Eono Hoe #2

Just a few observations about the second edition of Eono Hoe: This year there were two stages with the first being from Maui (off Fleming's Beach) to Kaunakakai and day two from Molokai (west end) to Maunalua Bay. Conditions were smoking for the run from Maui with gusty trades and small craft warnings. Kaumana was paddling a new carbon fiber boat and took advantage of the day to leave the rest of the field behind including the other light boats. Karel had a new composite boat which looked "Hawaiian" with manus. The surprise to many was that the Primo boys in a Bradley were right there as well. One question: Why trailer the boats for the second day? Why not finish at Hale o Lono and start from there the next day? Longer but still a reasonable way to do it. Maybe next year? Taking photos from my usual perch off Koko Head , I was expecting the composites to be battling for the lead. Kamanu led the pack but close behind was Primo giving up over 150 pounds with their conventional Bradley. A California Lanikila crew paddling a Bradley finished well also. Moral: Composites make a difference but it still comes down to who's in the boat.

This weekend Anuenue will be helping out with the "Veteran Games" on the water especially with some guys who will be paddling despite some major handicaps. A high for them as well as those who help!