Sept 18 - 3rd annual E `ilau Hoe Kakou - Maui

Maliko Gulch to Hanaka`o`o, Canoe Beach Maui Canoe & Kayak Club
34 miles

A small but competitive field of paddlers left Maliko this morning, headed around Kahakuloa, and finished in warm West Maui. Not your average little jaunt in the park.

Right off the start crews were screaming down waves and catching long rides or they were being sucked in as the waves passed them by. We had our share of both as I’m sure everyone did. What a great playing and learning field. I am always amazed, the ocean in its constant motion, so much to see and react to. It got sloppy out by Nakalele, waves were slapping together forming powerful bursts of energy. This provided for some exciting rides.

Highlights? The spinner dolphins, surfing the ocean swells. For Kahana men and Lae`ula O Kai’s women’s 2nd crew – 4 huli’s each. They related getting better at righting the wa`a and continuing on --- such perseverance and determination. For some I am sure the highlight was being out there, over coming ill feelings of motion sickness, and completing a great race out in the open blue Pacific. Lunch is always ono, Kalua pork and kalua turkey complemented by homemade desserts.

We will look to change the date of this race for next year. Perhaps running it the Sat. prior so that more of you can share in our experiences here on Maui.

Mahalo to the Maui County Lifeguards for their kokua with escorting us the entire way. Mahalo to Walter Vierra and Gail Murakami for their continued support with officiating. Finally Mahalo to all who made this a great event and day.

1. Wailea Open Men – 3:47:44
2. Lae`ula O Kai Open Men -3:50:37
3. Hawaiian Open men – 3:52:59
4. Hawaiian Master Men – 4:18:59
5. Kahana Open Men – 4:22:53
6. Lae`ula O Kai Open Women 4:27:29
7. Island Master Women – 4:47:54
8. Lae`ula O Kai Open Women – 5:02:17

Posted by keizo on Sun, 09/19/2004 - 5:08am

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