Rowing Victory: Kai Opua Secures AA Regatta State Championship
The 2025 Hawaii Canoe Racing Association (HCRA) state regatta, held on Maui, saw impressive performances from Big Island clubs, with several individual and team placements across different divisions.
Key results from Big Island paddlers include:
- Keaukaha Canoe Club and Kilohana Hoe Waa tied for first place in Division A, accumulating 71 points and an average of 11.8 points per race. The club also won three bronze medals across the 44 races and clinched the men's junior mile race with a time of 7:36.05.
- Kai Opua, in a rebuilding phase this season with a smaller-than-usual roster, won Division AA state title, tallying 131 points, finishing ahead of second-place AA finisher Healani Canoe Club by double digits. The club also won one divisional race - the mixed novice quarter-mile event and secured silver in the women's novice quarter-mile bout.
- Kai Opua president Kris Hazard praised the squad for competing hard and representing Hawaii Island.
- Kai Ehitu Outrigger Team placed third overall in Division AAA with 191 points.
- Kawaihae Canoe Club came in fifth in AAA with 161 points.
- Other Big Island clubs that competed on Maui include Kamehameha Canoe Club - Hilo, Keoua Honaunau Canoe Club, Hui Wa'a 'O Waiakea, Keauhou Canoe Club, and Paddlers of Laka.
Notable individual performances include:
- Eric and Nate secured third overall and first in their division in the OC2 open category.
- Robson, Grant, and Kawai competed in the OC1 19-59 age group, placing 19th, 21st, and 29th overall, respectively, in various divisions.
- Crystal Martinez finished 36th overall, 7th in division in OC1.
- Lisa Spain ranked 37th overall, 8th division, while Kalani Spain took 38th overall and 2nd division in OC1 60+.
- In the Short Course, Dave finished 17th overall and 1st in the 60+ division.
- The Minion Maniacs team (Wai’olukea & Kaliko) placed 25th overall and 2nd division in OC2 Junior 15-18.
- Kwai-Chang debuted in V1 Open, finishing 45th overall, 2nd division.
New girls coach Paul Streiter is credited for helping his crews reach new heights throughout the season and breaking through at states. Notable performances from his teams include Farrah Adkinson, Teighya Frias, Hilina'i Kahanu, Khloe Lorenzo, Leiannah-Rose Pukahi, and Laney Weza, who finished third in the girls age-12 quarter-mile race with a time of 2:18.51.
The HCRA season included various regattas around the islands, contributing to paddlers' preparation and competition experience leading up to the state championships, including events hosted on the Big Island and other locations. The state championships results for boys and girls were updated as of early 2025, indicating ongoing recording of competitive standings.
Additional noteworthy context includes changes to paddle rules specific to the Big Island for 2025, with a preference for wooden paddles during racing, which may affect equipment choices and performance at the state level.
Overall, Big Island clubs contributed strong individual and team showings with several podium placements in division and competitive overall finishes in the state regatta, highlighting their continued presence in Hawaii's competitive canoe racing scene.
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- The Big Island's paddling community showcased their strength in the 2025 Hawaii Canoe Racing Association (HCRA) state regatta on Maui, with community clubs excelling in various sports events, especially in Division A.
- Kai Opua, going through a rebuilding phase with a smaller roster, clinched the Division AA state title, demonstrating their resilience and determination, while fostering a sense of community within the club.
