Paddlers for Outrigger Canoe Club's top team are Starr Dawson,
Traci Phillips, Kisi Haine, Mary Smolenski, Donna Kahakui,
Pamela Clifford, Lisa Livingston, Sara Ackerman and
Diane Clifford. Missing is Nicole Wilcox.
By Kathryn Bender, Star-Bulletin
On Sunday, another powerhouse OffShore crew is expected.
So why is Outrigger Canoe Club coach Steve Scott smiling at the thought of another battle with archrival OffShore?
"Our Outrigger women have proven that OffShore is beatable," Scott said. "We stand a good chance of winning on Sunday."
The Waikiki-based Outrigger topped OffShore in the 1992 Na Wahine O Ke Kai - Scott's first year as its women's coach.
Two weeks ago, in California, Outrigger beat OffShore in a race from Newport Beach to Catalina Island.
"And we set a course record in the process," Scott said.
"My crew is mentally and physically prepared," he said. "They've made the commitment (to win)."
Only three clubs - OffShore, with nine victories; Outrigger, with five wins, and Hawaii Kai's Hui Nalu, with two first places - have won the Na Wahine since racing began in 1979.
A record 50 entries are expected, according to race director Hannie Anderson.
Last year, OffShore turned the 41-mile course from Hale O Lono Harbor to Waikiki's Duke Kahanamoku Beach in a course-record 5 hours, 24 minutes, 32 seconds. Outrigger finished second.
OffShore coach Billy Whitford has good news of sorts for local clubs.
"We have the same core group of paddlers from past years, but we're missing a few key people," he said. "I'll be happy with a top-three finish."
In addition to standout steerswoman Mindy Clark and veteran crew member Jojo Toeppner, OffShore's chargers include two Olympic paddlers and four super-fit firefighters.
"Don't believe a word of what Billy (Whitford) says," Anderson said. "Each year, Billy claims his team lacks strength. But each year he manages to recruit strong paddlers."
Swedish kayaker Anna Olsson, a four-time Olympic medalist, including a bronze last summer, and Dru Van Hengel, a member of the U.S. Olympic kayak team, are among the OffShore standouts.
Open division koa and fiberglass teams are allowed 10 women - six paddling and four substitutes. Masters teams are allowed 12 women.
"Our sole Olympian is Traci Phillips," Scott said. "But what a team contributor. Traci provides both physical strength and crew inspiration."
While Clark will steer three-time defending champ OffShore, Scott will call on athletic Kisi Haine to guide his team.
"Kisi has a great feel for the ocean. She'll catch every wave (to surf) on the course," Scott said.
In addition to OffShore and Outrigger, other local teams to watch include Hui Nalu and Kailua.
An Australian team, rumored to have several Olympians among its crew, has been deemed the race dark horse.
What Bankoh Na Wahine O Ke Kai, Molokai-to-Oahu outrigger canoe race
Start 7:30 a.m. Sunday at Hale O Lono Harbor
Finish First arrival expected about 1 p.m. Duke Kahanamoku Beach, fronting the Hilton Hawaiian Village Hotel.
Record 5:24:32, set in 1995 by OffShore Canoe Club of California.
Information 262-7567
Note Finishing ceremonies are open to the public. Admission is free