Howzit!

This blog focuses on paddling locally here in Hawaii as well as elsewhere. As a long time paddler with Anuenue Canoe Club, there's lots of good fun talk story time with Nappy and others on our crew. We even get around to some issues that get a lot of comments from the paddling community and need attention to improve our sport.

Friday, October 21, 2011

6 in a row!


Shell Va'a did it again, but it took a new record of 4:30:54 to hold off challenger EDT who also bested the old mark finishing in 4:36:45. Taking advantage of their familiarity with the Kaiwi Channel and some favorable surfing near Oahu, Shell won for the sixth consecutive time matching Waikiki Surf Club (1958-1963) for the record number of victories in a row. Two of their crew have been members of all six wins.

For the young EDT crew, it was a learning experience. With hopes of knocking off the defending champions as they had already done in the Tahiti Nui Va'a 3-day race in May, EDT jumped out to a 400-500 meter lead as the canoes raced along the coast of West Moloka'i. However once past La'au Point and into the channel itself, it was a different story as the crew took a while to adjust to the conditions and pick the best course. Shell remained in sight but they never relinquished their lead, and EDT had to settle for second place. Third place went to Team Primo/Wailea Canoe Club despite an early hull followed by Lanikai in fourth. The other two Tahitian crews were next including Team Livestrong Tahiti competing in the Masters 40+ division.

The stage is set then for next year's race and a possible new record of consecutive victories. EDT officials were high on their crew's performance and their Moloka'i Hoe experience and hopeful for a return in 2012. EDT will get another crack at their Shell rivals as well as as the two-time defending champion OPT crew in the upcoming Hawaiki Nui race coming up in three weeks. Due to work conflicts, this year there will not be a Team Hawaii crew competing in Tahiti but the crew will be racing there again in 2012.