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2023 Swag – Jerseys and More

This year State Championships is coming to Hilo! The competition will be tough and the pressure high. Keaukaha will be ready. We revamped our jersey’s to reflect our ties to decades of paddlers before us as we break ground with new achievements.

When our club was originally founded a hala tree was planted near our Hālau. It was our original insignia and inspired our original yellow and brown colors. It’s roots has remained strong over the years and it’s grown tall.

Pandanus tectorius

The Hala is an excellent survivor in a marine environment like our paddlers. The tree thrives in poor, salty or sandy soils in hot and windy areas.

Hala leaves (lau hala) are exceptional for weaving mats, hats, roof thatching, canoe sails, baskets, sandals (kāma‘a), fans and much more. The fruit of the female hala tree can be made into striking yellow to deep-orange lei. Traditionally these lei are given in times when a person advances from one significant level of life to the next; including graduations, weddings and funerals.

Sizes

Each product has a size chart. Make sure you double check it and the product description as some sizes run a little smaller. Refunds are only available for defects or damaged goods.

Jerseys

This year they will be made to order. So if you want to save on shipping, hui up with your buddies and order together.

See more products on our store. In addition to the 2023 new items below.

Standard Jerseys

Other Options

Compression Pants

Rendering of Top and Pants Together
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oc1race

Everything You Didn’t Know You Missed

The past 2 weekends had a lot of racing. Even if you were out there hammering you probably missed something. Let’s recap.

Moku O Keawe

This 3 stage race was held on March 4 and 5th and had a large turnout. Stage 1 was a 2.5 mile sprint followed shortly by a 6 mile race for Stage 2. Sunday featured a 12 mile Stage 3 (or you could opt for the 6 mile).

A lot could be said about these races, but most people had Stage 3 burned into their brains. As the entire fleet of racers waited poised on the beach start for Keakua to show up, the wind started building from the SW. And they kept building.

A 6 mile bash to the turning point was strenuous and tiring. Once around it and heading back up you had to either choose to try to stay high off shore or enjoy the ride inshore and pay for it by battling back out around the point. No matter what each paddler did, they’ll remember this muscle burner for a while.

If you have Facebook, Kawika Singson made killer videos which has some great footage of the sprint heats and other races.

https://www.facebook.com/kawika.singson/videos/979037913065002

https://www.facebook.com/kawika.singson/videos/5976383672452731

Also there are a ton of great photos here in this gallery taken from on the water. https://haweasmamaphotography.pixieset.com/mokuokeawechallenge2023/

Images Courtesy haweasmamaphotography and Kawika Singson

Here’s the 3 Stage Combined results

Aloha Aito 4

Over on Oahu on March 5th we had the 4th annual V1 rudderless race with many keiki paddlers from KOYD/RISE participating.

Keahi posted their results from this event:

Results:
Long course – 14 miles
19 Jr men
Ali’i Youderian (1st place)

Short course – 7 miles
16 Jr men
‘Ehā Kiyuna (1st place overall)
Talan Nicolas (4th place)

16 Jr women
Zoe Aoki (3rd place)

19 Jr men
Niau Paulos (1st place)
Tyler OBrien (3rd place)

19 Jr women
Nahiena Kekuawela (1st place)
Cother Laa (2nd place)
Pakela Kaaua (3rd place)
Waiolu Publico (4th place)

With lots of photos here https://www.instagram.com/rdrlswaa/?hl=en

Keauhou Kuuipo Results

March 11 found those paddlers who didn’t have quite enough of a bruising the previous week showing up at Honokohau Harbor (9 mile long course) to Keauhou or the 7 mile short course out and back at Keauhou for another chance at glory.

Long course paddlers started off the green buoy at the harbor with some NW little bumps to help them south. Short course paddlers went south out of Keauhou for 3 miles then back. The current near Keauhou was running south to north was a challenge for both courses but there were no strong winds and the small bumps were helping push, but they were tricky to find.

You can find long and short course results on webscorer

https://www.webscorer.com/race?raceid=308135

Got FOMO?

Get on that canoe and join us this Saturday, March 18, for Freddie Berengue Memorial Race at Honokohau.

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oc1race

2023 Keoua Kupuna Memorial

The past two weeks of paddling in Hilo have been wet, dark and cold. Paddling at Hōnaunau typically sunny and in the lee of wind and swell was a welcome reprieve. The reality was a little different as the racers were treated to a lighthearted version of Hilo weather. It was warmer. It was sunnier. But we still had rain, chop, wind and current. Some might even venture to say same same.

Short course was about 7 miles and long course was 9.5 miles. All the paddlers started off at the same time with about half the fleet split between the inside and outside lines going north. The short course route peeled off inshore around an OC6 and long course continued north to Keawekāheka Point then everyone battled the current south back to the bay.

At least that was the idea. In an attempt to prevent paddlers from getting free wake rides, the start boats held back for about 15 to 20 minutes. And with the escort boats not leading the way there was both some confusion about the short course turn, and which point was for the long course.

Nevertheless, even with current running north, winds coming onshore and tricky bumps everyone had fun. We also had a good turn out from our paddlers who put in a great effort.

  • Long: Jose, Nik, Aliʻi (Jr), Eha (Jr.), Grant, Eric, Kawai, Kawena, Brandi
  • Short: Kawika, Rodrigo, Kwai-Chang, Lexi, Talan (Jr.), Wai`olukea (Jr.)

You can also see the results sorted overall or by category here https://www.webscorer.com/race?raceid=306540

It should be noted that Keoua’s famous lunch cemented their reputation yet again as the best. They even provided live entertainment as Jim Elliot and his harp serenaded the crowd.

Next Race – 2 Day Rumble Royale

March 4th and 5th is the Moku ʻO Keawe Challenge at ʻAnaehoʻomalu Bay on March 3rd and 4th. Registration is open at the Upcoming Race Events page on the HIPA website. REGISTRATION CLOSES AT 9 AM THURSDAY MARCH 1ST.

Let’s Go!
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oc1race

Kaipalaoa, Valentine’s and More 2023 Action

Last week we saw So Juicy host a fleet of almost 150 people and canoes for a short and long course race in Hilo’s Kaipalaoa Races. There were 68 on the long course and 65 on the short course.

Kaipalaoa Mass Beach Start

HIPA is also trying out their new race timing system based on webscorer. We had numerous Keaukaha podium places, including Jose’s 1st overall on the long course and Tyler and Mario cracking the top 5 overall. Because we’re behind on race news, let’s skip all the shout-outs but the results from our hammahs speak for themselves. Great paddling!

Huggos Valentine’s Relay Race

This past Saturday race saw about 180 canoes breaking previous records. Lots of OC2’s and relay’s on the 8 mile course and the 10 mile course. Also many paddler’s ironed both courses.

Conditions were somewhat typical for that run. Washing machine waves off the point and weird currents and shifting winds elsewhere. With some careful navigation there were plenty of small bumps to be found but there were sections were the OC2’s were a little to big and heavy to take advantage of them.

HIPA published the results on webscorer where you can see them and click them interactively. For the full course results, just click on the “Overall” item for that race.

https://www.webscorer.com/race?raceid=305187

Here’s a quick summary of our 1st place top category finishers but we had lots and lots of podium finishes. The Jr’s with 3 people doing the 4 man OC2 relay missed 1st overall by just 17 seconds.

  • Long Course: Eric (Iron); Nik & Whitney (Iron); Eha Kiyuna, Niau Paulos, Ali’i Youderian (Jr. Relay, Ali’i Iron); Grant, Kawai (Relay); Kawena Brooks, Alexia Osburn (Relay)
  • Short Course: Keola, Rena (Relay); Wai`olukea Publico (Jr. Iron)

Jeff (Iron) and Greg (Iron) get honorable mention on the short course. If you toss out the OC2 canoes they finished #2 and #3 overall for OC1. They had to race open category and Jeff was squeezed out of 1st by 4 seconds.

Keoua’s Kupuna Memorial Race On 25th

Don’t forget the Keoua race on the 25th at Honaunau, some of the prettiest paddling waters around.

Watch the HIPA site for race details. https://hipa.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=0&club_id=39669

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oc1race

Stan Cann 2023

Another beautiful day in Hilo for a race. The snow capped mauna greeted the paddlers in a dramatic fashion after hiding in the clouds to reveal itself as they rounded the turn boats.

Long course had a little wrap around swell and bumps, but most of the course was a grind for a lot of us. There was some who managed to take advantage of the start boat not paying attention and rode their wake for waaaaay too long making catching them almost impossible.

We had a good turn out with 41 canoes on the long course and 44 on the short course. Our paddlers put the carbon to the saltwater and had a great time:

  • Long Course: Nik & Whitney, Mario, Kyle, Grant, Sam Tayler (guest paddler from Oregon), Eric, Kawai, Brandi, Kawena. (Honorary mention to Jose, who showed up well after the start and still passed almost everyone but wasn’t registered so he stopped at the beach)
  • Short Course: Greg, Rodrigo, Jeff, Gary, Lexi, Clem

Check out our events page for what’s next. Don’t miss a race.

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News

Dues For 2023

OC1 Stall holders need to pay their club dues and stall dues before February 1 to keep your stall. Keys change February 1.

Membership fees are also due for all six man paddlers. OC6 paddlers must pay before jumping in a canoe.

Large expenses this year include main hālau re-construction and OC6 repairs. Continued expenses include ground maintenance, equipment repairs, hālau repairs, HCRA and race related fees.

  • $100 for Membership
  • $120 per stall
  • $50 refundable deposit per hālau key (if you need a replacement key or new key)

How to Pay

All payments are done online because we also need all your paperwork too.

Go to the login page: https://keaukahacanoeclub.com/login

Follow the steps outlined. Please make sure your personal information is correct, especially your contact info and birth date. Even if everything is correct, you’ll need to save the forms to verify you’ve reviewed them.

The last step is the payment via paypal, venmo (if installed on your device), credit or debit card. You can’t pay until all the required paperwork steps have been completed.

New to the club or have questions?

You can contact us through the contact page https://keaukahacanoeclub.com/contact

People new to the club are required to contact us on the contact page and we’ll create an account for you to setup your information, sign paperwork and pay dues.

Please don’t ask individual members about trying to make exceptions.

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oc1race

Head Strong Race Results

Last weekend before the high school races started a large group of paddlers gathered on the edge of the beach to show their support for Noah. The Head Strong race was put on by Kwai-Chang and Corrina from So Juicy and all the fees went to help Noah and his ‘ohana keep their heads strong during Noah’s treatment.

Race Meeting and Pule under the snow covered mauna

We had a variety of paddlers of all levels and crafts. Lots of OC2’s to surf behind and even a paddle boarder charged the 5 mile course along with several Novice B paddlers.

Special shout out to Linda who joined the race as her 2nd time ever on an OC1. Hell yeah!

One foot on the sand start

Lots of Keaukaha Paddlers out there chasing each other around the course and sprinting to the finish.

Cheeeeee!

There weren’t any prices, or categories just a chance to get out and paddle for a good cause. Noah is back home with family and recovering from his surgery before starting treatment.

Result Times

More Races!

Check out our even schedule as we have the HIPA schedule there which you can sync up to your phone. https://keaukahacanoeclub.com/events

Jan. 7th is the next one in Hilo.

Raffle!

Don’t forget Kwai-Chang is still running a raffle. Win a customized HI Pressure Paddle, Yeti Cooler and So Juicy drinks — everything you’ll need for start of the season.

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News

Raffle & Race For Noah

Kwai-Chang is hosting a raffle to benefit Noah Pila with the winner taking home some nice prices on Christmas Eve.

Text Kwai-Chang to get your tickets to support Noah and maybe ring in the new year with some new gear which includes a custom length paddle, Yeti Cooler and a big pack of Beyond Juice.

Please help spread the word!

Hilo Race Dec. 17 for Noah

This upcoming weekend on Dec 17th there is special race being put on “Head Strong” to help a young Hilo Big Island paddler who has been diagnosed with a cancerous tumor in his head.   His name is Noah Pila.  His parents Grant and Anna Kaʻauʻa have raced in HIPA races, MOKU paddlers and coaches at Keaukaha Canoe Club as well as high school paddling coaches at Keaʻau high school.  

Anna is currently with Noah at Queenʻs on Oʻahu by his bed side while Grant is in Hilo caring for their daughters Kaili, Pakela and Ahonui. Itʻs never easy for family when unexpected situations happen such as this.  Noah will be going through a medical procedure to remove the tumor.  Some risks included temporary or long term weakness, speech issues and future cancer treatments and procedures.  

Therefore, this special race taking place at BayFront is to provide support the Kaʻauʻa ʻohana.  Your registration fees will go directly to help the ʻohana for all and any medical and other needs at this time.  

The race course will be one course.  No long or short.  Just one course, but with divisions.  Course will be decided upon on race day. 

Register on-line at the HIPA website under upcoming races.  Check-in begins at 7:30.  Race meeting will be at 8:15am down by Official Stand and race start shortly right after (5-10 minutes right after) with a beach start.  

*** There is a high school regatta race at Bay Front  happening same day at 9am so each paddler is encouraged to have your canoe with you near race meeting, at official stand, so there is no delay, collision, confusion or left behind when race starts :-). BEST to have your vehicle near the official stand grass area to off load and reload your ocean craft.

*** No awards or food will be available as we want to use this time to shower the ʻohana with our HIPA ALOHA.  

*** For those who are unable to attend and would like to support the family, here is the GOFund me and VENMO links  to donate to.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/noah-pila-takes-on-cancer?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_content=undefined&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer&utm_term=undefined

https://account.venmo.com/u/Anna-GoldenKaaua

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News

Keaukaha Paddler Needs Our Help

Noah Pila one of our world sprint champs who just turned 18 was hospitalized December 3rd for what seemed to be a type of seizure or stroke. An MRI was done and to everyone’s surprise a brain tumor was discovered. The nature and treatment of the tumor still needs to be assessed and Noah is on his way to Oahu’s Queen’s Medical Center where there are specialists.

In the meantime, let’s hui up and provide him and his family support as they navigate through these rough dark waters.

How to Help

A gofundme has been created to help them deal with the costs so they have one less problem to worry about. Please give what support you can.

Noah is always quick with a smile and a caring heart

https://www.gofundme.com/f/noah-pila-takes-on-cancer

Keep Noah and his family in your thoughts and just like Noah won’t let this bring him down, let’s all stay strong for him too!

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oc1race

Abbott Galaher Seaman Race 2022

We had a good turn out for this opening race, the first in the points series this season. And being the first race, they went easy on the paddlers by giving them a 3 mile short course and a 5 mile long course.

The challenge in this race wasn’t so much the typical flat hot weather with adverse current, but figuring out where your turning point was going. With both courses starting at the same time, they tried to group the starting line between short and long course sides. The short course turn was a double hull canoe being pushed around by the current and drunkenly picking headings. To make things worse the long course motor boat kept crossing behind the double hull out in the distance.

This dance of turning points made for a lot of paddlers cutting back and forth across each others paths. Well, it was a bit fun to watch if you weren’t in the front pack.

Long Course Results

The upside is the amount of gold hording in Keaukaha went up significantly. Check out all the gold:

  • Nik and Whitney – Mix OC2
  • Grant – OC1 M50s
  • Kawai – OC1 W40s
  • Brandi – OC1 Wopen
  • Lexi – OC1 WNovice

Congratulations to all the paddlers who raced: Nik & Whitney, Grant, Eric, Jeff, Gary, Brandi, Lexi and Crystal!

Since none of our KCC paddlers did the short course, you can read about their times in the results.

Just Getting Started!

Don’t feel like you can’t jump into some of the races, that was just the very first one with MANY more coming this season in January. Next weekend we have the Beanie Memorial and we’ve updated the calendar of events for this season’s races which you can sync up with your personal calendar.