Ala Wai Challenge, Jan 29 2006

Above:  Ka Mamalahoe's paddlers raced on the water and competed on shore representing the Kawananakoa foundation and the Law Firm of Cheung, Wong and Morikawa at the 21st Ala Wai Challenge.

Above, Ka Mamalahoe's women crew, L-R...Jenniffer Ness, Lisa Duguran, Dana Howard, Ttbang Ball, Lisa Bento, Merly Vergonio

Above, Ka Mamalahoe's men crew, L-R...Jake Ness, Nate Vidal, Omar Becerrill, Frank Deniz, Jake Kearney, Terrence "Q" Qoung

Above, Jake & Jenniffer kicking back in in the shade.

Above, women head out to the starting line.

Down the stretch they come.  Our women finish off a tough heat which pitted them against an all male field.

Some say they were at a disadvantage, but the women finished off strong by putting the hurt on an all male crew and mixed crew (foreground).  Right on Ttbang, Merly, Jenn, Dana, Lisa D. and Lisa B.

Above, Ka Mamalahoe's men crew runs away from the field enroot to their 3rd win of the day and a trip to the quarter-finals

Win number 4, and it's on to the semi-finals for the men.

Above, the men are all smiles after their  victory shortly before their semi-final race, where Nate's seat broke off completely, leaving him unable to paddle.

The money shot...good profile, Nate!

Frank holds up the culprit in question...seat number 5.  Although the men had grounds for protest, they opted to go back to shore and eat.  It's too early in the season to be racing seven races in one day.  Oh well, everyone had a good time and Ka Mamalahoe was represented well throughout the day.