Aug 9 - Na Kalai Wa'a Napali Challenge Results - Kauai

[Photos (mostly of 4th pl Kaiola team)] by Andy Snow

Nineteen Canoes paddled from Hanalei to Kekaha today a total of about 35 miles. Each canoe consisted of a mens team and womens team switching every 30 minutes.

Mens started and of-course it was the 'All Star' team leading by the end of the first change. After that they never looked back and finished 15 min ahead of 2nd and set a new record time. The winning Anuenue/Hawaiian crews included paddlers Aaron Napoleon, Kai Bartlett, David Beck, as well as three other top paddlers. Their womens team was steered by Noe Sawyer and included some top women from Maui.

Trades were blowing 15-25 and some pieces just after Ke'e were a blast. Sometimes the surfing was just like a oneman... it was so fun. But then there was plenty of flat water that was.. well.. not so fun. Over all it was a pretty good race. Next year the gathering after the race will hopefully be bigger and better and hopefully more crews will show up.

by Keizo Gates

Photo by Joe Curameng:

Posted by keizo on Sat, 08/09/2003 - 10:07pm