Mahalo to all the paddlers from near and far who made this race such a large and competitive field. We realize the time and energy, not to mention the funding, it takes to attend a race on another island and so Maui Canoe & Kayak Clubs thanks all of you for making the trek to Maui. A special MAHALO to Randy Botti and Ronona Della Cioppa for organizing the Big Island gang 40+. To Manny Kulukulualani for taking on the organization of the Oahu trailer and also to Jerome & Choppie Kalama and Ron and Camie Kimball for taking care of the transportation of all our canoes to Kalua Koi for the upcoming race. You folks are awesome. Speaking of awesome, that would be the sponsorship and support from STARBUCKS. Mahalo.

[Photos] by Marjie Santos
Nick’s Fishmarket – Maui Championships
LC: Haycraft to Makena / SC: Ka Lae Pohaku to Makena

[Photos] courtesy Peter Konohia
Preparing for this race was everything as usual, canoe, iakos, ama, paddle, hammer gel. sun screen… until we thought about what this race is really about: Remembering and honoring those of our paddling buddies who are no longer here with us enjoying the ocean and beautiful day. This shifted our focus to flowers, leis, and thoughts of love and friendship and family. We truly have a close Maui Canoe & Kayak family here on Maui. It is common to hear paddlers expressing how much they enjoy the series and the friendships. We have our foundation of experienced paddlers who really do help and kokua the newer paddlers with training tips, Maliko runs, etc. It is always fun to hear the stories of the 1st Maliko run and how scary it can be just getting out of the mouth. Congratulations to all who raced and especially to those who did it for the first time.

[Video Clip (9 mb Windows Media)] by Don Mehling
It was such a beautiful morning until we started racing and began to be cooled by a bit of a head wind. Why did we not foresee this and reverse the course I thought as I plowed my way upwind? Why aren’t I on an OC-2? Why does everyone in front of me look so effortless? You know all those thoughts that start running through your mind. As we rounded the buoy at Haycraft we still had to keep the uphill charge until finally there was some relief past McGregor’s point when everything was calm and HOT. Gee if it’s not one thing it is another. I think only a true downwind run would make most of us happy.

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

Description:
Jan 28, 2006 ~
Leilani's Triangle (short 5 miles; long 8 miles)
Sponsored by Leilani's/Tri Paddle Maui

[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.

[Maui Schedule]

PRESS RELEASE
Keri C. Mehling

On Thursday, November 24 the 5th Annual Turkey Shoot brought together 64 paddlers in 42 boats - everything from OC-6’s to OC-1's and OC-2’s to stand up paddle boards and rudderless canoes. Each paddler paid their entry fee in canned goods and over 350 pounds of canned meat and vegetables and other non-perishables were dropped off to fellow paddler and firefighter Kawika Williams at the Kihei Fire Station for distribution to the Maui Food Bank.