State regatta to honor veterans

By Dayton Morinaga
Advertiser Staff Writer

The first championship canoe regatta was so long ago, it wasn't even called a state regatta.

In 1952, the first territorial canoe championships took place at Kailua, Kona.

Fifty years later, much has changed.

Just ask Hannie Anderson or Keanuenue Rochlen. They both paddled in the inaugural regatta.

They've both been involved in paddling since, and will participate in today's Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association (HCRA) State Championship Regatta at Hilo Bay.

"There were no more than 10 clubs participating back then," said Anderson, president of the O'ahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association. "And there were maybe 10 races."

Today's State Championship Regatta will celebrate its 50th anniversary with 52 clubs participating and 37 races.

"It's unbelievable," Anderson said. "Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined it would grow like this."

Anderson and Rochlen will be honored at today's regatta for their amazing longevity in canoe paddling.

Both women participated in the 1952 regatta as paddlers for the Waikiki Surf Club.

Both will paddle today in the women's 55-and-older division, although for different teams. Anderson will paddle for Waikiki Surf Club; Rochlen will paddle for Outrigger.

"I was stronger and had a lot more stamina back then," said Anderson, 68. "But the feeling is still the same. I still get butterflies before my race and I still hope to help my crew win."

Rochlen, 74, said: "Every year I quit; I say I can't do it anymore. Then, before you know it, I'm back out there again."

Wally Froiseth, their coach at Waikiki Surf Club in 1952, will also be honored at today's regatta.

BY THE NUMBERS

Hawaiian favored: With a record 35 crews entered in today's regatta, the Hawaiian Canoe Club of Maui is favored to repeat as state champion.

Last year, Hawaiian became the first Maui club to win a state title. This year, Hawaiian will feature a crew in 35 of the 37 races.

Because every crew in every race scores at least one point (barring disqualifications), Hawaiian has a mathematical advantage.

Kai 'Opua of the Big Island has 30 crews; O'ahu champ Outrigger has 28; 2000 state champ Lanikai has 26.

"With the scoring system as it is, I would be very surprised if Hawaiian doesn't win," Outrigger head coach Mike Mason said. "The advantage they have going in is huge. At minimum, we're behind them seven points. Being more realistic, we're behind them probably about 50 points."

Since the current scoring system was implemented in 1998, the club with the most entries has won every state regatta, with the exception of 1999, when the regatta was halted before completion because of darkness.

Last year, Hawaiian had 34 crews and won the championship with 315 points. Lanikai had 28 crews and placed scond with 303 points.

AAA division
(18 crews or more)

• Hawaiian (35); Hui Lanakila (21); Hui Nalu (23); Kailua (25), Kai 'Opua (30); Lanikai (26); Outrigger (28).

AA division
(9 to 17 crews)

• Hanalei (17); Healani (15); Kahana (14); Kamehameha-Hilo (9); Kane'ohe (15); Kawaihae (17); Kihei (17); Koa Kai (12); Lokahi (15); Na Keiki O Ka Mo'i (14); Puna (17); Wa'akapaemua (13); Waikiki Surf (9).

A division
(8 crews or fewer)

• Alapa Hoe (1); 'Anuenue (6); Hawaiian Outrigger (1); Hui Wa'a O Waiakea (4); Kailana (2); Kaiola (7); Kai E Hitu (4); Kalihi Kai (4); Kamehameha-O'ahu (5); Keahiakahoe (8); Keauhou O Kona (8); Keaukaha (8); Keoua (8); Kilohana (1); Kumulokahi Elks (2); Lae'ula O Kai (6); Lahaina (1); Leeward Kai (2); Mana'e (4); Manu O Ke Kai (7); Moloka'i (5); Na Kai Ewalu (5); Napili (4); Na Wa'a Hanakahi (2); Niumalu (7); Pu'uwai (2); Waikiki Beach Boys (4); Waikiki Yacht Club (6); Waikoloa (1); Wailea (8); Waimanalo (1); Windward Kai (8).