Kaua'i recaps first two races of 2007
Aloha Beach Resort Supports the Paddlers of YMCA Kauai Hoe Wa’a
Special to the Garden Island By Laurie Denton
The paddlers of YMCA Kauai Hoe Wa’a showed up in record numbers for our first two races of the season held on Sunday January 7 and the 14th.
Beneath a foreboding southern front and a sizeable swell, paddlers launched their one man and two man canoes and surfskis into the waters off Poipu to begin the first race, which would end up at Port Allen Harbor. With a six-mile course starting at Kukuiula Harbor and a longer eight-mile course originating from Nukumoi, participants of all levels were able to begin their season with confidence.
The dark blustery beginning ended in much calmer and sunnier waters and we were all feeling the heat to the bitter end. Luke Evslin finished first overall in the OC-1 men’s long course division with his buddy Kelly Foster and Butch Keahiolalo a close second and third behind. For the women’s division, Katy Curtis grabbed her first victory followed by Erin Struxness and Katy Otsuji. The team of Baird and Trevor won the men’s OC-2 division with Lott and Thomas in second. Wes DaSilva grabbed first in the surf ski division, followed by Kennie Denton and his wife Laurie.
For the men’s short course, David Spanski, Ken Coors and Dave McDonald took the first 3 spots respectively and Lilinoe Forrest, Leigh Drachman and Audree Bernadino did the same in the women’s division. Keizo Gates and Carey Healy, the only men’s OC-2 team finished ahead of the mixed teams of Bae and Jody Delacruz who were followed by Kimberly and Neil.
On the 14th the same course was paddled but with a great easterly wind, smaller surf and lots of sun. Needless to say the runs were great, smiles were big at the end, and thanks to Aloha Beach Resort, the paddlers were also greeted with a fabulous spaghetti lunch at Port Allen Harbor.
In the men’s long course, Mark Frazier led the pack with Butch Keahiolalo only seconds behind and Steve Cole following in third. The women’s division showcased another close finish with Margie Goodno out paddling Katy Curtis by less than 20 seconds. Kristen Foster also barely out paddled Katy Otsuji for a third place spot. Baird and Trevor were the solo OC-2 men’s team. Wes DaSilva finished ahead of Kennie Denton in the men’s surf ski division. Laurie Denton, Jennifer Heidenrich, Michelle Jackson, and Laura Anderson finished first through forth respectively in the lone women’s surf ski division.
Jonli Alo came out from his hiatus to dominate the men’s short course division over second place David Spanski and Ken Coors in third. Mary Bartlett grabbed the lead in the women’s over Lilinoe Forrest and Leigh Drachman in third. Bae and Jody Delacruz won the OC-2 mixed division over the team of Herb and Sandy.
YMCA Kauai Hoe Wa’a would like to thank Aloha Beach Resort for the great lunch as well as the following volunteers whom without we would be unable to offer this great racing season to the paddlers of Kauai: our timers, Napua Costa, Sanoe Lake, and Sarah Deblin, registrars, Tracy Capman, Beth Kauwe, John Kegle, and Mike Pemberton and race escorts, Dino D’annibale, Kalani Vierra, and Joe Laukona.
Posted by keizo on Sat, 01/20/2007 - 9:15am