KAILUA-KONA — Among the lessons learned from the first two regattas of the season, the most important one was simple — don’t leave early.
Moku O Hawaii juggernauts Kai Opua and Puna — who have reigned over the Big Island for the last decade — have been neck-and-neck to start the season, splitting the first two regattas by a combined three points.
Playing hosts on Saturday at Kailua Pier, Big Blue managed to build a little more cushion, holding off a patented late charge from two-time defending champ Puna, 216-207.
It was a few more points than what separated the clubs in previous weeks, but in the paddling world, that’s still nothing close to a runaway victory. For reference, Kai Opua swept the first three westside regattas last season by a staggering combined total of 102 points.
“It has been a lot of fun to start the season like this,” Kai Opua athletic director Mike Atwood said. “I think we all knew Puna was going to be good, but for them to be so good this early has been a surprise.”
Division B had an equally heated race. Paddlers of Laka and Keauhou were knotted up at 56 points until Event 43 — the final race of the day — where a fifth-place finish in the mixed men and women propelled Keauhou to the title. Both clubs raced in 14 events, but Paddlers of Laka did not have a canoe in the final race.
A close race on the leaderboard is a good way to build some camaraderie within the club. Every crew’s finishing place matters and DQs are toxic when mere points could mean winning or losing a regatta.
“If you’re here all day, you get to see and hear all the excitement going on,” Atwood said. “And each paddler can race in two races, so we let them know they might be needed and to stick around.”
Many took that advice, as the pier was still loaded up with paddlers as the final canoes crossed.
The regatta was the epicenter of the Kamehameha Day celebration in town, which started with a parade in the morning down Alii Drive. Kai Opua is nearing a half-century of history hosting the event, making it somewhat of an institution when the long weekend rolls around.
“We take a lot of pride in hosting a canoe paddling event — which is the state sport — on Kamehameha Day,” Atwood said. “It has a lot of significance being held here, as well.”
Puna took home the most golds at the regatta, capturing top honors in 12 races. Kai Opua followed close behind with 11 winning crews, but edged Puna in total medals 27-25.
The medal count was the most so far this season for Kai Opua, which might be a testament to the club’s growth as they gear up to head east.
The rest of the season the scene shifts to Hilo Bay, concluding with the Aunty Maile/Moku O Hawaii Championships on July 22.
“We are looking forward to going to Hilo,” Atwood said. “We know the Hilo clubs start to build their bases a little more when they are at home. But if we keep building the way we have, I think we can give Puna a run.”
