So what's so shocking?
It's thought to be Lanikai's first Oahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association regatta win in approximately 24 years, perhaps even longer.
''Let's hope today's victory marks the start of many more wins this regatta season,'' said LCC coach Bobby Puakea.
OHCRA's 32-event regatta season opener drew 2,000 paddlers representing 15 island clubs.
In winning, Lanikai placed first in 12 events, finished second four times, and third in six races.
Lanikai amassed 90 points, dispatching its AA division rivals, second-place Outrigger (69 points), third finisher Kailua (61) and fourth-place Hui Nalu (56).
After yesterday, the big four surfaced as OHCRA's powers to beat this season. The seven-race season concludes with the state championship on Aug. 3.
Keahiakahoe Canoe Club, in its second year of OHCRA competition, won the small club 'A' division (15 crews or less), winning three races and scoring 21 points.
''A huge thrill for us, said KCC coach Stan Dickson. "Our kids and novice paddlers really came through.''
In placing second to Lanikai, Outrigger won seven races, while Kailua and Hui Nalu took four events each. OHCRA's big four compete in OHCRA's 'AA' division for clubs sporting crews in 16 or more events.
''First time in many many years that Lanikai has been big enough to field crews in all 32 events,'' Puakea said. (In all but two events, six-paddler teams make up a crew).
Lanikai, with 350 paddlers, proved big is better.
''Lanikai's men won last year's prestigious Molokai Hoe (Molokai to Oahu race),'' said OHCRA president Joan Malama. ''Paddlers tend to go with a winner.''
Lanikai's men swept the freshman, sophomore, junior and senior races, while the club's women won the regatta's three masters events.
''While our adults came through big winners,'' Puakea said, ''the future of our club lies with the youngsters. Fortunately, we have some talented kids coming up.''
Outrigger's women also scored big, winning the girls' 13s and 16s, novice A, junior and senior events.
''Sure, I felt nervous out there,'' said OCC senior steerswoman Kisi Haine. ''The first regatta of the season always gives me butterflies.''
Pulling together on the downwind leg, OCC's seniors opened up on second-place Kailua, never to be headed.
While favored Kailua won the women's open-four event with its strong finish, the Waikiki Surf Club men pulled off an upset in winning the men's open four.
''We were an underdog. We had a real course burner with Hui Nalu from start to finish,'' said WSC steersman Billy Balding.
No day of canoe racing is complete without protests and subsequent disqualifications. And yesterday's OHCRA opener was no exception.
In the men's master race, only winner Kailua and second place Keahiakahoe escaped. The other six crews were disqualified for paddling outside their designated lanes.
On Sunday, OHCRA clubs head to Kailua Beach for the second of its seven regattas.