Ka Leo O Ka Lae`ula
January 2007

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We Have Grown

2006 was an expansion year for the adult division. We are still considered a small to medium club, leaning more to the medium, but it seemed like a big club to us old timers. Trying to maintain our intimate and cozy feeling where everyone knows everybody was at times a challenge. Luckily our past members are inviting, welcoming & outgoing.

Practice continued to be held in the mornings and evenings with both sessions being full and requiring the use of all our canoes. Yes, even the malias. By the end of the season the novice B’s were able to tell the difference between the Malia and our racers as they cringed when their names were called for the older canoes. (Yep, experienced veterans get the newer canoes) Mahalo to Karen & Malama Chun for the use of their canoe, it was a life saver.

We had an energetic group of kids with great numbers in the 10 and under, in a few years they will be super 12’s. Our 12 and under girls found themselves in the medal ceremony for most of the regattas while our 16 boys faced many challenges including making it to the beach.

What was very helpful this year was the kokua received from many LUOK members with the kid’s practices. With so many young kamali`i it is import- ant to have enough adults to go out with all of them and keep a watchful eye on them and give their canoes a little power to make it back up wind. Thank you to our kids coaches and kokua people; Mary, Jim, Caitlin, Rosela, Rick H., Howard & those that kokua when they were able to.

Senior Master Women - An Undefeated Season

Karen, Kathy, Kat, Beth, Caitlin, Bonny

Who would have thought? Perhaps that is the key? Go into the races with an open mind, with a simple expectation: to have fun while executing their plan to the best of their abilities both individually & as a crew.

CONGRATULATIONS to our Senior Master Women who were amongst a small elite group to remain undefeated in the MCHCA 2006 season. We are so proud and happy for all of them. Beth Moyers, Kat Wilder, Kathie Zwick, Bonnie Dela Cruz, Caitlin Nascimento, Karen Chun, and a little kokua from Malika for 2 races when one of the original members was off island.

These women did not stop and celebrate after the Maui Championships. Instead they practiced hard for another 2 weeks in preparation for the States. What an exciting race at Keehi Lagoon. They were right in the middle of the battle, dukeing it out with Kailua and the ladies from Moloka`i. How did it end? LUOK 3rd in the State for the Senior Master Women’s division - 2006!

Well, there is now a target on their backs. Crews will be gunning for them. How exciting, can’t wait for next season.

Lae'Ula O Kai - 2nd in the World

Sharon, Mary, Barb, Jenn, Dolly, Mary

Kia Ora Mate, how about a plate of oysters & a DB from the chilly bin? These words conjure up some fond memories of our trip to Aotearoa (New Zealand) in March of 2006. 17 of us ventured south for the International Va`a Federation World Sprints held in Hamilton.

We first had to qualify in the trials held on Oahu the day following the Queen Lili`uokalani long distance races in Kona. After qualifying, practice for this group began the 3rd week in December.

This extra effort culminated with a 2nd place finish in the Master women 500 meter sprint. Less than one second separated 2nd through 5th place. We did not want to believe that we had pulled off a 2nd; even with the jumbo-tron replaying the finish, it was so close. Not until the results were posted did we celebrate. This race was our highlight but it was not our only race.

Koru – the new shoot of a
ponga fern frond. A National symbol of New Zealand representing: peace, tranquility, new life, growth and harmony

We raced for four days in many different combinations, Open women 500 & 1500 meters, master women 1000 & double hull 500 meters sprint as well. Most of our crews advanced at least to the semis and most to the finals. Ricky raced in several master men’s crews & Barb Querry and your 2 coaches also competed in the OC-1 races with all of us advancing but just missing the finals. We paddled in many different conditions, calm, windy, hot, rainy and through hail and lightning.

Aside from the silver medal other highlights include: Navigating and driving on the left side of the road, watching a league rugby match at the Waikato Stadium, Toobing in the Waitomo caves, sledding, visiting with family and friends, gambling at the casino, bowling and laser tag, opening ceremonies, the sheep, the dairy products, eating and eating and eating, getting to know each other better and strengthening our own bonds.

New Zealand is certainly the land of many – many things to do, many miles to drive, many places to go, many different foods to eat, many beers to drink and many fond memories to cherish. I think many of us plan to return there someday and explore the many corners we left unturned. It is affordable, clean; green, inviting and they speak so well. Rather refreshing.

Think I’ll have a spot of tea and biscuits.

Haere ra - farewell