Mamalahoe Kanawai

2007 PRE-SEASON NEWS

B Men Tops at Kai Poha Race

Haleiwa, May 19, 2007

Ka Mamalahoe crews charged the unusually flat waters of Haleiwa for the Kai Poha Pre Season Race with three crews entered. Leading the way was Ka Mamalahoe B men crew, who capped a nearly flawless season with a convincing win in the 10 mile race from Haleiwa to Waime Rock and back by more than 3 minutes over their nearest competition. Our staff was only able to obtain photos of the B men race but will look to add more from the other crews soon.

Ka Mamalahoe's B men indeed dominated the B competition of the pre-season. It was against veteran crews like the Waikiki Beach Boys (seen here) that our guys earned a great deal of respect. In this particular race, open steersman Frank, steered the guys in a race that went back and forth against veteran crews from Beach Boys and Waikiki Surf Club.

Beach Boys overtake our guys about a mile into the race

Our guys battling with Lokahi's open men

Waikiki Surf Club held a slight advantage approaching the half way point at Waimea

The crew heads out of the turn at Waimea Rock. Lets walk'em boys!!

The crew takes an inside route back to Haleiwa

Close to shore, the crew worked with some small surf and crept up on Surf Club and Beach Boys

There they are guys...let's get'em gang!

Just like "Seabuiscuit" our guys go eye to eye with Beach Boys and overtake them rounding the bay into Haleiwa

Good job gang!!

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Senior Master Women, B Men Tops At Koa Kai Race

Magic Island, May 5, 2007

Ka Mamalahoe's Senior Master Women crew pulled took their second gold of the pre-season in this weekends Koa Kai Laulima Race

Ka Mamalahoe's paddlers were once again out in force at this weekends Laulima race at Magic Island, entering six crews, resulting in two firsts, one second and a fourth place finish among them.

In the first races of the day, involving women and mixed crews, Ka Mamalahoe's Senior Master crew of Char Meyer, Christine Tate-Nishi, Karen Spellmeyer, Marilyn Luipold and Lauree Kalei-Gill scored another first place finish for the second consecutive week, with a time of 1:08.34

The Novice B women continued their successful run through the pre-season, finishing second to Keahiakahoe in a time of 1:12:17. This was also B steersman, Brandy Quinn's breakout race, coming out of the shadow of her open steersman mentor Michelle Chun. Congrads to Brandy and the rest of her crew of Sarah Cole, Lorna Loebl, Susan Yamamoto, Julie McClaughlin and Nako.

In the Mixed Master Division, James "Kimo" Mitchell gave his farewell performance with Ka Mamalahoe, before he departs to be with his family in Arizona. James and his fellow crew of Pam Glatt, Ted "Flash" Kunishige, Norbert Kitashima, Joan Couillard and Lisa Bento placed a solid 4th in their division with a time of 1:08:04 and in the process, managed to get the best of their fellow "younger" mixed open crew. James and his fellow masters outlasted the young upstarts, battling them back and forth, talking smack in good fun throughout the entire race.

Other Ka Mamalahoe crews that raced and during the first race of the day were the Open Women crew of Ronnie Simmons, Lorelei Saito, Kai Fernanadez, Leah Miller, Jen Street and Dara Hubin. The women placed 6th in their division with a time of 1:03:58. The Mixed Open crew placed 11th and were led by Justin Fujimoto, Curtis "I Have Great Hair" Jamison, Frank Deniz, Po'okelamaikalaninuiahina Auwae, Giselle Yates (on loan from Kai Opua Canoe Club) and Shawnee B.

In the second race of the day for all men, the Novice B men crew of Kawika Bautista, Kui Keomaka, Justin Damo, Shaff Bautista, Mike Medina and Chaz Bautista put forth another gold winning effort, finishing 1st in their division and 5th overall with a time of 1:27:01. It was perhaps the mens most impressive performance of the season, finishing more than five minutes ahead of their nearest B competition.

The B men and the rest of Ka Mamalahoe's crews look to close out the pre-season two weeks from now on May 19th in Haleiwa at the Kai Poha Canoe Club Race. See some of today's action below, but look for more in the coming days on James "Kimo" Mitchell's website listed at the end of todays photos listed below.

Ka Mamalahoe's B Women and Open Women line up before the start of their race

Novice B women, Sara, Lorna, Susan, Julie, Nako, Brandy

Senior Master women (left) pouring it on nearing the finish

Mixed Masters, Pam, Ted, Norbert, James, Joan, Lisa B

Mixed Open Crew, Justin, Curtis, Frank, Po'o, Giselle, Shawnee

Open Women, Ronnie, Lorelei, Kai, Leah, Jen, Dara

Novice B Men..Kui, Mike, Chaz, Justin, Shaff, Kawika

Justin and Kai Opua's Giselle Yates showing off da tats

James' Farewell Crew...Aloha James!

See more photo's on below link...

In A Different Light Photography

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Ka Mamalahoe Pulls Triple Gold at Alapa Hoe Race

Ke'ehi Lagoon, April 28, 2007

Ka Mamalahoe's Kai Fernandez, Lorelei Saito and Amy Hines hammers through the finish line at this past weekends Alapa Hoe Pre-Season Race.

Ka Mamalahoe entered six crews at Alapa Hoe Canoe Clubs pre-season race to produce their most successful showing of the pre-season. Led by their gold medal winning B Men, B Women and Senior Master Women, the Splintered Paddlers of Ke'ehi are already making this pre-season their most successful to date.

In the first race of the day (mixed & women crews), a record turn out of 45 crews hustled and jockeyed for space on the ocean, with the Mixed Master 40 Crew of Joan C, Mike T, Keoni F, James "Kimo" M., Leohone, and Pam G being the first Ka Mamalahoe crew to cross the tape with a time of 1:06:39. The crew finished up in 3rd, behind strong Master 40 crews from Hawaiian Kanaktion (1:03:22) and Hui Lanakila (1:04:23).

A few minutes behind Ka Mamalahoe's Master 40 crew was their mixed open crew of Justin F, Mike M, Terence "Q", Lisa B, and two paddlers from Koa Kai Canoe Club. The crew finished 10th with a time of 1:09:41. Top crews here were Waikiki Surf Club, 1:02:53, Waikiki Yacht Club, 1:05:44 and Waikiki Beach Boys, 1:06:11

Only a few seconds behind the open mix crew was their very own Open Women. The crew of Amy H, Lorelei S, Kai F, Jen S, Ronnie S, and Leah M. hounded their mixed crew siblings all race long and finished 5th in a very tough open women division with a time of 1:09:55. Top dogs here were the Waikiki Beach Boys women crew (1:05:12) Manu O' Ke Kai (1:05:21) and Lanikai (1:08:02).

Ka Mamalahoe's first of three gold medals on the day was brought home by their Senior Master Women Crew of Char M, Karen S, Marilyn L, Christine Tate-N, Nola F and Lauree K.G. The crew came in with a time of 1:15:55, edging out Kaneohe (1:16:50) to earn their first gold of the pre-season.

The B women were next, taking top prize for the second week in a row for their division with a time of 1:16:50. The crew was led once again by open steersman Michelle Chun and her paddling pupils, Marie W, Heather L, Irene T, Julie M, and Brandy Q.

In the second and final race of the day, involving all men crews, the Novice B's took their 3rd gold of the season in a time of 1:01:02. The all B crew of Kawika B, Kui K, Shaff B, Mazi M, Justin D, and Chaz B managed to top crews from Waikiki Beach Boys (1:03:35), Koa Kai (1:05:29) and Kai Oni (1:10:06).

Next up for Ka Mamalahoe Crews is the Koa Kai Canoe Club Pre-Season Race at Magic Island in Ala Moana on May 5th. See below for more on todays races. Aloha!

Trophies and happy smiles all around was the order of the day for Ka Mamalahoe

Forty-five crews bolted off of Ke'ehi's shoreline for the start of the mixed and women crew race

B Women, Marie, Heather, Irene, Julie, Brandy, Michelle

Senior Master women are off and running. Leading the charge is Char, backed up by Christine, Karen, Marilyn and Nola

Mix Master Crew finds themselves in the thick middle of the action, led by Joan, Mike T, Keone F, James, Leohone and Pam

Mix Master Crew opens up on rest of the pack

Ka Mamalahoe's Open Mix Crew moves through the Big Channel for the first turn on the buoy

Open mix crew (front) breaks away from the middle pack while the open women (far right) hangs close

Open Mix steersman Lisa Bento keeps the ama in check by leaning left while maneuvering the wa'a right

Leah guides her open women through the channel

Open Women looking good nearing the half way point

Leah sneaks by two other crews into the final buoy turn

Open Women in good fight with a crew from Lokahi

Down the stretch, they come...Open Mix, followed by their open women

Open Women digging in for the finish

Here come the 1st place master women...

Lauree, Nola & Marilyn

Novice B women finish up strong

B Women; Michelle, Brandy, Julie

Irene, Heather Marie

Talk about hard luck...a mix crew from Kailua Canoe Club "huli's" only a seconds away from the finish

That's gotta suck...

Novice B Men drive on by a recently "hulied" crew from Koa Kai

B Men approach the half-way point

L-R: Chaz, Justin D, Mazi, Shaff, Kui, Kawika

Justin D and Alex from Kalihi Kai hanging out post-race

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-Novice Women Debut is Golden at Keahiakahoe Race-

Ke'ehi Lagoon, April 21, 2007

-Miller & Hines Take Silver and Bronze at One-Man State Championships-

Hawaii Kai, April 22, 2007

Ka Mamalahoe's Novice B Women battles a crew from Keahiakahoe to the finish line. The women lost this battle but placed 1st among four novice crews entered in the race

Ka Mamalahoe entered only two crews in this weekends Keahiakahoe Pre-Season Race at Ke'ehi Lagoon. The crews, Novice B men and women, did not disappoint as they both took top honors.

Both the men and women crews took part in the first race of the day, a 6 mile mile short course from the Ke'ehi shoreline out to the far big channel buoy and back.

For the mens crew of Kawika Bautista, Kui Keomaka, Justin Damo, Shaff Bautista, James "Kimo" Mitchell and Chaz Bautista, it was redemption of sorts after last weekends disappointing "huli" at the Winward Kai Race took them out of medal contention for that day. The boys left no doubt on this day, however, as they roared out of the start and finished 1st overall among a racing field of 28 crews in a time of 46:20:04.

The Novice B women also turned heads entering their first race of the year by taking 1st among four Novice B Women crews with a time of 58:07:12, nearly two minutes ahead of the other novice crews (2 from New Hope, 1 from Keahiakahoe). Veteran steersman, Michelle Chun captained her crew of B women, Marie W. Sara Cole, Lorna Loebl, Julie McGlaughlin and Brandy Quinn.

Kanaka Ikaika State Championships were held this past Sunday, April 22. Congratulations go out to our very own Leah Miller and Aimy Hines placed 2nd and 3rd respectively in the 12 mile short course. Times and complete results were not available at press time. Check out Y2Kanu.com later this week for complete results.

Ka Mamalahoe will be back home at Ke'ehi next weekend, April 28 for the Alapa Hoe Canoe Club pre-season race. See more photos of the day's races below and be sure to check James "Kimo" Mitchell's website in the next few days for clearer pictures of this and other races. James link is listed at the bottom of today's photos. Aloha!

Ka Mamalahoe's Novice B Women; Brandy, Julie, Lorna, Sara, Marie

Novice B men are the first crew to return from the ocean headed into the final right turn on the buoy

Chaz cranks a turn and heads for the finish. From L-R: Kawika, Kui, James, Shaff, Justin D. Chaz

Michelle Chun and her B women get the inside track on a masters crew from New Hope at the final buoy turn

B Women almost chased down this veteran crew from Keahiakahoe heading into the final 50 yards of the race

This is Brandy's husband...Joe

1st place Overall Novice B Men...Justin Damo, Chaz Bautista, Kawika Bautista, Shaff Bautista, James "Kimo" Mitchell, Kui Keomaka

1st Place B Women...Sara Cole, Brandy Quinn, Michelle Chun (open steering), Susan Yamamoto, Marie W, Lorna Loebl, Julie McClaughlin

A happy gang of paddlers

Uncle Gilbert of Keahiakahoe rewarded our winning crews with some unique trophies...everyone received a five pound bag of kalua pig

The spoils of victory...cha-hoo!!

In A Different Light Photography

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Winward Kai Pre-Season Race

Magic Island, April 14, 2007

Ka Mamalahoe's Open Mix Crew hammers through the surf outside of Waikiki during the Winward Kai Pre Season Race.

Ka Mamalahoe returned to the raceways after a brief layoff by entering four crews in the Winward Kai Pre-Season Race this past Saturday.

In the days first race, our Master Women Crew of Karen Spellmeyer, Christine Tate-Nishi, Jodi Hopkins, Keala Kaupu, Irene Torres and Lauree Kalei-Gill took the clubs lone medal of the day with a 3rd place finish with a time of 1:37:36. Kehiakahoe Canoe Club crews took the top two spots here, finishing with a time of 1:18:57 and 1:32.03 respectively.

Our Mixed Open Crew of Justin Fujimoto, Stacy Bennett, Mike Tosaki, Lisa Fetu-Deniz, Shawnee Bridehardt and another paddler from Alapa Hoe, teamed up to place 7th. Top crews here were Hui Lanakila (1:11:32), Na Keiki O' Ka Mo'i (1:17:15) and Keahiakahoe (1:19:45).

The Open Women placed 6th with a time of (1:22:57) and were led by Lorelei Saito, Aimy Miller, Kai Fernandez, Leah Miller, Ronnie Simmons and Dara Hubin. Waikiki Beach Boys women remained perfect this pre-season taking 1st in a time of 1:16:22. Second and third went to crews from Niu Malu Canoe Club with times of 1:17:35 and 1:20:02.

Later, in the mens race, our Novice B crew of Justin Damo, Kui Keomaka, Mike Medina, Shaff Bautista, James "Kimo" Mitchell and Chaz Bautista appeared well on their way to another 1st place finish as they rounded the Natatorium Windsock Buoy outside of Waikiki. Well ahead of their novice competition and up among the overall pack leaders, the crew was flipped over by an ocean swell. The delay costed the men precious time but they picked themselves up and managed to finish up 4th with a time of 1:27: 37. Koa Kai's B men took first on this day with a time of 1:22:36, followed by Keahiakahoe (1:22:54) and Waikiki Beach Boys (1:24:27).

Next up for the "Splintered Paddlers" is the Pokai Bay Pre-Season Race in Waianae, sponsored by Na Keiki O' Ka Mo'i Canoe Club. The below low resolution pics were provided by the Mamalahoekanawai.com staff, but you can take a look at these and other race pics in high resolution on James Kimo Mitchell's website listed at the end of these photos. Aloha!

Open Women Lorelei, Amy, Kai, Leah, Ronnie, Dara

Jodi, Keala, and Irene...aka "Smiley"

Lauree steered her Master Crew to a 3rd place finish

Lauree, Irene, Keala, Jodi, Christine, Karen

Open Mix Crew, Justin F, Stacy, Mike Tosaki

Justin passes congrads to his crew for backing him up as Fetu (seat 5) pants hysterically

Novice B Men out in front as they approach the Waikiki Natatorium where they were tossed by a swell

All bailed out, the guys approach the final buoy nearing the finish

Justin Damo sets the pace with Kui backing him up

See these and other pictures in clearer detail on James Kimo Mitchell's website at...

In A Different Light Photography

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Novice Men Roll On At Beach Boys Race

Magic Island, March 31, 2007

Ka Mamalahoe's Novice B men and their open steersman, Mike Tosaki, dominated the Novice Division and placed an overall 3rd out of 34 men crews

Ka Mamalahoe took its paddling show on the road to Magic Island this past weekend at the Waikiki Beach Boys Owen Cenal Memorial Race. The paddlers from Ke'ehi put on an impressive show as three of its four crews entered placed among the top crews.

Leading the way for Ka Mamalahoe was their Novice B men, who once again took top honors, outdistancing novice crews from Hawaiian Kanaktion and Waikiki Beach Boys. The first year crew of Kawika, Ku'i, Justin D, Shaff, and Chaz continue to impress as evident by their overall top four finish among an open crew mens field of 34 crews with a time of 1:14.35. Kaiola Canoe Club took top dog for the open men with a time of 1:11.31

In the early races of the day, the Senior Master Women, of Char, Karen, Joan, Irene and Lauree, took 3rd in their division, finishing behind Lanikai and Kaneohe in a time of 1:38.53

In the Open Women Division, Amy, Lorelei, Kai, Clem, Dara and Leah were also impressive placing 4th in the open division with a time of 1:26.59. Waikiki Beach Boys took top honors here with a time of 1:23.22, followed by Na Keiki O Ka Moi and Lokahi Canoe Clubs. The women placed an overall 10th out of 33 mixed and women crews.

The Open Mix Crew of Frank, Ronnie, Fetu, James, Merly and Q finished 5th in the Open Mix Division with a time of 1:29.02

The pre-season continues with the North Shore Pre Season race on Saturday, April 7th in Haleiwa. Below are some photos from the days events.

3rd Place Master Women, Lauree, Char, Karen, Irene

Ronnie and Merly

Lorelei

Merly and Frank

Kai, Clem and Dara

Dara and Frank

Amy & Leah

Leah & Clem

Irene & Joan

Ronnie & Merly's girls...Kalei & Skyler

Preparations begin for the mens race

B Men give a quick Pule before their race

To the surprise of many, the Novice Men head home near the front of the pack

The men get a big Ka Mamalahoe welcome home

Shaff gives the stroker, his brother Kawika, a hug while Chaz, brother #3 looks on

Justin "Damo" gets high fives from his adoring nieces and nephews

Honorary B Brother, James congratulates his adopted family on an awesome race

Kawika proudly displays the 1st place trophy

B Men, Justin D, Ku'i, Kawika, Shaff, Chaz

Late Pics from the March 24 Rhino Relay Race...

Our very own Ebony & Ivory...Leah & Amy

Ok, that must be Leah up front...she leads the two man league in darkness points

Clem leading the way for her tandem on their leg of the race

The ladies waiting for Clem to hand off their leg of the race

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Firsts at Pu'uloa and Rhino Races

March 24, 2007

Lauree, Ku'i, Ronnie and Alex were part of Ka Mamalahoe's winning mixed crew at this weekends Pu'uloa Pre-Season Race

Ka Mamalahoe paddlers seemed to be everywhere this weekend as paddlers took part in both one-man and six man races at different spots around Oahu. The results couldn't have been better however, as crews in both locations claimed top prize in their respective divisions.

At Ke'ehi Lagoon, the six-person contingent of Ronnie, Alex, Ku'i, Mike M, Dara, Lauree, placed first in the mixed open division. This win was especially sweet considering this crew was a last minute assembly of 1st year and veteran paddlers competing against a field of crews with the likes of world champion paddlers from Team Bradley and Lanikai Canoe Club.

Over on the winward side of the island, Leah Miller, Clementine Siaosi and Aimy Hines took part in the Kanaka Ikaika Rhino Relay One Man Races. The results were the same as team Ka Mamalahoe pulled out the victory.

Congrads to all on an outstanding day of racing! Ka Mamalahoe will look to continue its winning ways next Saturday, March 31 at the Waikiki Beach Boys pre-season race at Magic Island.

The staff at Mamalahoe Kanawai.com (me) was unable to cover the paddlers at this weekend races, but big mahalo's go out to Ronnie for sending us the pictures. Only the official results of the Pu'uloa Race was posted by press time.

PU'ULOA OPEN MIX CREW RESULTS

1^ST KAMAMALAHOE 1:06.50

2^ND KEAHIAKAHOE-TEAM BRADLEY 1:07.57

3^RD KEAHIAKAHOE-TEAM BRADLEY 1:08.28

4^TH LANIKAI 1:08.40

5^TH ALAPA HOE #1 1:11.08

6^TH KEAHIAKAHOE-TEAM BRADLEY 1:13.52

7^TH HONOLULU PEARL 1:14.27

8^TH ALAPA HOE #2 1:16.31

9^TH KEALA 1:31.57

Ka Mamalahoe's mixed crew for Pu'uloa Pre Season...Ku'i, Ronnie, Dara, Mike M., Lauree, Alex

Ku'i and Alex with the first place koa paddle

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Gold & Bronze at Stew Kalama 07'

Ke'ehi Lagoon, March 10, 2007

Ka Mamalahoe entered three crews during this past weekends Stew Kalama pre-season race at Ke'ehi Lagoon. Two of their crews, the Novice Men and Open women placed first and third respectively. Read more on this story below.

Head Coach Scotty Thompson was all smiles this weekend as two of his three crews brought home the hardware at the Stew Kalama pre-season race.

The days races started off with the womens and mixed 6 mile course. Ka Mamalahoe's open women rode the surf to a bronze finish in a tough open women division. Our powerhouse women were led by the cool steering of Dara Hubin, and paddlers, Amy Hines, Lorelei Saito, Kai Fernandez, Clementine Siaosi and Leah Miller.

Not too far ahead of the ladies was Ka Mamalahoe's mixed crew. The patchwork crew made of veterans and first year paddlers finished a respectable 7th in the mixed open division. The gang was captained by Lisa Bento in the drivers seat, and the strong paddling of Char Meyer, Jen Street, James "Kimo" Mitchell, Terrence "Q" Quong and Mike Medina.

The pleasant surprise of the day came later when veteran coach and charter club member Randy Chun made his farewell race before he heads off to Japan. Randy steered his standout Novice B men to a first place finish in the novice division and an overall 6th place finish out of 21 open men crews during a tough 8 mile course. Congrads here go out to Kawika Bautista, Ku'i Keomaka, Justin Damo, Shaff Bautista and Chaz Bautista.

There was plenty of food and entertainment after the races as everyone kicked back and told stories of their day of of racing. Mahalo to everyone who participated. See more of today's race action below...