With 144 paddlers on the course, and categories ranging from Couples (married or otherwise), I Couldn't Get a Date (2 men or 2 women), It's All About Me (solo paddlers), and of course the ever popular, First Time Paddle Date, plus 3 separate age group divisions for each category, there were many winners and lots of splits to figure out.

[Video (7 MB Quicktime)] by Melinda Clark
[Mudbrook Story] by Al Ching
[Long C. Results][Short C. Results] at SoCalOcean Racing

[Results] at Kanaka Ikaika
[Y2Kanu Photos] by Rick Leton

[Video (6.9 mb Quicktime)] by Melinda Clark
[Article] by Al Ching
[Results] at SoCal Ocean Racing

Light easterly winds and small chop made for fast, smooth racing conditions on Sunday January 29. In a course, which was supposedly longer than the last Port Allen venue on January 8, (although the long course did have a bit of a “running” start), times were consistently faster for the majority. Once again Noe Auger and Maui Kjeldsen clearly gapped the long course division. Gregg Davis has consistently dominated the men’s short course and a new face in the women’s division; Lilinoe Forrest garnered the short course title.

Jane Mckee wins open W.
[Results] at Kanaka Ikaika

[Long Course Video (9 mb windows media)] by Don Mehling
[Short Course Video (7 mb windows media)] by Don Mehling

[Photos] by Marjie Santos
Results of today's 3rd HIPA race of the 2006 season. The O'Shaughnessy's Puna Challenge saw the paddlers entering the water at Richardson's Beach Park in Keaukaha, and the short course entries paddled 6 miles directly to Hilo's Bayfront, while the long course went south for 2 miles before turning and finishing at Puna's halau at Bayfront after paddling 10 miles. The long and short courses were followed by a 4 mile race for Junior paddlers.

[Video Clip (9 mb windows media)] by dmehling
Newlywed’s Kai & Lauren win their respective divisions in the MCKC Sarento’s Season opener. It was a classic South Maui, Kihei day, warm sunshine, calm waters, turtles and a lot of muscle (and a whole lot of strong will) to get through it all. The carrot at the end of the stick? That’s got to be Aaron’s spread of food, drinks and live music at Sarento’s Restaurant.

Arlene Holzman 1st open w.
[Results] at Kanaka Ikaika