Treasure Island, October 24, 2009
November 4, 2009 No CommentsBy: Jean Raas
The last outrigger canoe race for the 2009 year resulted in the largest turnout I have ever seen in the state of Florida. Thanks to Rea’s excellent planning she made it all come together successfully.
On the morning of race day the beach was full of outrigger canoes representing a number of canoe clubs from Florida 
and one team that made the long treck from South Carolina. With a total of thirteen 6 man outrigger canoes placed along the shoreline, it was a beautiful site to see. The clubs that made the drive for the race were the following:
-Kai Aniani Canoe Club – Clearwater
-Tarpon Springs Outrigger Canoe Club
-Kanalui – Miami Outrigger Canoe Club
-South Carolina Outrigger Canoe Club
-Outrigger Outreach Canoe Club – St. Petersburg
-Lanakila Iki – Ft. Lauderdale
Prior to the start of the novice race, a blessing ceremony was done on two of Kai Aniani’s newest 6-man outrigger canoes. The blessing included a native Hawaiian and some Hula dancers that came in from Orlando. All participants gathered around the canoes and formed a circle by holding each others hands. In the true Aloha spirit the blessing gave us a reminder of where the sport had originated from and what it has developed into now. They said it best: “If you take care of the canoe when it is on land the canoe will take care of you in the ocean”. A special thanks to Lex and Carol Raas for arranging the blessing of the canoes, I think that it gave all of the paddlers a positive spirit while being out on the water during the races.
The first division to start off the racing was the novice races. There were a total of three canoes that participated in
the event. The majority of the paddlers had never raced in a OC-6 race before so it proved to be a great introduction race for them. The race was approximately 6 miles. Conditions were light winds with a slight swell coming in from the west which was perfect for the novice paddlers. The Tampa Bay Dragon Boat club made an appereance with some great paddlers and showed their strength and ability to paddle the longer race than what they are normally used to. Thanks to Joe for throwing this team together. The other team was formed by Ant Steward which included two of Ant’s kids (Shacks and Selby), Peter Budd, and Kevin Powell. There was also a mixed team that was formed together by the Tarpon Springs Outrigger Canoe Club. Thanks to Karl for putting this team togther. The race was a great success for all of the new paddlers!!!! A special thanks to Mike S, Cortland R, and Jean R for steering the crews to the finish line. Results Below:
-Kai Aniani – Men – Dragon Boat 41min. 37sec
-Kai Aniani – Men – Ant Steward 44min. 14 sec
-Tarpoon Springs – Mixed 47min 21sec
Shortly after the novice crews started the mixed and womens teams started the long course around Treasure Island. There were a total of 4 womens teams and a total of 4 mixed teams. The mixed division showed to be extremely competitive with only about a 4 min time difference between 1st thru third place. It was great to see 4 full crews of womens canoes out on the water. Each womens team deserves a pat on the back for completing the tough race. Tarpon Springs showed their strength and managed to beat out the other teams to the finish. Results Below
MIXED
1st Ft Lauderdale – 2:06.08
2nd Kai Aniani – 2:08.10
3rd Miami – 2:09.44
4th Outrigger Outreach – 2:13.56
Women
1st Tarpon Springs – 2:22.40
2nd South Carolina – 2:25.43
3rd Kai Aniani Clearwater – 2:27.22
4th Outrigger Outreach St. Pete – 2:28.44
The mens race started a couple of minutes after the novice race came to an end. A frontal passage was making its way from the north and winds were very light at the beginning of the race. As the race went on the frontal passage came through and the winds kicked in strong. With a head wind and a strong current against us the majority of the race it proved to be a tough race for all teams. Kai Aniani showed a strong 1st and second place finish while both Miami teams and the Tarpon Springs team battled it out. Results Below:
1st Kai Aniani Clearwater – 1:49.49
2nd Kai Aniani Clearwater – 1:52.31
3rd Miami – 2:00.35
4th Tarpon Springs – 2:05.35
5th Miami – 2:08.26
The Saturdays races ended with a great lunch, beer, awards, and raffle prizes. A special thanks to Rea, the sponsors, Island Inn, and volunteers who helped make this race possible. We are all looking forward to next year!!!
Aloha, Jean
