Lanakila wins Kahanamoku Klassic ironman

[Results] at SoCalOutrigger
[Photos]
On Saturday, June 4, close to 1000 competitors gathered in Marina Del Rey to compete in the third event of the SCORA race season. Held in moderate conditions, morning haze gave way to a beautiful sunshine and light winds. The race is named the Kahanamoku Classic in honor of the late Sandy Kahanamoku, great-nephew of Duke Kahanamoku. Sandy played an instrumental role in guiding, promoting and perpetuating outrigger canoe competition in Southern California. As founder of the host club, Marina Del Rey Outrigger Canoe Club, Sandy's influence and passion continue to define his club and this premier racing contest.

The event consisted of three races; a novice, a womens/coed, and a mens showcasing Santa Monica Bay. All told, 28 outrigger clubs from as far away as Santa Fe, New Mexico and Phoenix, Arizona managed to field 160 six-man teams. The big winner of the day was Lanakila from Redondo Beach. In the 12 mile womens race, Lanakila overcame a strong start by the NAC -- winners of race #1 -- to lead a very competitive womens field. Similarly, in the mens competition Dana Outrigger lead a very strong mens pack off the starting line. By the turn at Santa Monica Pier the team from Lanakila had managed to capture the lead for good, followed closely by Imua -- winners of SCORA races 1 and 2.

Special thanks to the member of MDROCC for hosting an outstanding day of competition!

For comprehensive results see SoCalOutrigger

Posted by keizo on Tue, 06/07/2005 - 10:53pm