Overcast skies and a light south wind had Hilo paddlers glad they weren’t going to face Kona temperatures for this end of season race. Due to the smaller turn out the race committee decided to move the 14 mile paddlers to the 10 mile course (which was actually about 9 Hilo miles).
There was a 6 mile short course from the Kona pier and everyone else started at Honokohau Harbor and went south to Keauhou. Unwary paddlers starting on the outside were met with strong current off the start line while those on the inside slipped away quickly.
The first 5 miles had a strong current but it slowly ebbed and became more neutral. Jose hammered out a solid lead and finished first overall in 1:20.22 averaging about 6.5mph. Since it’s the last OC1 race of the year, it was good to see a strong Keaukaha showing among the 56 canoes out on this longer race.
Long: Jose, Tyler, Tyron & Crystal, Eric, Greg, Grant, Jeff, Lauren, Kawena, Kawai, Brandi
Short: Warren
Keep training. November OC1 races will be here before you realize it.