Four Big Island canoe clubs took home state titles after competing in the Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association State Championship on Oahu last weekend.
On Sunday, the Puna Canoe Club claimed the HCRA state canoe paddling victory for the Boy’s 13-year-old crew team at Ke‘ehi Lagoon.
The Puna Boys 13 crew edged out the Honolulu crew by 2 seconds in a come-from-behind victory.
The champion paddlers are Kamakana Badon-Dellomes, RJ Kalili Burdman, ‘Iolani Rocha, Ka‘aleleo Niau, Ikena Kuikahi Keolanui and La‘akea Ka’awaloa-Ortiz.
Coached by Lloyd Ganoot, the paddlers were undefeated in the Moku O Hawaii 2022 Regatta year.
Keaukaha Canoe Club also took home a state title after the Boys 16-and-under crew team finished first, 7 seconds ahead of the Lanikai Canoe Club from Oahu.
Coached under Keahi Warfield, the winning paddlers are Eha Kiyuna, Malakai Laititi, Kahalia Masaoka, Niau Paulos, Ali‘i Youderian and Umi Yung.
After finishing the state competition, some Keaukaha youth boys and girls left for London to compete in the International Va’a Federation World Sprints.
Keauhou Canoe Club also won a state title after finishing first in the Sophomore Men race in Oahu.
Keauhou edged out Wailea by 3 seconds. The winning paddling crew was Daniel Chun, Tuarongo Cowan, Trey Cox III, Kua Nolan, Kainoa Tanoai and Chase VonNordheim.
The Kawaihae Canoe Club won a state title after their victory in the Women Open Four race.
Kawaihae finished first by 4 seconds before the Hawaiian Canoe Club. The winning crew was Cherisse Agorastos, Oilipua Atkinson, Po Hocson and Noelani Spencer.
More information on state regatta results and the IVF World Sprints can be found at hcrapaddler.com.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com
