It was a canoe paddling utopia at the fourth annual John C. Kekua Jr. regatta Saturday at Hilo Bay, where the combination of flat water and fierce competition produced a record-setting day.
Fifteen records were established over 40 races at the Moku O Hawaii Outrigger Canoe Racing Association regatta hosted by Kamehameha Canoe Club. In fact, in nine races, multiple crews broke records.
Seven-time champion Kai Opua pocketed the A division (15-40 events) for the sixth consecutive regatta with 192 points, ahead of Puna, 164; Kai Ehitu, 152; Keaukaha, 140; Keauhou, 138; Kamehameha, 117; Kawaihae, 105; and Laka, 62.
Keoua Honaunau drove back to West Hawaii with the B division (1-14 events) with 40 points, ahead of Waiakea, 25; Kailana, 25; Hanakahi, 14; and Waikoloa, 11.
“We had a successful day and it was a beautiful day,” Kamehameha coach Stan Cann said. “The best part of our club is the members. It’s a family-like atmosphere. That’s part of what John Kekua wanted, to have a good time and have our members enjoy it.”
That said, Woods Noeau, 35, fits right in with Kamehameha. He’s one of six rookie paddlers in the men’s novice B crew, which finished second in 4 minutes, and 1.54 seconds in the half-mile race.
Kai Ehitu claimed first place. It’s Kamehameha’s second consecutive runner-up finish, after back-to-back wins.
“I wanted to cross train for mixed martial arts and it’s another outlet for me,” said Noeau. “I like it because we’ve got a good crew and good club. The club is about family and teamwork.
“Paddling has helped my cardio, endurance and stamina. You’re building up your body. It’s a full-body workout, even though you’re only using the top half.”
“Sometimes you’re tired, but when you get on the water it’s calm and it makes you push through,” Noeau said. “If you have a mental breakdown, five other guys have to pull your weight. You have to think about them.
“That’s what a canoe club is all about, teamwork. You have to work as one. Overall, it’s a team sport, but actually it’s really an individual sport.”
Weeks can go by before even one new record is set at a Moku O Hawaii regatta. And that’s with flat water and little or no wind. But 15 records?
Kai Opua athletic director Mike Atwood offered an explanation.
“For the quarter-mile races, it was calm water and if you get the current and a tailwind you can really move,” he said. “But it was mostly about the level of competition. All the races were close and in some there was more than one record-breaker. When everybody is going that fast, you want to go that fast, too.”