15-20 mph trade winds, a south east ground
swell and a dropping tide going to slack made for pretty good conditions in
Kanaka Ikaika's race #3 from Makai Pier to Kaimana Beach. The short course
started in Hawaii Kai. It may have been the 3rd race of the season for many of
the 163 participants, but it was the coming out party for many of the island's
best paddlers making it a very competitive field.
In the OC-1 Long Course, Manny Kulukulualani mopped the rest of the field with a
4 minute 12 second gap over Karel Tresnak Jr which gave him a 3rd overall finish
and put him in the lead for the point series with fewest point (2) for his 2
best out of 3 races. In his first Lulu's series race, Kea Paiaina was 3rd, less
than a minute behind Karel Jr. with Tapa Worthington and Carlton Helm pulling in
4th and 5th. Many more competitive faces showed themselves for the first time
with the likes of Aaron Napolean, John Foti and Pat Von finishing in the top 10.
The women's division was won by Jessica Eames for her 2nd victory in as many
appearances. Arlene Holzman and Jaimie Kinard were 2nd and 3rd.
The Surfski race was dominated by Sean Monahan in his first Lulu's series race
appearance of the season. Sean and Matt Dubrule led to Makapuu where Monahan
broke away for good to finish in 1:49:10. Mark Sandvold made a strong push at
Diamond Head and passed Dubrule for a 2nd place finish only 20 seconds behind
Monahan. It was also both Sandvold and Dubrule's first Kanaka Ikaika appearance
of the season. There were no women in the Surfski divisions.
The OC-1 Short course continued to be a battle for the top. This week the men's
race was won by John Wacker in 1:09:21 with Gavin Hanoa 22 seconds behind in 2nd
and followed by 19 year old Kaleo Cambra for 3rd. The women's division found a
new winner as Sarah Van De Vanter finished in 1:19:03, just edging out series
leader Ann Dewey by a scant 16 seconds. 3rd place honor was Heidi Smith.
A stand up paddle division was included for the first time. Top honor was taken
by Kainoa Beaupre in 1:31:18 with Jeff Chang and Herbie Titcomb pulling 2nd and
3rd respectively.