weighted by number of races. To get ranked in a category you have to have paddled at least 4 races in that course and division.

CourseDivisionPlaceNamePointsRaces
LongMen Oc1 Open1Jose Lizardi185
LongMen Oc1 40-492Mario Mausio194
LongMen Oc1 50-593Grant Kauahi2210
LongMen Oc1 60-692Jeff Clemenson247
LongMen Jr.2Ali’i Youderain317
LongMen V1 40+2Eric Baicy206
LongMen V1 Jr.1Eha Kiyuna277
LongWomen Oc1 Open2Brandi Rapozo328
LongWomen Oc1 40-491Kawai Kauahi3910
LongWomen Oc1 Novice1Kawena Brooks368
LongWomen Oc1 Novice2Alexia Osburn216
2023 Keaukaha Club Ranked Member Results – Long Course
CourseDivisionPlaceNamePointsRaces
ShortMen Oc1 50-591Rodrigo Romo195
ShortWomen Oc1 Open2Crytal Martinez237
2023 Keaukaha Club Ranked Member Results – Short Course

Of course we had many more paddlers than just those that got ranked (hopefully no one was missed from the list), but you have to paddle 4 of the same course (long/short), same craft (oc1/v1/surfski/oc2/etc.) to make the list. Congrats to those who stuck with it and to all those out there paddling. Let’s see more of us out there for 2024!

World Distance Time Trials

The IVF world distance time trials for Hawai’i were held on March 25/26th. This event will be held in Samoa, Aipa this year in August 10th to 19th. The course was a 2 day race staged at Ke’ehi Lagoon near Honolulu. It consisted of a short and long course race for both OC6 (aka. V6) and V1 canoes and besides our 1 adult paddler the other 24 contenders were all KOYD sponsored Juniors.

To qualify for the World Distance Race in Samoa this year, paddlers had to place 1st in their division. The U16 Girls V6 and Ali’i Youderain (V1) are going to Samoa!

Girls 16 1st Place Going to Samoa

Congratulations to all of our participants in the 2023 IVF distance-trials. The U16 Girls V6 and Ali’i Youderain are going to Samoa! KOYD sponsored 24 youth who competed in the U16 B/G V6, U19 B/G V6, U16 B/G V1, and the U19 B/G V1.

Special congratulations to @tatianaamadisonn @zoe.keiya @kalikou.oj @sojuicyhawaii @malukauahi @maliasimram of the U16 Girls V6 squad and @aliiboi_808 of the U19 V1 for securing their entries into the 2023 IVF Samoa World Distance Championships.

We are super proud of each and everyone of you and especially of your commitment to this practice of outrigger canoe paddling. KOYD believes strongly in the values of commitment, courage, competence, compatibility, but most importantly character and how you hold yourselves in defeat and in victory. Let’s continue to build and learn from our experiences combined and focus on ALL of our growth and efforts. Thank you #GOD for all of your blessings upon us and continue to work in the lives of these young people, their mentors, and their families – Amene

-Keahi

V1 Short & Long Course Results

V6 Short & Long Course Results

SPECIAL SIDE NOTE – HILO HOSTS WORLD SPRINTS 2024

Think about getting your 6 man crews a training schedule and think about tuning up your V1 skills because the World Sprints is coming to Hilo Bay in 2024 and our club will be heavily involved in hosting and supporting this event.

Keaukaha Opening Party

On March 30th the club held it’s first party to open the season and mālama the wa’a and hālau. But it was also a great excuse to have some fun after all the pandemic lock downs.

Volunteers set to work cleaning canoes, picking up trash, lots of trimming (2 trailers full of green waste), and made some minor repairs to OC1 Hālau 2. Everyone just jumped in and quickly got to work. Afterwards about 4 tons of ono food were lined up on tables in the main hālau.

It was hard to guess the crowd size including kids was probably around 200. There was volleyball and a couple tossing games. Some written games for families to play together along with tasty prices.

There were also OC6 rides for adults and kids and a group of the club paddlers joined in a back paddle race and a 3 man ama flying challenge along with some attempts at 6 man ama flying, which mostly ended in huli drills.

Grindz line

There were also some watercraft to try out thanks to the Kiyunas who let people try their surfski and their paddle board.

Great way to get ready for defending our Championship at Moku’s and States for 2023!

3 Man Ama Challenge Video

OC6 Hoemana LD Race – May 5th

If you’ve made it this far, you’re doing good. This is the last entry but the start of our OC6 season.

Hoemana hosted the Kai Kukini Race at Spencer’s Park is a new venue hosted by a club that is still in the formation process but will be based out of Spencer’s Park. With gusty shifty winds and white caps, the women and mixed crews faced the first challenge with a 9am start heading south for 3.5 miles (7 mile course). Head winds made this a bumpy and challenging run with more than one huli.

Huge congratulations to the Open Women who hammered out a 1st place victory and the Women’s 40 who pulled off a 2nd place narrowly beat by less than a minute. The real champs though were the Women Novice crew who faced the conditions and charged the course. It was a hard push and they didn’t back down. Good Job!

The men’s course was 12 miles and for some paddlers their first long distance race. It was filled with shifting winds and choppy waves. Seats 3, 4 and 5 got some additional exercise removing hundreds of pounds of water. Ha’eha’e in particular wanted to go faster and kept lifting her ama to the sky but the crew reined in that desire and the two Men’s 40+ crews pushed to catch Kamehameha whose canoe had been fitted with offshore skirts keeping the water out. They were able to squeak out about 1 minute ahead of the two crews with Keaukaha finishing 2nd and 3rd.

Great racing, teamwork and canoe handling to all these crews!

HOEMANA RESULTS

Kawaihae May 13th! Let’s go!

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News

Ohana Potluck 4/30

Just a reminder about our potluck event. Please help us spread the word.

We would like to invite all the families of our club to join the adult paddlers who are hosting an event on Sunday April 30th. We will be doing some cleaning and then have food, games and your own chance to try some paddling with us. We will have games for the kids so come down with the whole family and have fun with us!

Bring your pop-up tents, chairs, and share in the fun as we get ready for our race season. Come for part of the day or the full event. Help us spread the word to everyone please!

Sunday 4/30:

  • 11-12:30pm Clean up crews (Adult Paddlers)
  • 12:45 pule, eat (Everyone)
  • 1:15-3:30 games & intro to paddling (Everyone)
  • 4ish Clean/Pack up

Games include:

  • Wa’a Fun Race – No Experience Needed!
  • Beach Volleyball
  • Treasure Hunt (this game is still a work in progress)
  • 2 types of guessing games
  • PRIZES FOR KIDS INCLUDED!

We have food signup sheet for paddlers but if you want to share something add your name and dish: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1bjlKTLuoZE-6Al1Y6oHxBXwuzHpADMN2gpP_n4h3pao/edit?usp=sharing

See you there!

Bring a pop-tent, chairs and friends!

If you have any questions, just use our contact page to send a note.

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News

$20 For New Ares Pro

I thought that would get your attention, but it’s no lie. There’s a raffle fund raiser to help Dave Yamagata and $20 could win you a new Ares Pro.

Buy your ticket and take your chance on a $5,500 value

2nd Annual King Kamehameha’s
Awesome Athletes Inclusive Canoe Race

While I’ve got your attention, I want to let everyone know of a great community event in Hilo. The “2nd Annual King Kamehameha’s Awesome Athletes Inclusive Canoe Race” is on Sunday June 4th.

Register by April 30

This event is to get all those Awesome Athletes in the wa’a. If you or someone you know might be interested just visit https://www.hilocanoerace.com. You can donate, volunteer or paddle! Sign up before the end of this month.