Posted on: Saturday, September 25, 2004
Hawai'i crews could get south-swell boost
By Dayton Morinaga
Advertiser Staff Writer
A rising south swell could raise the chances of the top Hawai'i crews in tomorrow's Hawaii Modular Space Na Wahine O Ke Kai.
WHEN: Tomorrow, 7:30 a.m. start; first finishers expected around 1 p.m. WHERE: Start at Hale O Lono Harbor, Moloka'i; finish at Duke Kahanamoku Beach, Waikiki WHO: Approximately 70 crews from around the world competing in various divisions (open, masters 40-older, masters 50-older, koa canoe) "Moloka'i is such an unpredictable race," said Kisi Haine, steerswoman for the Outrigger Canoe Club. "Sometimes you think it's going to be good (conditions) and it's not. We're hoping it's good (tomorrow) because that's what we hear it's supposed to be."
A strong south swell and a favorable tide are expected to help push the canoes across the Kaiwi Channel tomorrow. The only problem could be light winds.
"If there's waves, it helps the Hawai'i teams," said Hui Lanakila coach Raven Aipa. "And it makes it more exciting, so I think we're all crossing our fingers that the conditions are good."
The Hawai'i teams may need favorable conditions to keep pace with the powerful Mooloolaba crew from Australia. Mooloolaba dominated last year's race, winning by nearly 10 minutes.
"You have to look at Mooloolaba as the team to beat," Aipa said. "They're the defending champions and they're a big, strong crew."
At least three Hawai'i teams are considered legitimate contenders: Outrigger, Hui Lanakila and Team Bradley.
Outrigger finished second last year, and has placed in the top five of every Na Wahine O Ke Kai race. Two weeks ago, Outrigger beat all of O'ahu's top teams to win the E Lau Hoe long-distance race.
"We're not the biggest crew out there, but we have a lot of experience," Haine said. "For us, course selection is going to be a big deal. If we find wind and waves, that can only help."
Hui Lanakila is being mentioned as a pre-race contender for the first time in the 26-year history of the Na Wahine O Ke Kai.
"This is all new and exciting," Aipa said. "But we still look at ourselves as the underdog."
Hui Lanakila proved its worth by winning two long-distance races earlier this year, including the prestigious Queen Lili'uokalani race off Kona.
Team Bradley is a collection of elite paddlers from O'ahu, Kaua'i, Maui and the Big Island. Among the paddlers in the crew are Olympic kayaker Lauren Spalding and former solo world champion Kelly Fey.
"We're all ocean-savvy girls," Spalding said. "If we have a strength, it would be in the bigger water."
Darkhorse contenders from Hawai'i include Kai 'Opua, Waikiki Beach Boys and Lae Ula O Kai.
Reach Dayton Morinaga at dmorinaga@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-8101.
More than 70 crews are expected to participate in the outrigger canoe race from Moloka'i to O'ahu. The 41-mile Na Wahine O Ke Kai is considered the world championship of long-distance canoe racing for women's teams.
WHAT: 41-mile outrigger canoe race for women
