The canoe paddling season is well under way this year as Sunday's
Leeward Kai regatta at Nanakuli Beach saw big crowds.
Photo by Kathryn Bender, Star-Bulletin
The canoe paddling season is well under way this year as Sunday's
Leeward Kai regatta at Nanakuli Beach saw big crowds.
Photo by Kathryn Bender, Star-Bulletin
But fortunately for paddlers, the canoe sport just keeps surging on...and on...and on.
And the good news for those hoping to paddle this regatta season, there's racing left with a few clubs looking for new people.
''I'm still asked how does one get involved in canoe paddling for the first time,'' said Joan Malama, president of the Oahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association.
''First I try to find out from the newcomer the area most convenient,'' she said. ''Then I tell the new prospect the clubs available and which clubs are likely to need someone.''
As a courtesy, Malama provides information on both Oahu associations - the 15-club OHCRA and the 14-club Na Ohana O Na Hui Wa'a. She can be reached at 261-6615.
With 32 events in each weekly regatta and each crew requiring six paddlers, there's always an opportunity for those interested to take part.
''Most small clubs are looking to build their organization,'' Malama said. ''And most of the coaches welcome new paddlers, if not this season then for next year.''
Approximately 4,000 paddlers, in Oahu's two associations participate each weekend. Five regattas for each association remain this summer.
Oahu's major paddling hotbeds, where more than one club conduct practice sessions, include the Kailua Beach area, Kaneohe Bay, Ala Wai Canal, Keehi Lagoon and Oahu's Leeward Coast.
Clubs also can be found at Hawaii Kai, Lanikai, Kahaluu and Haleiwa.
Canoe racing, in some form, takes place the year around. Youngsters usually gather at club sites for practice on weekdays, starting from about 3:30 p.m. Adult sessions begin at 5 p.m, or later.
An exciting race in the men's masters at Nanakuli Beach.
Photo by Kathryn Bender, Star-Bulletin
''I'd like to see Hui Lanakila compete with the big clubs,'' said youth coach Mike Lum. ''And to do this we have to enter crews in the majority of events. I encourage all youngsters (12 years or older) and adults to come see us.''
Is canoe paddling healthy? ''A great workout for the upper body,'' said Hui Lanakila paddler Angela Rosa, a University of Hawaii runner on scholarship. ''I use paddling as a cross-training exercise. Besides, it's a fun sport to do.''
The rebuilding Healani is another club in need of youngsters.
''Often we're short of kids to fill out a crew in a particular age-division,'' said club treasurer Lynn Akeo.
''Paddling is a wonderful family activity,'' she added. ''There's a category for everyone - kids through adults, 50 years and older.''
The 100-paddler Keahiakahoe Canoe Club of Kahaluu, now in its second year of OHCRA competition, has lofty goals - that of taking on paddling's giants.
''To be competitive (in the big club AA division) we'll need to double in size. And it's not too late for new paddlers to join us,'' said KCC's coach, Stan Dickson. Keahiakahoe CC is located on Kam Highway near the Hygienic Store.
Those clubs, with 225 or more paddlers, are most likely set for this season. These include Hui Nalu, Lanikai, Lokahi, Kailua, Koa Kai and Outrigger, among others.
''We're up to 250 paddlers now and pretty much filled out our crews,'' said Koa Kai coach Irwin Keliipuleole.
''But for next year? I invite all new paddlers to come to our Ala Moana Beach Park site. They'll like what they see.''
Koa Kai's tropic park setting, with its clean practice waters, convenient ocean access and ample parking, is thought to be Oahu's best.
Hui Nalu coach Sam ''Steamboat'' Mokuahi says his club's priority is first to serve the needs of East Oahu paddlers, then, serve others as space becomes available.
Like the other majors, Hui Nalu is always interested in new recruits for the next season.
Sunday: Waimanalo Regatta, Waimanalo Beach OHCRA
July 4: Walter Macfarlane Regatta, Waikiki Beach
July 14: John Kaupiko Regatta, Keehi Lagoon
July 21: OHCRA Oahu Championships, Keehi Lagoon
Sunday: Manu O Ke Kai, Haleiwa Beach Hui Wa'a Association
June 30: Koa Kai, Keehi Lagoon
July 7: Ka Moi, Maili Beach
July 14: Waikiki Beach Boys, Waikiki
July 20: Hui Wa'a Championship, Keehi Lagoon
Aug. 3: Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association Championship, Keehi Lagoon Major distance events
Aug. 18: Duke Kahanamoku races (men: Kailua to Waikiki. women: Off Waikiki)
Aug. 25: Dad Center Race (women), Kailua to Outrigger Canoe Club
Sept. 15: E Lau Hoe Na Wahine (women), Magic Island to Pokai Bay
Sept. 22: Skippy Kamakawiwoole (men),Hawaii Kai to Barbers Point
Sept 29: Bankoh Na Wahine O Ke Kai, (women), Molokai to Waikiki
Oct. 13: Bankoh Molokai Hoe, (men), Molokai to Waikiki
Information: 261-6615