Saturdays last pre-season race on Dec. 4th was a dreary Kona morning with no wind and cold rain. Hilo’s weather was the subject of plenty of jokes.
The course was changed to run south with some wind blown swell that was left over from the channel to the north. Only a light breeze filtered down the shore. The short course was a 5 mile run past Keahuolu Point and back followed by the long course was a 7 mile paddle which of course meant somewhere around 8.5 miles.
Keaukaha paddlers made a good showing of force with impressive top showings on the long course by Jose, Aaron and Tyler. Eha on the short course had his ama fail and had to abandon the race unfortunately. But it’s a reminder to all of us to keep a close eye on our gear as it takes a beating out there.
Special mention goes to Brandi who didn’t let a little thing like pregnancy slow her down from getting some exercise out on the water.
Long Course: Jose, Aaron, Tyler, Jordan “Kama”, Keahi, Kyle, Ryan “Kawika”, Eric, James, Rodrigo
Short Course: Brandi, Cother-McKeague (Jr.), Tanoa (Jr.), Nahiena (Jr) and Eha (Jr, DNF)