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Don’t Miss it!!!!

Florida is gearing up for the annual Treasure Island Classic at Island Inn – Treasure Island, Florida

October 23, 2010 – OC6 Race

October 24, 2010 – Single/Tandem canoes, kayaks, surf skis, outriggers, and paddle boards

Be sure to check out all the registration information 2010 Treasure Island Classic and the entry form  2010 TI ad release.

Contact:  Rea Sieber – canoerea@gmail.com – 727-641-8012

Check out the video from last years race. http://clearwatercanoeclub.com/?page_id=805

1^ST ANNUAL PA’A EONO HOE

TEAM KAI ANIAI 2010

The 1^st annual PA’A Eono Hoe took place this past weekend in the Hawaiian Islands.  The 32 mile course started in Papohaku, Molokai and stretched across the Molokai Channel, finishing in Maunalua Bay, Oahu.  Unlike the traditional Molokai Hoe race which allows teams of 9 paddlers switch out 3 paddlers in the canoe approx every 20 minutes, the Eono Hoe would be an iron race across the channel.  The ground breaking event which allowed some of the canoe builders to open up their designing abilities and come up with the fastest and lightest designs they could come up with, proved to be a possible way of the future for the sport of outrigger canoeing.  Eono Hoe showcased new designs by Kamanu Composites and Team Livestrong who specially made the boats for this new race.  The canoes which were primarily made up of carbon fiber and only weighed approx 200lbs were a site to see. 

Lex Raas (founder of Kai Aniani Canoe Club) decided to quickly put a team of paddlers together as soon as he heard about the race.  The team of paddlers that came together for the race were primarily from the Kai Aniani Canoe club.  The crew quickly set up a training schedule and gave it all they had in order to go out and represent the state of Florida.  Thanks to Lex and Carol Raas who organized to have Rick Nuu (ex Hawaiian Canoe Club Coach) come out for a weekend of training and fun for the entire Kai Aniani Canoe Club members.  Rick taught all of us a new stroke technique which gave everyone a new feel to paddling.   

The team originally had all members from the Kai Aniani Canoe Club onboard.  Team members included: JP Atherholt, Cortland Reilly, Burch Baskett, Lex Raas, Derick Bez, and Jean Raas.  During the training, Kai Aniani was faced with an unfortunate circumstance which would leave them without one of their key paddlers.  JP encountered a very serious burst appendix which would unfortunately put him out of being able to continue training and competing in the race.  After realizing that they didn’t have JP available for the race, it was decided to invite Rick Nuu  to join the team in the race.   Due to not having Rick available for the training sessions a couple of the club members stepped up to the plate and filled in the available seats during the training sessions.  Dave, Mark, and Mike, a big Mahalo goes out to you for your assistance. 

A couple of days prior to the event, Johnnie Mack assisted in getting a crew of paddlers from the Hawaiian Canoe Club to paddle a canoe that we would use for the race from Maui to Molokai.  Thanks to Johnnie and paddlers from the Hawaiian Canoe Club, we had the opportunity to paddle a great canoe during the race.  The canoe was in great shape and proved to be a great fit for Team Kai Aniani. 

Race day finally arrived with 30 knt winds out of the East, North East direction, along with 10 foot swells in the channel.  We were all pumped up to finally experience the Molokai Channel in full force.  None of us onboard the team had ever experienced paddling in seas like this.  The field of 27 canoes were all placed in a line along the beach.  The idea was to have a Le Mans start with all of the canoes.  One paddler would remain beside the canoe while the rest of the team members would stand about 20 yards directly behind the canoe.  8:00am hit and off we went!!  The field of canoes separated quickly by each steersman picking different lines to Oahu.  Once all of us were zipped up in our covers we took off and were slowly catching up with some of the canoes and even passing them.  As we crossed the channel the conditions continued to get bigger and bigger and bigger!!! 

Thanks to the assistance and excellent driving of our chase boat captain (Captain Joe) I was able to concentrate more on the waves instead of concentrating on which line we needed to take.  Once we got into the biggest conditions of the race we were constantly being slammed on the starboard side of the canoe by breaking waves.  Rick would call out “right shoulder” and a big breaking wave on the crest of the swell would come crashing over the entire canoe.  Thanks to the great bailing skills of Derick and Burch, we were able to keep the canoe rolling.  Cortland and Lex, continued to pound away during the challenging conditions which gave us the opportunity to get on the smaller bumps which were forming in between the larger swells. 

As soon as we could see the island of Oahu on the horizon, Rick set the course for me to follow.  With about 1 hour remaining of paddling we could all start to feel the fatigue start to settle in.  The sea conditions began to get really challenging as we approached the cliffs (China Wall) off the eastern side of Oahu.  The current was against the wind, waves crashing off the cliffs, swells coming from the north east along with wind driven waves made it by far the toughest conditions any of us have ever had to paddle in.  The ama wanted to pop up on every little wave that broke underneath it.  At one point, I thought we were going to go over but thankfully due to the quick reaction of Derick and Rick we were able to save the canoe from doing a huli.  Once we got close to the cliffs we found some smooth water which would be a huge relief for all of us.  We all got back in tune with each other and gave it all we had. 

We rounded the final point and headed into Maunalua Bay.  We had one canoe right on our tail and they were creeping up on us fast.  The local knowledge of Rick came into play and we were able to jump onto one breaking swell over a reef.  We pulled out a little on the team and then they were able to jump onto the swell that broke right behind us.  We approached the final small reef section in the bay and we all gave what we had left in our tanks and were able to jump onto one final swell which pulled us away from the canoe trailing us.  We crossed the finish line in a time of 4 hours and 38 minutes.  Placing 10^th overall out of a fleet of 27 canoes and 7^th in the spec canoe class. 

RESULTS

Men overall

1, Team Kamanu, 3:56:40. 2, Team Livestrong, 4:09:10. 3, Team PA’A, 4:12:36. 4, OCP Mafia, 4:17:48. 5, Outrigger, 4:20:02. 6, Lanikai, 4:24:14. 7, Hawaiian Kanaktion, 4:30:08. 8, Na Molokama, 4:34:52. 9, Hui Lanakila, 4:37:10. 10, Kai Aniani, 4:38:45. 11, Kukui’ula, 4:39:52. 12, Kukui’ula Masters, 4:40:23. 13, Puna, 4:45:15. 14, Hawaiian, 4:53:25. 15, Kailua Masters 40, 4:54:39. 16, Team Lanikai Juice, 4:55:19. 17, Team Hawai’i/Kailua, 4:59:53. 18, Imua, 5:10:56. 19, Na Kai ‘Ewalu, 5:20:50.

Women overall

1, Free Agents, 4:55:36. 2, Waikīkī Beachboys, 5:04:33. 3, Kailua Masters 50, 5:18:38. 4, Iron Maidens, 5:21:51. 5, Bimm Bulls, 5:22:24. 6, Team BFL, 5:24:53. 7, Hawaiian Kanaktion, 5:38:26. 8, Team Ray, 5:46:31.

SPECIAL MAHALO TO EVERYONE LISTED BELOW WHO MADE THIS TRIP ONE WE WOULD ALL REMEMBER

Lex Raas

Carol Raas

Rick Nuu

Johnnie Mac

Captain Joe

Burch Baskett

Cortland Reilly

JP Atherholt

Derick Bez

Teri Bez

Marc Dipiero

Mike Sieber

Dave Robertshaw

My wife Brianne

Saturday April 17^th & Sunday April 18^th, 2010

10:30 am Registration

11:45 am Mandatory Race Meeting

12:00 pm Race Begins

Sun. April 18th Canoe, Kayak & Paddleboard Race

8:30 am Registration

9:45 am Mandatory Race Meeting

10:00 am Race Begins

Location: Honeymoon Island State Park

Required: 1 personal flotation device per paddler.

Online Reg:  for 4/18 only: www.active.com

More Info: www.islandparks.org

Fees: 

Outrigger Canoes 4/17: $120* per canoe

Canoes, Kayaks & Paddleboards 4/18:  $25* per paddler if postmarked by 3/22/10.  $30* per paddler 3/22/10 through race day

*includes Dri-Fit Race Jersey to first 140 paddlers

Racers are free to choose to participate in either the 4-mile recreational/paddleboard or 8-mile competitive race.  Please use the corresponding column on the registration form to register for your race.

This weekend Kai Aniani Canoe Club is hosting the 2010 West Coast Canoe
and Kayak Championships. Canoes, Kayaks, and Paddleboards will race on
Saturday and the 6-man Outriggers will race on Sunday. Saturday’s race
is being held at 2pm to allow for out-of-town teams and paddlers racing
earlier in the day at Crisp Park. The Championship Luau is also being
held at 6pm on Saturday. The Luau is open to all! For more info,
please visit the Kai Aniani Canoe Club Website:  http://clearwatercanoeclub.com/?p=1500

Kai Aniani Canoe Club Presents

2010 Florida West Coast Championships

February 27th & 28th

Clearwater Community Sailing Center

Schedule of Events:

Saturday, Feb. 27th, 2 p.m.  — Surfski/OC1/ Kayak/Paddleboar d:  Downwind, Paddleboard, and Recreational Courses to be Offered  

 Saturday, Feb 27th, 6 p.m.  –  Championship Luau:  Open to all Competitors.  Will be held at Clearwater Community Sailing Center.

 Sunday, Feb 28, 10 a.m.  –  6-Man Outrigger Canoe Races:  12-mile Iron and 3-mile Novice Courses to be Offered.   Men, Women, and Mixed Iron Races Start at 10 a.m.  Novice Race at 9 a.m.  Awards Lunch 1 p.m.

 Race Fees:

Saturday only: $10 per paddler

Sunday only: $25 per paddler

Saturday and Sunday: $30 per paddler

Race Fees include races, prizes, luau and/or lunch, and give-aways!

Hotel Accommodations:

Holiday Inn  –  521 South Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater Beach, FL 33767  –  727-447-6461

Shepard’s Beach Resort  –  601 S Gulfview Blvd Clearwater Beach, FL 33767  –  727-442- 5107 

Marriott Sand Key  –  1201 Gulf Boulevard Clearwater Beach, Florida 33767  –  727-596-1100

 You can also contact us to participate in our “adopt a paddler” accommodation plan (a.k.a. stay with your paddling friends in Clearwater)!

 Kai Aniani Canoe Club

Clearwater Community Sailing Center

1001 Gulf Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33767

www.clearwatercanoe club.com

Race #3 of the Offshore Singles Series gave us warm weather and another downwinder!  The temperature was actually about 40 degrees warmer than the last race just two weeks prior.  The race started with temps around 75 degrees with S winds at 15 knots.  However, the winds rapidly increased during the race and by the time the last paddlers finished, the winds were blowing between 20-30 knots.  This made for some fast times on the 10.5 mile course which included a final mile with winds in the face of the paddlers.

 After a short race briefing, complete with plenty of hand signals and gummy bears for all, paddlers hit the water.  Due to our recent cold spell, the water in the Gulf is still quite chilly.  No one wanted to get wet going out through the small surf.  After seeing everyone get out safely, I decided (without telling myself first) that someone needed to get wet.  I proceeded by falling out of my ski while fiddling with my heart rate monitor.  Damn was it cold!  After a few laughs everyone lined up and the race was off.

Reid Hyle led the charge immediately sprinting to the front.  He held his position throughout the race.  The suprise of the day was JP, the fair weather paddler, Atherholt who cleaned the dust off his spec ski just for the race.  JP is a master in the bump and hung close to both Reid and I for close to half the race.  Harry Mountain continued his dominance on the OC-1 edging out JP in the closing miles to finish 1st in the outriggers and 3rd overall on the day.  However, the real battle was happening just behind Harry.  The next 6 finishers were only spread over a four minute window.  Cortland Reilly, Jean Raas, Dave Robertshaw, Lex Raas, Randy Perkins, and Karen Mirlenbrink swapped positions throughout the race, but finally finished in that order.  Karen, I can hang with the boys, Mirlenbrink actually led a few of the guys until the last few miles when the wind came on the beam and eventually on the nose.  A little further back, Marc Dipiero and Mike Seiber had a great tussle with Marc just edging out Mike in the final uphill slog.  And finally, a big cudos goes to Mike Holland, Angela Eastvold, and Rea Seiber.  Mike on OC-1 and Angela and Rea paddling OC-2 were greeted with 25+ knots winds as they rounded the corner to the finish.  At some points of the quarter mile slog, it actually looked as if they were going backwards!  Never-the-less, they battled the gusty wind and finished in fine form.

The 2nd race of the Off Shore Series will take place on Sunday 12/20 at 10am. This is Race #2 of the 1-Man Series, but all paddle craft are welcome (singles and doubles).

It looks as if we’re gonna get our downwind. All paddlers should meet at The Clearwater Community Sailing Center Beach (on Sand Key) by 8:45am AT THE LATEST. We will load up the trailer and arrange shuttles at that time. After we’re loaded, we will drive up to Dunedin Causeway at 9:15am. We will meet on the beach next to Sail Honeymoon, the sailboat and kayak rental place on the beach. The mandatory race meeting is scheduled for 9:45am on the Causeway! A 10 min. warm-up period will be provided follwing the race meeting. The race will start no later than 10:15AM.

The forecast is calling for NNW winds around 15 knots with NW swell from the passing front. The race will from Dunedin Causeway to the sailing center beach. The course is roughly 9.5 miles. Life jackets, leashes, and cell phones or VHF radios are mandatory.

Exact course details will be sent out by 3pm on Saturday 12/19…

More info: contact Jean 727-612-5881

The first race of the Offshore Series will take place on Sunday the 6th at 10am. This is Race #1 of the 1-Man Series, but all paddle craft are welcome (singles and doubles).

All paddlers should meet at The Clearwater Community Sailing Center Beach (on Sand Key) by 9:30AM AT THE LATEST. The mandatory race meeting is scheduled for 10AM Sharp! A 10 min. warm-up period will be provided following the race meeting. The race will start no later than 10:15AM. The forecast is calling for light N winds with some leftover NW swell from the passing front. At this point we will be running an out and back course from the sailing center beach. The course is roughly 9 miles.

Feel free to contact us for more information.

Race Name Point Series Race# Location Date Time
West Coast Off-Shore 1-Man Race Singles-1 Sand Key Sailing Center Sun. 12/6 10:00 AM
West Coast Off-Shore 1-Man Race Singles-2 Sand Key Sailing Center Sun. 12/20 10:00 AM
West Coast Off-Shore Doubles Doubles-1 Sand Key Sailing Center Sun. 1/10 10:00 AM
West Coast Off-Shore 1-Man Race Singles-3 Sand Key Sailing Center Sun. 1/24 10:00 AM
West Coast Off-Shore Doubles Doubles-2 Sand Key Sailing Center Sun. 2/14 10:00 AM
West Coast Champs 1-Man Race Singles-4 Sand Key Sailing Center Sun. 2/28 TBA
West Coast Off-Shore Doubles Doubles-3 Sand Key Sailing Center Sun. 3/14 10:00 AM
East Coast Champs 1-Man Race Singles-5 Miami Rowing Club Sat. 3/27 TBA
West Coast Off-Shore Doubles Doubles-4 Sand Key Sailing Center Sun. 4/4 10:00 AM
Shark Bite Challenge 1-Man Race Singles-6 Honeymoon Island Sun. 4/18 10:00 AM

Some ground rules for the season…

1. Lifejackets and leashes will be compulsory for all paddlers – to be worn for the duration of the race.
2. Proficiency tests will be run before starting a race for all new paddlers- Test to be discussed
3. Carrying of a cell phone or VHF radio is mandatory.
4. Jade bezuidenhout to be the Cell phone notification administrator for the Florida West Coast Paddlers.
5. A downwind or offshore race will be planned by default for all races.
6. Race fee will be $5 to help cover the costs of safety boats and shuttles if needed.
7. There are a total of 10 races on the calendar (6) 1-man and (4) doubles or OC-2 races. ALL races are open to ALL craft! However, the best 4 winning
percentages out of 6 races will be the winner of the 1-man series. For Doubles and OC-2 the best 3 winning percentages out of 4 races will be the winner.
8. There will only be 2 sections per cat (Ladies and Mens) for OC1 and Ski. There will also be 3 sections (Ladies, Mens, & Mixed) for OC-2 and Double Ski
9. All Races are open to Surfskis, OC-1, OC-2, Paddleboards, SUP, and select Kayaks.

For more information: http://clearwatercanoeclub.com

Aloha,

The last outrigger canoe race for the 2009 year resulted in the largest turnout I have ever seen in the state of Florida. Thanks to Rea’s excellent planning she made it all come together successfully.

On the morning of race day the beach was full of outrigger canoes representing a number of canoe clubs from Florida and one team that made the long treck from South Carolina. With a total of thirteen 6 man outrigger canoes placed along the shoreline, it was a beutiful site to see. The clubs that made the drive for the race were the following:

-Kai Aniani Canoe Club – Clearwater
-Tarpon Springs Outrigger Canoe Club
-Kanalui – Miami Outrigger Canoe Club
-South Carolina Outrigger Canoe Club
-Outrigger Outreach Canoe Club – St. Petersburg
-Lanakila Iki – Ft. Lauderdale

Prior to the start of the novice race, a blessing ceremony was done on two of Kai Aniani’s newest 6-man outrigger canoes. The blessing included a native Hawaiian and some Hula dancers that came in from Orlando. All participants gathered around the canoes and formed a circle by holding ech others hands. In the true Aloha spirit the blessing gave us a reminder of where the sport had originated from and what it has developed into now. They said it best: “If you take care of the canoe when it is on land the canoe will take care of you in the ocean”. A special thanks to Lex and Carol Raas for arranging the blessing of the canoes, I think that it gave all of the paddlers a positive spirit while being out on the water during the races.

The first division to start off the racing was the novice races. There were a total of three canoes that participated in the event. The majority of the paddlers had never raced in a OC-6 race before so it proved to be a great introduction race for them. The race was approximately 6 miles. Conditions were light winds with a slight swell coming in from the west which was perfect for the novice paddlers. The Tampa Bay Dragon Boat club made an appereance with some great paddlers and showed their strength and ability to paddle the longer race than what they are normally used to. Thanks to Joe for throwing this team together. The other team was formed by Ant Steward which included two of Ant’s kids (Shack and Selby), Peter Budd, and Kevin Powell. There was also a mixed team that was formed together by the Tarpon Springs Outrigger Canoe Club. Thanks to Karl for putting this team togther. The race was a great success for all of the new paddlers!!!! A special thanks to Mike S, Cortland R, and Jean R for steering the crews to the finish line. Results Below:

-Kai Aniani – Men – Dragon Boat 41min. 37sec
-Kai Aniani – Men – Ant Steward 44min. 14 sec
-Tarpoon Springs – Mixed 47min 21sec

Shortly after the novice crews started the mixed and womens teams started the long course around Treasure Island. There were a total of 4 womens teams and a total of 4 mixed teams. The mixed division showed to be extremely competitive with only about a 4 min time difference between 1st thru third place. It was great to see 4 full crews of womens canoes out on the water. Each womens team deserves a pat on the back for completing the tough race. Tarpon Springs showed their strength and managed to beat out the other teams to the finish. Results Below

MIXED
1st Ft Lauderdale – 2:06.08
2nd Kai Aniani – 2:08.10
3rd Miami – 2:09.44
4th Outrigger Outreach – 2:13.56

Women
1st Tarpon Springs – 2:22.40
2nd South Carolina – 2:25.43
3rd Kai Aniani Clearwater – 2:27.22
4th Outrigger Outreach St. Pete – 2:28.44

The mens race started a couple of minutes after the novice race came to an end. A frontal passage was making its way from the north and winds were very light at the beginning of the race. As the race went on the frontal passage came through and the winds kicked in strong. With a head wind and a strong current against us the majority of the race it proved to be a tough race for all teams. Kai Aniani showed a strong 1st and second place finish while both Miami teams and the Tarpon Springs team battled it out. Results Below:

1st Kai Aniani Clearwater – 1:49.49
2nd Kai Aniani Clearwater – 1:52.31
3rd Miami – 2:00.35
4th Tarpon Springs – 2:05.35
5th Miami – 2:08.26

The Saturdays races ended with a great lunch, beer, awards, and raffle prizes. A special thanks to Rea, the sponsors, Island Inn, and volunteers who helped make this race possible. We are all looking forward to next year!!!

Aloha,
Jean
www.crazypaddler.com
www.clearwatercanoe.com