Time again to start thinking about the 2004 Steinlager Kaua'i World Challenge! The date has been set for April 24, 2004, one week before the Ka'iwi Channel Relay. Please start marking your calendars. It will be run much like it was this year in the relay format with changes done at each beach. 34 miles total. And let's not forget the cash prizes! Further information and the official website will be posted on OCPaddler at a later date.

There are four nights free at the Radisson Kaua'i for a committing team from France, Italy, England, Panama, Costa Rica, Japan, or Brazil. Please contact Tom Bartlett directly regarding this offer.

Tom Bartlett, Contact Info:
fax: (808) 826-5506
email: tbart at radissonkauai.com
(note: replace 'at' with @)

Keizo Gates
KWC Web Coordinator

Confirmations and an intent to race need to be sent in asap. Email(replace 'at' w/@): riowaa at aol.com
Also I found a cool video from the hosting clubs website. Check it out

[Full Race Packet] as word document

Rio Va'a (Wa'a) 2003
LATIN AMERICA'S LARGEST INTERNATIONAL OUTRIGGER CANOE RACE
December 20th, 2003

This weekend Coral Sea Outrigger Canoe Club hosted round 4 of the OCEANSWELL Waipuhi OC1 Series 2003 and it was a true test of the toughest !!

Competitors launched from a pontoon in the river and then headed (4kms) out against the tide and into some strong head winds and currents to cross the channel between Magnetic Island and the mainland.
Paddlers rounded one of the channel markers and then strapped themselves in for one of the best surfing runs (9.5kms) the series has seen in a long time. The waves were curling and the canoes just skimmed from one to the next linking up wave after wave. Paddles up and enjoy the ride!

If you're racing I sure hope you already know about his site!
[MolokaiHoe.org] includes past results, photos, & important info/schedule on this years race.
OCPaddler poll will be going up later this week. Email keizo@ocpaddler.com if any suggestions.

The official 2004 IVF site was updates early september, includes a general schdedule and information. Click on the link below:
[www.kekua.org/2004]

update:[Pacific Paddler Photos] courtesy Ropati / boat driver Karel
[Australian paddling team breezes to crown] Honolulu Advertiser
[Y2Kanu Photos] courtesy Rick Leton
Mooloolaba OCC OPEN 5:26:37
Outrigger CC OPEN 5:36:20
Kai Opua (Hawai MASTERS-35+ 5:44:31
[OCPaddler Poll Results]
[Na Wahine O Ke Kai traverses channel for 25th time] Star Bulletin pre race article

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Diane Fujii Johnson, Johnson LLC
Email: DianeFJohnson at aol.com

With a record 72 crews entered, Australians take the title of the Silver Anniversary Hawaii Modular Space Na Wahine O Ke Kai
Mooloolaba finishes the 25th Molokai crossing with second fastest time -
misses record by just over 2 minutes

Honolulu, HAWAII (September 28, 2003) - Determination is what drove Mooloolaba Outrigger Canoe Club from Australia to dominate today's Hawaii Modular Space Na Wahine O Ke Kai. From the 7:30 a.m. start time, Mooloolaba who came in third last year - held a dominant lead over the rest of the 72 entered crews. Off the start line, they quickly gained an 8 minute spread ahead of Honolulu's Outrigger Canoe Club and held the one-mile gap the duration of the race.

I am sure word is getting out but I just wanted to let people know that Uncle Bob of Hui O Hawaii of Sacramento (husband of Marilyn Steele, president of the NCOCA) passed away quietly on Thursday, September 18, 2003.

I have created a small memorial page at: outriggercanoe.com

If you have a cherished photo you would like to see posted there, I will be more than happy to do so. Email it to me. My email address is on the website.

Take care and paddle safe.

Michael Nyberg
Hui O Hawaii of Sacramento

update:[Pacific Paddler Photos] courtesy Ropati
Team NZ/HI 1st, Outrigger, Kai Opua, Lanikai follow.
[Official Results]
[Y2Kanu Photos] courtesy Rick Leton
[NZ/HI Sets Race Record] Honolulu Advertiser Article
[Ayau race turns into no contest] Star Bulletin Article

[Photos] by Joshua T. Bekerman
[Official Results] (in .pdf format)
Hosted by Philadelphia Outrigger Canoe Club

[Photos] courtesy Sharon Balidoy
One of the greatest Channel tune-ups you could ever participate in is Maui's E `ilau hoe kakou long distance race. The course is 32 miles. With the first stroke of the race you are out in deep ocean, surfing whatever mother nature has in store for the day. The race starts at Maliko on Mauis north shore, you cut straight across to Kahakuloa, aound the point finishing in the calm waters of Lahaina. It is sponsored by Lae`ula O Kai which means the race is organized and fun, the awards are unique and the food is ono (kalua turkey and pork for all).

In addition to Hawaiian, Lahaina, Napili, Kahana, Wailea and Na Kai Ewalu canoe clubs of Maui Lae`ula O Kai thanks the Eyecatcher women and the men of Kukui O Molokai for their 2nd year of support and Wa`akapaemua for making the trek to Maui.

Watch for next season's schedule so you can plan for it and make it over. Maui welcomes you all.