Scotty's Kikaha Outrigger Paddling Blog

Soundrowers

2011-09-30T17:15:00.001-07:00

Ready for 14 mile race!

Kikaha canoes winterized

2011-09-30T13:31:00.001-07:00

The kikaha fleet of 7 canoes are stored in our back field to rest until 2012. Now onto Molokai Hoe. Amua Kikaha.

Moloka' Hoe 2008

2008-10-18T17:03:00.000-07:00

We had a challenging and fun Molokai channel crossing this year. Even though half our team hadn't paddled with the other half, we blended nicely. Swells were 4-6 foot and we got some nice multiple swell pushes for some of the longest rides I've had. Our time was 6:05 for 60th place. Plenty of pictures in my gallery and the Raw Picture folder
Results and Articles are online too.

Looking at Molokai from my brothers house on the side of Diamondhead

Looking back from Molokai towards Oahu (a little south).

Molokai bread run

Rigging. The result was perfect. The canoe felt great the entire crossing. It was styling too with the Kikaha "Manu" blue skirts as they matched the ama and the blue waters of the channel.

Ant and Galen - the two virgins of the channel. They performed awesomely.

Looking down on the 106 canoes.

The team.

Coach Lance letting us know how the canoe handles on swells when he has to poke right.

The pule for the start of the race - the gladiators getting ready for the battle.

One of many swells we connected together for long runs.

Big waters. This shot was hard to take since I have to take the picture, stow the camera and then jump into the water - in about a minute.

Charging hard.

More with myself included.

Hiding in the swells.

More swells.

Getting closer.

Action.

Diamond Head

Al and Lance. Al steered for an hour and Lance the rest of the time.

Gordon and Dave strong in the power seats.

Almost there - Diamond Head from the other side.

Strong team.

Finish Line.

Scott and Gordon, Kikaha.com, 4 times in a row. What a blast.

The team afterwards.

Mokes Molokai Warmup

2008-10-08T20:20:00.000-07:00

Pete, Jaimie, and myself got a nice 2+ hour paddle into Bellows bay and small-kine surf at the Mokes. Good fun, beautiful waters! Now off to Molokai for the Sunday race. More photos here. I read that Bellows was closed right after we went by since they found a buried torpedo. Wow.

oc9 Pacific Northwest Challenge

2008-09-27T11:17:00.000-07:00

A good theme for our race story was our battle for 1st with SSP. The night before, Alan Goto posted his Facebook status as "just going to go with 8". To his hundreds of "friends", only a couple new what he was talking about. Then after the race his status was "should've gotten 9". Funny.

Then another Facebook paddler was wondering - "9 what?"

Of course since changes are a time consuming process since they slow the canoe down, doing more changes with more people doesn't guarantee a faster result. In fact, we had times where we didn't change since the crew got into a groove - and that is where we started to pass SSP.

In all a good fun race and very challenging. Other than the first jump into the lake (from a perfectly good boat) and getting into what felt like cold water - the rest of the race went well.

Here are a couple pics from the Womens race.

Andy Michels Writeup

The following is a writeup by Andy Michels on the race. We are now off to Molokai racing in 2 weeks.
Pacific Northwest Outrigger Challenge

By Andy Michels

Pacific Northwest Outrigger Challenge crews hit Lake Washington (Seattle) for the fourth annual 26 mile race on August 30.

Billed as the only outrigger race in the world under two floating bridges (figure that one out?), paddlers from as far away as Utah gathered to challenge themselves and share the aloha spirit. The race course started at Sail Sand Point and headed south around Mercer Island, returning to Sand Point.

This is traditionally an important race for Pacific Northwest Outrigger Racing Canoe Association (www.pnworca.org) to prepare for other long distance races such as Catalina and the Molokai Ho’e. PNWORCA consists of 19 member clubs in Washington, Oregon, and Montana. The race provides opportunities for paddlers to race in a variety of distances, 16 or 26 miles, and water or beach change-outs.

The racing was very competitive with course records set for both the open men and women’s crews. In the Open Men’s race, a team blended from four clubs headed by Federal Way’s Kikaha O Ke Kai took first place in the 26 mile - 9 man race in a time of 3:12:23 followed 50 seconds later by Sail Sand Point OCC. The Kikaha team is headed for the 2008 Molokai.

The open women’s race was won by Sail Sandpoint OCC in a time of 4:09:57 (new course record). Kikaha / TriCities took second place in 4:11:01. The beach change-out race (open mixed crews) was won by Hui Wa’a O Wakinikona in a time of 2:37:02, with Seattle Outrigger coming in second in 2:37:02.

PNWOCRA President Boy Chun Fook has been working hard to build this race into a major west coast race. “It’s got the venue, it’s got the distance, it’s got the spirit” he said. “We hope to attract more crews to Seattle next year.” John Richardson, Kikaha club president said “The race complements the July Gorge Games race on the Columbia River. We can get big water like the Gorge or relatively flat conditions like this year’s race, but it’s 26 miles no matter what.”

Andy Michels is club secretary for Kikaha O Ke Kai. He paddles on Wollochet Bay near Gig Harbor, Washington.

Photos are online here, here and here.

More Racing Action

Kailua Summer 2008

2008-09-10T21:36:00.000-07:00

We spent two weeks in Kailua and did lots of water events. I had some big water paddling outside the reef from the Mokes down to Flat. Laura rented a new Nash SUP and enjoyed the more difficult conditions. Amber went paddling, SUP and swimming as well. I also met up with some Kailua High School friends I hadn't seen since high school. We also enjoyed visits with my brothers family. Good fun.

Gorge Games 2008

2008-07-25T23:31:00.000-07:00

Mixed Crew

See Full Gallery.
Gorge Games 2008 was a fun event. Good turnout and rough conditions for the week up through the 0c6 race. The oc1 was lighter winds and minimal surfing.
My masters men team had 2 great surfing laps. Once we turned the first bouy in 8th place, we were never passed the rest of the race. Roddy's team came close on the 2nd lap but Petes surfing our new Lighting was awesome. The whole team pulled together and worked speed up's at the right time. We were 100's of yards ahead before the last turn. Some of the best oc6 surfing ever.
The women did awesome. The shots here are of their open crew.

July 4th Fox Island Water Fun, Friends, Family

2008-07-22T21:01:00.000-07:00

Gallery

SUP and other Balance Acts

non Facebook link

One with everything

Olympics Sunset

Cousin Water Play

July 4th Water and Toys

Sabot Sailing

Everyone is out, even Sunny

SUP by the house

claybabies at Fox Island's Sand Spit

The Gu Team

Nice balance, Amber

Sam and Amber by the small Island

Jessie and Sam paddling

More SUP training

Beautiful morning for a paddle

Foxy the seal pops his head

Hidden island arises

Amber and Sam SUP

Enjoying stormy warm waters

Kikaha Wins PNWORCA 2008 Sprint Championships

2008-06-29T10:54:00.000-07:00

Great sprint season final championship race. Kikaha won, with Autum Rose 2nd and Silverdale 3rd. See Entire Race Gallery and Awards Banquet pictures.

Scotty Racing Open Men Oc1

Makana Stroking, Way to Go

Sr Master Co-Ed

Coach Gordon Going Strong

David Williams going to the Worlds in great form

Isiah and 12 and under boys

Jayme's First Steering

Jayme's dad (John) following her first race

Jayme and her crew

Master Men redeeming ourselves

Scotty and Bronson

Gabby Steering

Open Women 1500 Charging and winning

Cranking one of 2 turns

Out of the Turn

Women

Winning last sprint race of season

Open Wahine

Kikaha Awards Banquet

Gordon and Boy

Many more pics of Awards Banquet are online.

Silverdale Sprints June 21 2008

2008-06-27T22:34:00.000-07:00

Entire Gallery, and Video Gallery - doesn't show up in facebook.

12 and under girls

12 under girls (5 of them) beating the 12 and under boys.

Doug winning with rudderless (Gordon took next race)

12 and under girls (8 and under) playing

12 and under boys

12 and under girls

Amber, Joelie, Kim

Scotty

Russ, Gordon, Doug, Pete

Boy and Gordon

Doug looking strong in rudderless canoe

Open Men 500m (HI Rambo)

Master Men 500m

Open Women 1500 (Laura Steering)

Keiki 12 and under

Silver Lake Sprints 08

2008-06-15T20:19:00.000-07:00

Hard fought day of paddling. Kikaha won the regatta by 11 points. Tough competition. Pictures here.

10 and under Boys

10 and under girls

John

10 and under Girls

Open Women 1500m (1st place)

Isiah 10 and under

Open Women 1500m (1st place)

Master Co-Ed 1st

Master Coed

Open Women 1500m

Open Women 1500m - Cranking a turn

Liz winning oc1 500m

Kikaha

Master Men's 1000m Sprint, Seats 4,5,6 with Turn (Scott, Robert, John).
Race starts about 5 minutes into the video. (NOTE: Video doesn't show up on facebook)

More Videos and Pictures on the web.

Seattle Grind 08

2008-06-07T20:16:00.000-07:00

9 mile distance race on the sound.

Open Men

Womens Start

Open Women

Low Tide

Master Women

Great day for racing, especially for our new black Kikaha shirts. Our open men took 3rd overall in the 9 mile race - with a time of 1:06.47. Masters was only 3 minutes behind. The women did well too with a 1st in masters and 3rd (I think) in open.

Spring Paddling

2008-06-04T06:18:00.000-07:00

Amber's Shells - great balance

Nice Views for SUP Paddling

Coach Gordon paddling hard

Freshmen Men's Crew

Open Women Charging in 1500

Three Amigo's having fun at Green Lake

12 and 14 year olds at Uncle Manu's Regatta

Open Men in close win in 500m

Gordon and Scott after the 500m

500m showing how close the finish was

Open Women

Amber SUP

12 and under coed - Amber

1-2-3 Ki-Ka-Ha (Kikaha)

12 and under coed (with Amber as well)

Fun at the lake dodging all those shadows.

Finally got in some good sprint regatta racing after some spring break (from paddling). Kikaha is going strong with a big turnout, especially from the kids. The 2nd annual Uncle Manu regatta (pictures here) was held on a record breaking May day with temp in the 90's. Then the Greenlake Regatta was held on a nice day as well.

My men's category is enjoying a good competitive turnout, and races like the 500m, 1000m, and 1500m are almost photo finishes this season. We are still wining the masters 500 and 1000, but not by much. We won the 500m and came in 2nd (or 3rd) at the other. Then the 1500m is getting away from us. We took 2nd to Silverdale, and then 2nd again at Green Lake to Autumn Rose. That last real 1500m was hard fought with 5 crews in almost a photo finish (well Autumn Rose had a 1/2 boat win). Racing side-by-side with Rod's Silverdale crew was exciting as the turns are so critical. John cranked good ones and we edged them out for 2nd. Exciting.

We now have a 9mi race Saturday - the famous Seattle Grind. Then back to sprints - and then the super fun and very challenging Gorge Games race weekend.

Ruston oc1 Winter Race

2008-03-05T13:42:00.000-08:00

Brenda's world famous Chicken Long Rice - perfect after a cold winter race.

Coach Gordon.

Getting on water after all that indoor paddling. Felt good. 3rd in my new Sr Master category.

Boy giving out awards. Alan Goto did awesome in winning.
A couple more pics are WhiteRiverRanch.com including a couple short videos.

1. 42:00 David Anderson & Will Anderson OC-2 Master Men 8
2. 44:30 Alan Goto

OC-1 Open Men 7
3. 44:50 John Mooney OC-1 Open Men 4
4. 45:29 Geoff Briggs & Matt Hayes OC-2 Open Men 28
5. 45:32 Brian Boatman OC-1 Golden Master Men 37
6. 45:35 Eric Gerstl OC-1 Master Men 10
7. 46:03 Paulo Simpson OC-1 Open Men 31
8. 46:08 Heidi Mclaney & Mulu Tapasia OC-2 Open Mixed 36
9. 46:17 Sabine Jessel & Doug Miyata OC-2 Senior Master Mixed 23
10. 46:39 Shane Baker Surski Kupuna Master Men 32
11. 46:51 Bob Stewart OC-1 Kupuna Master Men 43
12. 47:09 Jesse Allen OC-1 Open Men 39
13. 47:26 Steve Workman OC-1 Master Men 25
14. 47:50 Sail Sand Point (Troy's crew) OC-6 Open Mixed ?
15. 48:03 Trevor May & Steve Pietila OC-2 Master Men 40
16. 48:15 James Clapp OC-1 Master Men 5
17. 48:16 Kevin Mchugh OC-1 Open Men 9
18. 48:17 Larry Porter OC-1 Golden Master Men 18
19. 48:23 Paul Martin OC-1 Master Men 17
20. 48:59 Joel Strimling OC-1 Master Men 29
21. 49:07 Peter Forand OC-1 Kupuna Master Men 20
22. 49:15 Laura Ricker & Katherine Whaley OC-2 Master Women 35
23. 49:41 Ed Wendling & Clement Corbiell OC-2 Golden Master Men 14
24. 49:55 Craig Holt OC-1 Kupuna Master Men 30
25. 50:05 Scott Moody OC-1 Golden Master Men 12
26. 50:39 Gordon Martinez OC-1 Master Men 48
27. 50.58 Lance Kahn OC-1 Golden Master Men 22
28. 51.03 Brady Quinn OC-1 Novice Open Men 3
29. 51.08 Lynn Purdy & Kelly Emerson Porter OC-2 Open Women 21
30. 51:16 Erin Thorsgard OC-1 Open Women 15
31. 51:24 Sail Sand Point (William's crew) OC-6 Open Mix ?
32. 52:14 Steve Bennett OC-1 Open Men 33
33. 52:35 Linda Warren OC-1 Master Women 45
34. 52:40 Dean Williams OC-1 Junior Men 27
35. 52:45 Rick Rother OC-1 Master Men 34
36. 54:11 Jacob Murray OC-1 Open Men 2
37. 54:58 Larry Mooney OC-1 Kupuna Master Men 6
38. 55:09 Melissa Swanson OC-1 Master Women 38
39. 55:50:23 Darcy Williams OC-1 Master Women 16
40. 55:50:64 Russ Woosley OC-1 Senior Master Men 11
41. 56:10 Robert Keliinoi OC-1 Kupuna Master Men 42
42. 56:32 Stan Dahlin OC-1 Kupuna Master Men 19
43. 57:32 Lalo Melendez OC-1 Kupuna Master Men 26
44. 59:27 Diane Yuen & Mignon Fontenelle OC-2 Master Women 47
45. 58:55 John Richardson OC-1 Senior Master Men 24
46. 1:01:11 Diane Kadolph-Ray OC-1 Golden Master Women 41
47. 27:50 John Mcarthey OC-1 Kupuna Master - Short Course 44
48. 45:15 Micheal Parks Surfski Senior Master Men - Late Start ?

New Year 12 Mile Fox Island Race

2008-01-02T18:38:00.000-08:00

Video from my new Sanyo Xacti E1 Waterproof video camera.

I paddled the 12 mile New Year's race around Fox Island and had my best time ever, 1:59.22. For me doing that non-stop is cool, especially so early in the season. I had paddled an oc2 two days before and the weather, waves and current stopped us from going around - so we went down and back. Still 12 miles. Great paddling site! Compare last years results and map.

At the 1/2 way mark and the eastern end of the island.

Later, Amber, Sunny and Laura enjoyed some SUP (Stand Up Paddling) around Tanglewood Island.

Awesome Molokai Race 2007

2007-10-09T00:23:00.000-07:00

Team Pacific Northwest

4-8 foot Molokai Sea, Great fun

57, Pacific Northwest, 5:56:33, but 48th in Open!
Almost 10 minutes faster than 2006.

Photo Galleries
2 pics
Results
Article, Article

Nappy Story (we came in the canoe after his)

Off Diamond Head

Lance, Awesome Steering Job (Ricky Too)

Canoe Surf Warmup

2007-10-03T20:11:00.000-07:00

Sam.

We had a warmup surf paddle courtesy of Outrigger, and our friend Sam and Don. Lance, Joe and I used the oc4 and caught some awesome waves. One totally engulfed us as we took off late but we pulled it off. We also had to steer away from the sailboat wreckage and debris from the night before (after making it all the way from California). We caught a bunch of waves and are now ready for Molokai. We head over Thursday. The forecast is for the windy weather to continue. That would be great.
Tongg's surf spot is near the point by the hotels.

Catching a small wave before putting the camera away

Loading Canoes for the trip to Molokai

2007-10-01T21:56:00.000-07:00

We met with Pali at 5:30 this morning to load the canoes for the short trip to Molokai. They load 3 or 4 canoes on each pallet after race numbers are added and everything recorded.

This is Pali, Boy and Joe with our canoe "Ele'u O Ke Kai" - Dancing over the water. We used it last year a well. There are a lot of different top canoes now which is great for the sport.

They say there are 100 canoes just from Oahu this year. So include Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island - and it is going to be crowded.

Oh, the following is Lanikai which is what our paddles are names after. I went out today for a long oc1 paddle and some great surfing in the channel to the right of this island. Then past the reef into Molokai waters. What a great experience.

Getting ready for Molokai

2007-09-29T20:24:00.000-07:00

We are off to Oahu and then Molokai. The race is next week, Oct 7. I'll try to post some Hawaii prep pictures before we head to Molokai. You can keep track of the race both at ocpaddler and y2kanu.

Thanks to everyone that supported our training.
The team from Kikaha consists of Doug, Jacob, Gordon, Ricky, Scott - with Boy in support. Lance, Stu, Joe and Danny round out the team.

Should be fun.

OC9 Challenge on Lake Washington

2007-08-31T09:39:00.000-07:00

Gordon and Stuart getting in at the same time.

Ricky jumping out of a perfectly good canoe (Manu of course).

Paddling by Bill Gates' house - the Richest Man in the World. They even waved, or maybe it was just the body guards.

Note, the previous post on technique is still good information.

Lanikai training ground for Molokai

2007-08-11T23:46:00.000-07:00

Jamie Grimm, back in her home waters.

I'm visiting my old stomping grounds in Lanikai/Kailua and have had some great training runs in the wind and waves of the beautiful waters. It's great to get out past the Mokes (the twin islands) and into full Molokai waters. Very big swells just past the reef and into that open ocean. Then awesome surf and swells outside the reef for the mile surf down to Flat Island. Doing wind-sprints to catch waves is great training too. So much fun. No wonder the Lanikai OCC has produced such great results with such great waters to train in every day.

Amber surfing ama.

Seattle Grind 07

2007-08-10T01:17:00.000-07:00

Kikaha Wahine after the first lap with Liz getting out to touch the flag.

Liz getting back in for the 2nd lap.

Strong Finish.

Kikaha Master Men

Fun race on Seafair Weekend - watching the Blue Angles and enjoying a great 10 mile course. Kikaha Wahine took 3rd open, Kikaha Men took 1st master (close 3rd overall). SSP won the open. Lots of banging on the turns in a close paddle-for-paddle race.

PNWORCA Sprint Champions 2007

2007-07-22T13:09:00.000-07:00

Kikaha Junior Girls
Kameron.

Uncle Pete mentioned his best steering race, "My highlight race was with the 12 and under coed kickin it all the way, and Kameron calling for 2 poppin 20s on the finish that actually seemed to work good...ho, good fun deez kids.".

Reylyn and Jayme.

12 and under coed.

Exciting oc1 competition

Alan Goto.
David Williams.
Dave Halpern (Former National Champ and Olympian) - still kicking it at 55+. "kayaker David Halpern, a four time World Team member, 1984 Olympian and top US paddler, who still holds the distinction of winning an unprecedented (in any discipline) six medals at the National (Olympic) Sports Festival. Halpern later returned to serve as Head Coach of the SCC Sprint Team 1997-98 and continues today as a club member" - SCK Site.

Ricky.
Coach Gordon.
Liz.
Erin.

Oc6 Competition - 500m, 1000m, 1500m

Kai Ikaika Master Women
Kikaha Master Womwn
Kikaha Open Women.
Kikaha Open Men.

Coach Gordon's message: "Contratulations Kikaha job well done! Another fine year, Three Time PNWORCA Champions. Great job to all the keiki's paddling their hearts out and steping up to the Junior Divisions to represent. We're little short on with junior paddlers but did excellent job as well, especially the junior girls they're top gun and unstopable! Adults women & men very proud of you all. We had pretty good competition with highs & lows moments but the main thing is that we all paddled hard and had fun. Many of you surprised me and steped up to race OC-1 500meters. And did darn well for first time too. Kikaha you're awesome!".

President John Richardson noted, "Late afternoon the point totals we're close; Kikaha 98 and the Autumn Rose with 95. Then the two Master Women and Men 1000 meter crews place first in this very tough event. That pushed us over the top. The junior girls and 12 and under girls were also very dominant."

Now onto long distance racing.

Photos available of oc1 races, and oc6 races.

Gorge Games 2007

2007-07-16T22:17:00.000-07:00

Great weekend of paddling in the windy Columbia Gorge. Lots of oc1 paddling, including the stern wheeler (and breaking Johns' Ama in half). Hard oc6 race (windy and slower than previous years). And good oc1 race, but not as windy.

The Men's senior masters won their category.
Some race photos, and partying are available to view.

Great party and potluck as usual. This was the 11th year Kikaha and the event was held.

Your next sport!

3rd Pacific Northwest Outrigger 9-Man Challenge Preview

2007-07-08T14:10:00.000-07:00

2006 Blog Entry
2006 Photos
2005 Photos

Green Lake Regatta, May 26 - 2007

2007-06-01T10:22:00.000-07:00

Freshmen Women.
Coach Gordon.
Master Men 1000.
Greenlake, Seattle.
Freshmen.
Open Men 500m, 2:12.93 - Photo Finish. We took it by a foot.

Junior Girls.

Trying out my new Fusion on a 12 mile paddle at Fox Island on Memorial Day.

Results
Raw Photo Footage

Great sprint racing on a full 500m course - which sure seems long at times. The open men's fastest time in the 500 was 2:12.93 - into a slight headwind. We need to get back to the 2:00.1 time we had at the last world sprints (and then improve from there). Coach Gordon and everyone are trying new approaches for getting faster. This includes faster starts, working with GPS feedback, and other ideas.

We are going to do distance training on weekends when there are no races. These will be at Redondo, Sunday's 9am. Oc1 training on your own is also valuable.

Manu Baker Regatta

2007-05-20T17:36:00.000-07:00

A great first PNWORCA sprint regatta hosted by Kikaha and honoring the memory of Manu Baker was fun for all. Kikaha won the overall. Lots of fun and close races into a challenging head wind. I hope to take more pics at the next race.

The first oc6 race was the 10 and under keiki, and they had a challenging race. More pics are at ActionImages.

Keiki Boys.

The last race was the 1500 and Kikaha and Silverdale men raced neck and neck the entire race. Roddy, the steersman from Silverdale won the first turn (with less traffic), and the second was probably even, or Pete taking it by a nose. Then it came down to the final 500. Kikaha (with me in 4) dug in and took the win by a couple seats. Quite exciting. It will be a fun year. The 500's were about as close.

The Kikaha open women did great. The following is a pic from their 1500 - followed by a FilmLoop.com version.

The following loop brings these pictures together.

Rusty Iron, First oc6 Distance Race

2007-04-29T10:45:00.000-07:00

Great new Kikaha Wear!

Mix Crew took first place blue ribbon.
Open Women took second place red ribbon.
Sr. Masterman took second place red ribbon.
Masterman took second place red ribbon.
Open Men took third place white ribbon.
Uncle Pete surfski took first place blue ribbon.

Mens DIVISION Name Time
OC-6 Men's Long Open Sail Sand Point OCC 59:27
OC-6 Men's Long Open Mountain Home OCC #41A 1:01:47
OC-6 Men's Long Open Kikaha O Ke Kai 1:01:59
OC-6 Men's Long Open Kai Ikaika 1:02:27
OC-6 Men's Long Open Bend OCC 1:02:28
OC-6 Men's Long Senior Masters Mountain Home OCC 1:04:39
OC-6 Men's Long Master's Bend OCC 1:07:22
OC-6 Men's Long Golden Masters Wakini Kona OCC 1:09:25
OC-6 Men's Long Master's Kikaha O Ke Kai 1:09:54
OC-6 Men's Long Senior Masters Kikaha O Ke Kai 1:10:14
OC-6 Men's Long Open Wakini Kona OCC 1:11:01

Womens DIVISION Name Time
OC-6 Women's Long Open Mountain Home OCC #41A 1:11:55
OC-6 Mixed Long Master’s Bend OCC 1:12:26
OC-6 Mixed Long Open Sail Sand Point OCC 1:12:53
OC-6 Mixed Long Master’s Tri-Cities OCC 1:15:03
OC-6 Mixed Long Open Wasabi 1:15:51
OC-6 Mixed Long Novice Kikaha O Ke Kai 1:17:12
OC-6 Women's Long Master's Bend OCC 1:18:24
OC-6 Women's Long Master's Mountain Home OCC 1:18:35
OC-6 Women's Long Open Kikaha O Ke Kai 1:21:06
OC-6 Women's Long Open Seattle OCC 1:22:11
OC-6 Women's Long Open Mountain Home OCC #98 1:24:10
Full Gallery of Photos

Final Winter OC1 Race

2007-04-21T08:18:00.000-07:00

Great shot of Boy in the final race.

The final oc1 winter series race took place in windy conditions on Lake Washington. PNWORCA web site has the results.

From Kikaha, Jacob had a great race coming in a close 6th place in the Open division. Boy was 4th in the sr master, John, Russ, Travis, and Robert raced strong.

Now onto the OC6 season.

In the overall points series, I ended up 3rd overall in the SR Master competition. I was tied for 2nd going into the last race, and unfortunately couldn't make that race. So I ended up 3rd overall. I'll have to get my revenge in the Gorge or in 500m sprint races.
3rd Place Trophy

ps. check out this wave surfing video with oc4's.

Oc1 Racing Portland and Canada, eh

2007-03-25T09:20:00.000-07:00

The past two pnworca winter series races were in Vancouver, Canada - and then in Portland. Gordon, Jackob and Scott drove up to Canada and did that race which was fun (and in between the monsoon). Gordon and Jackob won in the oc2 and scott won the senior master oc1. We met up with Dave Rey who raced with us for a few years. He and his wife Sharon are doing great and living in Canada just over the border. They plan to move to Hawaii for retirement in a couple years.

The Portland race was well attended. Strong current in the Willamette River so in the up-river run was crucial to hide from the current and draft if possible. The down river run allowed us to go about 7.5mph a lot of the way, but the river bends around and so does the current. Thus staying in the right place wasn't easy. Having a gps helped determine the best place.

Jackob had a great run pulling away from me (about time) about 2 miles into the upriver leg. He is getting strong! Boy, Russ, John and Pete (surfski) also did well. Doug and Sabin did great in the oc2.

Last race is the championships on Lake Washington, April 14. Then on to the oc6 races.

Tue practice 3-20-07

2007-03-20T23:05:00.000-07:00

Good practice today! All four canoes filled. Everyones doing a good job and working well as a team. Please read through the handouts; mission statement, teamwork, coaching criteria, canoe responsibility, stroke technique, questionare (please complete and turn in) and getting pumped. Keep up the good work!
Imua Kikaha,
Gordon

Welcome Wahine

2007-03-18T11:22:00.000-07:00

We had 12 women show up for our season kick off, Saturday March 17. Nice job everyone. Our first race is April 28 so we need to focus on our endurance base for the next 6 weeks. If you don't get time on the water try to complement your training in the gym or other cardio activities.

Check out technique post for paddling tips.

Also please join the wahine yahoo group for the latest news.

See you on Tuesday!

Kikaha Winter Series Race

2007-03-05T20:13:00.000-08:00

The PNWORCA winter series was hosted by Kikaha and had a great turnout. Almost 6 miles of a two lap course offered some great competition. Rock Lam took a lot of pictures available at action-images.

Winter Series Columbia River Feb 10

2007-02-12T18:54:00.000-08:00

Interesting graph showing the difference from the previous 6 mile race on Lake Union, to this race. The very hard upwind/upcurrent portion, where I was about 3mph the entire way, then about 8+ all the way back down. Versus, the week before where the pace is closer to 6.2 the entire way.

Overall:
1-John Mooney 1:18:49
2-Dave Williams 1:19:07
3-Ina Talalemotu 1:20:33
4-Heidi and Mulu 1:23:04
5-Sabine and Doug 1:23:29
6-Dave Halpern 1:23:50
7-Laurence Rosen 1:24:28
8-Doug Nichols 1:25:12
9-Bob Stewart 1:25:20
10-Steve Workman 1:28:15
11-Marti Traver 1:28:28
12-Graig Holt 1:28:46
13-Daryl Hogge 1:29:07
14-Stuart Smith 1:29:26
15-Geoff Briggs 1:29:28
16-Paul Martin 1:31:09
17-Scott Moddy 1:31:32
18-Larry Porter 1:35:22
19-Justin Williams 1:35:55
20-Maria and Keith 1:36:26
21-Laura and Steve 1:36:47
22-Lance Mamiya 1:39:57
23-Hawk Conrad 1:40:04
24-Boy Chun Fook 1:41:32
25-Joel Strimling 1:42:07
26-Jacob Murray 1:43:21
27-Gordon Martinez 1:45:04
28-Jerome and Eilene 1:48:58
29-Erin Thorsgard 1:52:14
30-Beth and Alan 1:53:54
31-John Richardson 1:53:57
32-Russ Woosley 1:57:05
33-Steve Airhart 2:01:05
34-Mike Tejada 2:03:02
35-Kelly Emerson 2:12:46
Pete Wile DNF
John Tejada DNF
Alice Rother DNF
Luahana Ude DNF
Tamara Lovelace DNF
Rick Rother DNS

Division Results:

OC-1 Open Mens
1 - John Mooney
2 - David Williams
3 - Daryl Hogge

OC-1 Golden Masters Men
1 - Dave Halpern
2 - Geoff Briggs
3 - Larry Porter

OC-1 Sr Master Men
1 - Doug Nichols
2 - Marti Traver
3 - Stuart Smith

OC-1 Kupuna Men
1 - Bob Stewart
2 - Craig Holt

OC-1 Master Men
1 - Steve Workmen
2 - Paul Martin
3 - Lance Mimiya

OC-1 Open Women
1 - Erin Thorsgard

OC-1 Sr Master Women
1 - Kelly Porter

OC-1 Open Mixed
1 - Heidi & Mulu
2 - Beth & Alan

OC-1 Sr Master Mixed
1 - Sabine & Doug
2 - Maria & Keith
3 - Laura & Steve

OC-1 Master Mixed
1 - Eileen & Jerome

Surfski Open Men
1 - Ina Talaemotu
2 - Laurence Rosen

Winter Series Lake Union Feb 3

2007-02-12T18:46:00.000-08:00

The first local race occured at Lake Union, Feb 3. This was a 6 mile race. Not too cold and there was a good turnout.

1 - 52:16 Don Kiesling Surf Ski - Open Men
2 - 53:03 Peter Turcan Kayak - Open Men
3 - 53:51 Erik Wermer Surf Ski - Master Men
4 - 54:47 Shane Baker / Jim Zimmerman Surf Ski Double- Open Men
5 - 55:51 Jeff Hegedus Surf Ski - Sr Master Men
6 - 55:57 Shane Martin Surf Ski - Open Men
7 - 56:49 Mike Gregory Surf Ski - Golden Master Men
8 - 57:03 John Mooney OC1 - Open Men
9 - 59:46 Mulu Tiapasa / Heidi McCauley OC2 - Open Mixed
10 - 59:53 David Halpern OC1 - Golden Master Men
11 - 59:55 David Williams OC1- Open Men
12 - 1:00:00 Traci Cole Surf Ski - Open Women
13 - 1:00:05 Doug Nichols OC1- Sr Master Men
14 - 1:00:25 Sabine Jessel / Doug Miyata OC2 - Sr Master Mixed
15 - 1:01:26 Peter Forand OC1- Grand Master Men
16 - 1:01:46 Andrew Krynen Surf Ski - Open Men
17 - 1:02:10 Larry Porter OC1 - Golden Master Men
18 - 1:03:08 Craig Holt OC1-Grand Master Men
19 - 1:03:10 Bela Kovacs / Ron Lund OC2- Grand Master Men
20 - 1:03:25 Marti Traver OC1-Sr Master Men
21 - 1:03:52 Robin Sarner OC1- Master Men
22 - 1:04:21 Scott Moody OC1- Sr Master Men
23 - 1:05:00 Ina Talalemotu OC1- Open Men
24 - 1:05:02 Dave Mooney OC1- Sr Master Men
25 - 1:05:49 Boy Chun Fook OC1- Sr Master Men
26 - 1:07:16 Steve Bennett OC1- Grand Master Men
27 - 1:08:14 Lance Mamiya OC1- Master Men
28 - 1:08:33 Linda Warren OC1- Master Women
29 - 1:09:16 Mike Tejada OC1- Open Men
30 - 1:09:23 Michael Cryan OC1- Master Men
31 - 1:12:23 John Richardson OC1- Sr Master Men
32 - 1:12:33 Russ Woosley OC1- Master Men
33 - 1:15:04 Hawk Conrad OC1- Sr Master Men
34 - 1:20:16 Tamara Lovelace OC1- Open Women
35 - 1:23:46 Cris Trimble OC1- Sr Master Women

KanuCulture Paddlers Guide Paddle Technique

2007-01-19T17:06:00.000-08:00

The new book from Steve West and Kanu Culture titled The Paddler's Guide to Outrigger Canoeing", 2007 - is out. It is great. The following couple slides are from Kanu Culture. This section is available behind a password of "kikaha".

Rather cold for racing

2007-01-12T20:20:00.000-08:00

One of main reasons for cancelling the first "winter" season race is the very cold temps, like 15 deg in the mornings or so. Schools have been closed for 2 days because of icy driving among all our hills. Then of course there are football playoffs all weekend - go Seahawks. Keep paddling and get ready for the Jerico race.

Indoor paddling is a good way to keep in shape:

2007 Race Calendar

2007-01-07T11:22:00.000-08:00

PNW Winter Series
OC-1/2 Race Series 2007 Tentative Schedule:

CANCELLED too icy and cold! (January 13^th - Lake Union, Seattle Hui Wa’a O Wakinikona OCC
January 27^th - B.C. Canada Jericho OCC
Feb 3rd - Lake Union 6 mile race
February 10^th - Mt Home 8 mile upwind up-river - hard race!
February 24^th - Tacoma, Washington Kikaha O Ke Kai OCC
March 10^th - B.C. Canada False Creek OCC
March 24^th - Portland, Oregon Multnomah Channel CC and WasabiCC
April 7^th - Seattle, Washington Sail Sand Point OCC
Autumn Rose has shown interest in hosting a series race – Date and location TBA

PNW-ORCA OC-6 TentativeRace Schedule 2007:

April 28^th, 2007 Rusty Iron Distance Race Cathedral Park, Portland, Oregon - Pacific OC
May 19^th, 2007 Manu K. Baker Sprints Steele Lake, Federal Way, WA. – Kikaha O Ke Kai OCC
May 26^th, 2007 Na Po’e O Ke Kai Sprints Green Lake, Seattle, WA. Hui Wa’a O Wakinikona OCC
June 9^th, 2007 Hui Wa’a O Puget Sound Regatta Silver Lake, Everett, WA. Hui Wa’a O Puget Sound OCC
June 16^th & 17^rd, 2007 Autumn Rose Sprints and Races, Sun Valley, Bellingham, WA. Autumn Rose CC
June 30^th, 2007 Hui Heihei Wa’a Sprints - Waterfront Park, Silverdale, WA. Hui Heihei Wa’a
July 15^thand 16^th, 2007 Gorge Distance & OC-1/2 Race, Stevenson, WA. Bend OCC
July 21^st, 2007 PNW-ORCA Sprint Championships, Silver Lake Park, Everett, WA. PNW-ORCA
August 4^th, 2007 Seattle Grind, Alki Beach, Seattle, WA. Seattle OCC
August 18^th, 2007 Race Around the Island, Marine Park, Vancouver, WA. Columbia River OCC
August 25^th, 2007 Pacific Northwest Outrigger Challenge, Sand Point, Beach, WA. Tri-Cities, Sail Sand Point & Kikaha OCC
September 15^th , 2007 Race Around Hat Island - PNW Long Distance Championships, Mulkiteo, WA. Hui Wa’a O Puget Sound

Paddling Before 2001

2007-01-02T14:44:00.000-08:00

TODO: Various pictures from races before 2001 including oc1 races in Portland, the Lake Tahoe races, Fiji

Maui to Molokai 2003 oc1 relay

2007-01-01T21:35:00.000-08:00

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Maui to Molokai with Dale Karr. First distance oc1 relay. Great surfing.
More pics from the trip are on my web-site.

Fox Island New Year 12 Mile Race

2007-01-01T21:25:00.000-08:00

Annual 12 mile paddle around Fox Island was completed in relatively nice conditions. We ended up going against current most of the way, including an initial headwind. Good paddle. Thanks to Shane Baker for running the event again.

The following shows the GPS data and the route. I averaged 5.5mph against that current. My heartrate monitor seemed to loose connectivity thus the red shows dropouts all the time. First time using that device. Great tool!


Results:
1 Don Kiesling                V-10L surfski  1:43:36
2 Geoff Briggs/Dave Williams  OC-2           1:44:15
3 Jim Zimmerman/Shane Baker   double kayak   1:50:11
4 Steve Bennett/Bela Kovacs   double kayak   1:57:12
5 Scott Moody                 OC-1           2:10:00
6 Martin Oman                 fast sea kayak 2:22:00
7 Debbie Natelson             Rec 3 shell    2:25:59
8 Glen Rogers                 surfski        2:31:45
9 Zeke Hoskin                 Rec 3 shell    2:48:20

Christmas Party Fun

2006-12-25T01:30:00.000-08:00

Great Kikaha Christmas Party! Fun was had by all.

Wave paddling techniques

2006-12-10T08:47:00.000-08:00

Pete came across this great article on downwind surf techniques.
Downwind Surf Technique

The article describes waves as two basic types:

"Parallel waves (I'll call them type 1) are relatively straight and stretch for 50-100 yds wide. They are fairly uniform in size, shape, speed. These are created by boat wake and from wind waves that come around a point or through some geographic filter. They tend to be smaller, slower, and are easier to catch and surf downwind.
The scallop or semi-circle shape waves (type 2) need more wind and open water to form. They are roughly 10-30 yds wide, and they give the illusion of being irregular or confused, particularly if you’re sitting still. They can be very frustrating for beginners to surf, but they are predictable and if you know how to use them, can give you lots of speed."

Getting out on windy days are great for training. Just be safe in our cold waters.

Check out these shots I took out past the reef in Lanikai looking at the twin mokes. Notice how one shows the entire mokes, and the other is only a tiny piece of the top. That was how big the waves and swells are in real big water. Of course it is good not to wipe out and get pushed into the cliffs of sharks cove:-) The run that is used over there is from a mile past the mokes down to Flat Island - which mimics the Molokai run. Great training.

ps. Here is a cool video paddling in from the mokes.
Another playing at the beach on the mokes.

OC1 Solo Molokai Video to get you excited

2006-12-03T08:11:00.000-08:00

To get everyone excited about paddling, check out the awsome video that was made about the last molokai oc1 solo race. Lots of surfing.

www.ocpaddler.com

Also a great writeup on oc1 paddling at: http://www.ocpaddler.com/oc1intro

Snowing and Cold

2006-11-29T08:58:00.000-08:00

Well it got very cold and very snowy over the past couple days. This does make it a challenge to get ready for a new paddle winter season. Keep up any exercise you can get and lets hope the weather gets nicer for any actual paddling.

Great Molokai Crossing 2006

2006-10-11T11:41:00.000-07:00

We had a great crossing in flat (4 foot) seas, no wind, hot, but beautiful waters and views. Time of 6:05 was 66th out of 102 canoes. This was the 55th men's crossing and was won by Tahiti in world record 4:46 time. More links are at: Results and Story and y2kanu and ocpaddler
Pictures are available at ActionImages and All of Gus's pics.

Practice Pau for the Season

2006-09-19T19:19:00.000-07:00

Kikaha practice is done for the season. Thanks to everyone that helped get our beautiful canoes off the water, cleaned up and stored for the winter. We can now do any maintenance needed and get ready for next march for adult practice. That date will be determined later.

Gordon, Boy and Scott are joing Tri Cities for a Molokai challenge race in October. Wish us luck for a great crossing.

Thanks,
The Coaches

Pacific NW Challenge OC-9 Race

2006-08-28T08:42:00.000-07:00

Lots more pictures available at ActionImages site.

New "Manu" Canoe in Action

2006-07-17T09:20:00.000-07:00

Lots of pictures available ActionImages.

1st Annual Manu K Baker Regatta

2006-05-31T20:51:00.000-07:00

Manu K. Baker

Regatta

Steele Lake Park

Federal Way, Wa.

8am to 5pm

Bring your beach chairs, drinks and pack some Bento's to enjoy the awesome racing of Hawaiian Outrigger Canoes at Steele Lake!

Driving Directions:

From I-5 - Take the Federal Way/S 320th St exit #143 and go west 1/2 mile to 23rd Ave and make a right (McDonalds at the corner). Go North to S 312th St and turn right at the stop light and go east down the short hill and the park entrance is on the left side. Come early!

----
Aloha Ohana & Friends,

Just want to invite you all to come and attend the 1st Annual Manu K. Baker Regatta this weekend. The Kikaha O Ke Kai Outrigger Canoe Club is having their annual sprints and this is the first year in Honoring Uncle Manu and renaming our race after Uncle.

We will have racing all day from 8am to about 5pm Saturday, June 3rd, 2006 at Steele Lake Park in Federal Way, Wa. Keiki (kids) from ages 5 to the adults as old as 75 years old will be sprinting up and down Steele Lake.

Also a short ceremony for Uncle will start as soon as all of the 6-man outrigger canoes are rigged in the morning.

Clubs from as far north as Bellingham and far east as Tri-Cities and far south as Portland and as far west as Silverdale will be attending.

Also we will have live entertainment starting at 5pm to 7pm. After that its an Open Mic all out Jam Session to honor Uncle. So bring your instruments and voices and lets jam.

Till this weekend,

A Hui Hou,

Da Kikaha Ohana

Greenlake Sprint Regatta

2006-05-31T16:53:00.000-07:00

Kikaha was in full force for the first PNWORCA sprint regatta. A long day of paddling with many races was had by everyone from 4 to 65. Pictures are available on the ActionImages site as well as MelPonder's site. Next race with be Saturday, June 3, at our home Steel Lake.

Frenchmen Bar Results

2006-05-20T23:46:00.000-07:00

See more pictures at the ActionImages site. Note that the course was changed from 2005 but still challenging, crossing the river 4 times against the strong current.

2005 Frenchman Bar's GPS Race Data

2006-05-12T16:07:00.000-07:00

The following diagrams are from the May 2005 Frenchman Bar's race where Kikaha Master Men took 2nd overall behind Mt Home. The race was about 8 miles and took about 1:06. Look at the current and see that on the home stretch we were over 10mph at times.

Keiki First Practice - May 1 2006 at Steel Lake

2006-05-01T22:54:00.000-07:00

First Keiki Practice Photos show the great time the Kikaha Keiki had on May 1, 2006 at Steel Lake.

Practice is Monday and Wed at 4:30. Huli practice is this sunday 12 noon at the Federal Way pool.

Rusty Iron Race

2006-04-30T08:27:00.000-07:00

Rusty Iron Race in Portland. Great weather until the monsoon after the race. Great experience for everyone, especially the many new novice paddlers. See more pics at ActionImages. Open Men

Mixed Team #2 (full canoe pic)

Mixed Team #2 again

Mixed Team #1 (winners of mixed race)
Kikaha Novice + Koa Kai
Kikaha + Koa Kai
Wahine Open 2nd Open, 3rd Overall

Open Men
Sr Master Men - 1st

Photo Note: For races, I'm putting the pictures under the outrigger->2006->name-of-race gallery. For shots at practice I'm putting them under outrigger->paddling_technique.

Kikaha Practice Photos

2006-04-25T15:13:00.000-07:00

There are a ton of paddling technique pictures that can be viewed.

The Beautiful Sunday Practice,

and the Mid-Week Practice all have 100's of pictures taken at 5 frames a second - so you should be able to see most of the stroke.

Enjoy.
scotty

Paddling Sunday April 23 - 9 am

2006-04-20T13:50:00.000-07:00

Coach Gordon wants the seasoned mens crews to paddle at 12 noon sunday, and everyone else including the top wahine to paddle at 9am sunday. This way we will have enough boats to go around. There might be room for a 3rd boat at the 12 noon event.

Right now the long mens crews that should practice the 12 noon event are:
Sr Master: Russ, Andy, Takie/Boy, Robert, Rocky, Pete
Master: Ricky, Boy/Gordon, Scotty, Robin, Doug, John
Open: Travis, Jackob, James + 3 koa kai guys
The novice crew:
Pat, ??, Charlie, Bob, Henrey, Kekoa

Note the 9am time.

-scotty

Kona World Sprints 2004

2006-04-12T22:35:00.000-07:00

TODO

Getting ready for Rusty Iron Race

2006-04-05T10:58:00.000-07:00

As Coach Gordon has mentioned, April 29 is our first oc6 race. The following picture of the results in 2004 show the average times for the event. It is very fun, and the long course isn't that long (probably closer to 7 miles). Check out more pictures of the last 2 years at my ActionImages photo site. Go to the "outrigger" gallery and go to the different years.

Bora Bora World Sprints 2002

2006-03-20T12:53:00.000-08:00

todo

Sunday Practice 3/19

2006-03-17T08:18:00.000-08:00

Aloha Kikaha,

Great start of the new year. First week of practice has been awsome! Lots of new paddlers are looking pretty good for the first time in an outrigger canoe. Keep up the good work gang! Remember to reach straight way out front and anchor blade in deep before your pull. Lead with your hips and twist at the waist to get that extra reach!....We have 4 canoes for both sessions so there's plenty of seats available.

Practice for this Sunday will start at 10:00am for everyone. Important first hour! The first one hour will be doing land training....Tuesday & Thursday the coaches passed out some handouts on coaching criteria, stroke technique, questionaire etc. We wanted you folks to read over the material to help you understand and learn technique and basic canoe ethics and also to know our expectation of a paddler. We will be going over the handouts and working on stroke form & technique. So bring those handouts & questionaire so we can go over them together. No be shame to ask questions!....The weather is looking pretty good for this weekend.

Imua Kikaha!
Gordon

March 12 Recap, New Zealand Next!

2006-03-16T23:17:00.000-08:00

Aloha No,

Had Shane, Mike, Holt, Doug, Robert, myself in the oc6 and Rocky steered Andy and Johnny Mac for last practise, all speed and turns. Very nice effort, thinking, and teamwork. Seems only yesterday, but it's been 4 months to the day since we began practising. Mahalo nui all for your terrific spirit and can do. Looking forward to more fun and challenges on our journey to the World Sprints.

See you in New Zealand!

Hui hou, Pete

New Zealand Kikaha Crew

2006-03-11T23:15:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of the Kikaha Men's Crew (minus Shane) who are heading off to New Zealand this next week to particpate in the World Sprints. Wish them fun and good luck.

Here are the cool shirts the guys will be wearing in New Zealand, and the last shot is Shane.

More picture from todays rigging and opening ceremony and lots of previous year's outrigger racing can be found at actionimages@WhiteRiverRanch.com

Recap March 5th Practise in Portland, Race March 11 Lake Sammamish next, Last Practise Mar 12 at 11:30

2006-03-05T22:07:00.000-08:00

Aloha,

Great practise in Portland with NZ Senior Master Men crew, Shane Baker, Mike Snyder, Craig Holt, Larry Porter, Robert Keli'inoi, and yours truly. Did 1+35 tempos, seat pulls, starts, middles, turns, etc. Very nice teamwork, blend, conditioning and heart. I know Andy and Johnny Mac worked out hard on their own too. Mahalo all for the fine effort to get this far.

Last practise Mar 12 at 11:30 to allow Portland guys to get here and then have only a short time till the Season Opening event at 2 pm.

Hui hou, Pete

Feb 26 Recap, Race Long Lake Mar 4, Practise 5th

2006-02-26T18:03:00.000-08:00

Aloha,

Had Shane, Mike Snyder (mahalo Mike for driving all the way from Portland and bringing the goods), Doug, Johnny, Mac, Andy and myself, pure speed and turns for 1+ 35. Great technique, effort, adjustiments, and blending! I know the turning technique is awkard, but I'm trying to simulate the path of a hard to turn boat with an easy turning boat, yikes. Keep lifting and pouring on the speed in your intervals.

Next week is Shane's race at Long Lake Saturday, then Sunday want to go Portland or here depending on if Holt and Larry can get a canoe there, or if they can come up here. I'll let you folks know. Then the following week is Lake Sammamish Saturday and Sunday here or Portland.

NZ vests, caps and totes are in! Shirts next week. Please bring or mail $100 to me at 501 sw 321st street, Federal Way, Wa, 98023. I'll collect the balance maybe 20 more when I get it from Jaimie.

Hui hou, Pete

Recap Feb 18, Race 19, Race 25, Practise 26

2006-02-18T16:51:00.000-08:00

Aloha,

Fun in the sun with Doug, Robert (till his finger tips fell off), Johnny Mac, Andy and myself an hour of speed endurance work. Critical to set the paddle side shoulder, and fight through the lactic blues. Racing at Laconner Sunday, Ruston Way the 25th and Long Lake March 4th.

Remember the 25th...meet at Ruston Way 8 am to carpool back to Dock street, to then bring all 3 Calmars at once to Ruston Way. After
racing we take the Bradley back to Dock Street. Mahalo guys.

One practise day I'd like to do some sprint work on oc1s, maybe staggered or something to train the push. Start incorporating race pace intervals 30 sec, 1 min, 2, 3 in all your aerobic work, whether running, rowing, elliptical trainer, and if you are into lifting high reps with light weights of 50 or more...try to match the race speed of paddling.

Hui hou, Pete

Feb 12 Recap, Feb 18 next Practise, Race Feb 19

2006-02-12T22:00:00.000-08:00

Aloha,

Doug, Shane, Robert, Johnny Mac, Andy and myself 1 to 1.5 hours starts, turns, 250s and 500s with minimal rest breaks. Good physical and mental toughness. Great going guys!
For Feb 25th race planning, we'll need the close in locals Andy, Johhny, Robert and myself to ferry the Calmars all at once to Ruston before the race, and ferry the Bradley back to Dock Street after. We can plan to meet early at Ruston say 8 am, take one car down to Dock Street and leave it, and then be set to position the canoes.

Hui hou, Pete

Practise Recap Feb 5th, Portland Race Feb 11, Practise Feb 12

2006-02-05T20:58:00.000-08:00

Aloha,

Shane, Doug, Robert, Johnny Mac, Andy and myself went oc6 and Rocky borrowed Doug's boat to train. Did 1 hour speed work on 250 meter course, and turns around Shane's bouys (mahalo Shane)...speed is improving on the start now up to 8.7 mph but not sustaining 8s to the finish line, which should come in time and building speed endurance either with pieces or the small boat races. Fundamentals...need more work on torso twist, clean changes, not leaning over the gunnel and not bouncing, and feeling then increasing the power blend. Way to work!

At the Portland Race Feb 11, hope to get some practise with MH NZ crews, and some will be at Sunday practise the next day Feb12 (and/or maybe the 18th).

Then practise will be Feb 18 and Race Feb 19 at LaConner
Then Race Ruston Way Feb 25 with canoe swap 3 Calmars into maintenance for the Bradley, and practise Feb 26
Then Race Long Lake Mar 4, practise Mar 5
Then Race False Creek Mar 11, and last practise Mar 12 before NZ.

Any one wanting to carpool to races let me know.

Puka through.

Hui hou, Uncle Pete

Men Swamping in Sounds and Rescue

2006-02-05T01:45:00.000-08:00

This is a story I wrote after our summer 2005 swamping in the sounds. Hope it helps people think about the issues of cold water.

A Swamp Story - The Open Men's "3 hour tour"

I wanted to share some thoughts on the grand swamping experienced by the open-mens crew on the sound thursday. We had 4 crews going out at a rather late time of 6:40. We decided on a straight course into the wind and waves for 45 minutes, and then turn around and surf back. On thursday the wind was from the north, with a tide coming in, and rather large swells, and even some almost body surf size shore break (hammering our waiting canoes).

We gave the open-wahine the more buoyant Kalenakai Bradley, so Laura could get experience with the best "Gorge" boat in perfect conditions. The men had the boat tuesday so it seemed only fair. This left Kukini - a calmar, to heaver open-men but with Keala, Johns Son, as our lighter steersman replacement. The other two boats were filled with novice men and mixed crews. After less than a minute, our mens crew exhibited very big swells that were getting everyone wet as we were beating right into the waves. Moving more to the right to not take the waves bow-on was also scary since the ama was light. Gordon's novice crew even went in right away to rig more stable. We figured lets just go straight into the waves, take our beating, and then
turn around and surf back. Little did we know this would be surfing back in a Coast Guard boat instead.

Going against waves like this, much like the Gorge, is difficult, especially since here they were bigger than the Gorge as they were tide and wind generated. As now had a full men's weighted crew in an "lower to waterline" Calmar canoe, the waves end up hitting the bow rather hard, but what is worse is that they come over the middle of the boat. Thus seats 3 and 4 and 5 take the most water in - and we are talking like 20 big buckets of water at a time. The Ama was watched carfully and one time popup up a frightening amount.

So now 10 minutes into the paddle, we have seats 3,4,5 bailing at the same time! The boat was at least 1.5 feet deep in water. At seat 4, I was using the biggest bucket for bailing. We would get it down to a 1/2 foot and the next wave would go back to 1.5 feet. Not a good sign.

Finally we collectively thought this was not a good situation so said we should turn around. We signaled Lauras Kalenekai boat that we were turning, then before we turned, another wave hit - and all of a sudden we were submerged! Wow, we didn't think that was going to happen. We were getting ready for a fun paddle back home. This was at about 7:15pm on a sunny windy night, about a mile or more off shore, but about 3 miles from Redondo.

So now we were wet in a boat sinking but being held up by the flotation of Ama and the bow/stern's boyant sections. Paddles are floating around, life vests are skatteringg, the bailers are floating away (or sinking), the water bottles are gone, the slippers, basically everything. And of course we have a few extra paddles for different reasons. We started by putting on the life vests! (Ricky couldn't get the kids vest to fit!)

We figure we would just huli the boat over then back again, then get going, just like the pool huli drills! Well, first try (after finding as many of the essential things floating away) worked but was just as full of water. So we did it again, and got a little gap where we could start bailing.

Now we had at least a couple cold people, so they were put in the boat to start bailing and those of us not as cold could stay in the water. The problem was that we could get a slight headway in emptying the water, and a small wave would fill it again. I think we tried another huli with the idea of pushing up this time. Fat chance. We did get enough to figure we might as well try to hobble in. Unfortunately a small wave again swamped the boat. Now what?

By now, the other 3 boats were circling, and luckily no dorsal fins were circling too - but Ricky did get a big Jelly Fish sting on his leg. We figured lets get the coldest paddlers into dry boats and then figure out what to do. Keala was the coldest so he went with the 5 open-womens crew. It was still very rough and we were concerned with other boats swamping, so two boats headed in to shore. Now we had 11 men, another dry Calmar canoe, and a swamped boat, with 4 men on the boat getting colder. luckily the water was as warm as it gets, and it was sunny out. I myself was in good shape, warm, since I had wet suit booties and thick wet suit shorts, which I put on at the last minute in the car.

At this time, our only option was to be rescued, and Earl and Randy thought ahead to dial 911 and call for a Coast Guard rescue! (Good think we had cell phone coverage.) That was great news and I think relieved us to think how to stay warm until they arrived. That arrival wasn't for maybe 20 more minutes. In the mean time, Robert went to the other boat to get out of the water and try to get warm. We didn't want to try the huli trick again since it would involve getting totally wet again, and by then we were kinda dry since Robin was on the Ama, Doug was on the aiku at seat 2, and I was on the seat 4 aiku. 3 people seemed to float ok.

- In hind sight, what Earl wanted us to try was to get warm people ready to get wet and try to right the canoe, again and again, until it worked. We could have done this and kept trying with new warm people. I think since we knew someone was coming to rescue us already, we figured lets just stay dry and wait.

- Another idea Earl had was to keep the canoe upside down, then people could have sat on top more out of the wind.

Our problem here was that the 11 people couldn't get into one canoe and paddle in. We couldn't tow the boat or even use say 8 people, since we were concerned of waves swamping the boat. In any event, leaving the swamped boat with a few cold paddlers didn't seem like a good idea. Having the cell phone to call for help was the best solution.

In hind sight, I think we could have filled the other 2 boats with a couple more paddlers each - at least the more buoyant Bradley - and then we would have had less in the last working canoe. But, our 16 year old steersman was rather cold and they figured getting him to shore was very important. Not only that, if it got colder, and dark - having all the boats could have been invaluable. We might have been able to ferry paddlers in, but once those 2 boats left, our options were limited. The danger at the time was having one of those boats swamp because of the rough conditions, the those paddlers were not equipped for the cold water.

Finally a small Coast Guard boat shows up. After some time, it finally threw us a line and pulled our canoe (Kukini) closer. The three of us got on board, and Robert swam from the other calmar to the boat, since he felt he would warm up on the boat. We then tied the ama to the boat, and hoped for the best. This is when the straps on the aiku came off as the ama was being pulled straight off. So we took the ama off and put it on the back of the small boat. We then left the boat for later.

Another bigger Tacoma Police boat showed up as well. We figured that could tow the canoe to shore. Robert dived in to help tie that boat to be towed. In hind sight, when you are cold, you cannot always think as good as you can otherwise. I think that was a risky move.

Off the two boats go towards Redondo, one with the ama, the other slowly towing the canoe. After a few minutes, they dropped towing the canoe to get the cold Robert into shore. Both crews were more worred about the people over the replable boats. Gordons boat, now with Ricky steering, paddled back with their 6 paddlers. I think all the paddling crews got some good surfing on the way back!

We were met on shore by the Fire Department who raised the Redondo beach excitement by showing up with a full fire truck. Those that had been in the water were provided blankets, and they took our temperature to make sure we were ok, and took our names for their reports. The different emergency services were vital to our survival! This
was the Desmoines Fire Department, the Coast Guard, and the Tacoma Polices's Water crew.

Gordon did talk the Coast Guard into letting him go with them out and tow our injured Kukini back. So we finished with all our boats and all our lives! What an adventure.

Some notes:

* Make sure every boat has a working cell-phone, local radio and eventually a 2-way radio.

* Try not to separate unless you have to for safety reasons, but before doing that, make a good plan that those in charge can agree to.

* Don't panic, think clearly - but again the cold can impair that judgment.

* We were probably in the water for over 30 minutes, trying to get above water as much as possible. We also were not drifting towards shore so who knows when we would have arrived on land.

* Having a wet suit is very important on cold and rough days. This can be just shorts, or even better farmer johns that you don't wear up unless cold or in the water.

* Having wet suit booties is always good on the sound, again in rough conditions.

* Having extra stuff in the boat that floats around makes it hard if you huli, but also when you land. The Shorebreak this time was very hard to manage.

* Getting the canoe turned over without water, or that doesn't fill up right away is difficult. Maybe we can devise a way to use an inflatable to put on the seat so it floats the boat just enough to not fill it= with water on the re-huli.

* In rough conditions, maybe evaluate the use of the canoes based on the weight of the paddlers. This is hard, since everyone wants the chance to use the bigger-water canoe. Also, the use of skirts would be great, but unfortunately that would take another 1/2 hour to put on, and we had a late start as it was.

* For practices, we need to efficiently and urgently get to the water and get paddling. This is really needed when it is high tide, and also when a big shore break. The canoes can get damages being hit by the water. You should see the front bend when hit by a wave.

* Evaluate the course to take based of factors of the weather, the water conditions, the time of day, the tides, and the levels of the crews.

2006 Season Practice Information

2006-01-30T15:30:00.000-08:00

Starting Sunday, March 12, Kikaha will host the opening ceremonies for spring practice at the Tacoma site. Then tuesday/thursday/sunday are scheduled for adult practices as shown below. Starting in May, we will also have Steel Lake practice.

Tuesday and Thursdays Adult Coed - Choose which start time is convenient for you
2 sessions each day:

(1) 4:00pm-5:30pm
(2) 6:00pm-7:30pm Gordon and Reynette

Sundays
(1) Novice/Freshman Coed
10:00am -11:00am

(2) Open Coed
11:00am-12:30pm

Tahoe Distance Racing

2006-01-29T14:41:00.000-08:00

Tahoe races, over labor day - 3 years in a row. One with the entire Kikaha ohana.

Catalina Crossing 2002

2006-01-21T20:10:00.000-08:00

See the race Pictures.

Fiji World Sprints 1998

2006-01-14T17:41:00.000-08:00

FIJI world sprints

Lake Union Race Pictures

2006-01-14T15:42:00.000-08:00

Race was 6 miles from the lake union gas-works park up the cut to the locks and then turning back. The first 3 miles was fast, which seems to be because of a strong current with all the rain water trying to get to the sea. It didn't rain and it wasn't very cold so it was really a nice first event of the year for most of us.

Kikaha members that raced: Scotty, Pete, Doug, Irene, Rocky, Johny Mac, Andy

12th Man flag on the Space Needle.
Tom (Sail Sand Point) and Rocky.
Driving past the Seahawk stadium an hour before the big game. Yay! Seahawks won.
Getting ready for the start back looking at the I-5 bridge.
Uncle Pete and Doug with Tom in the background.
Scotty (1st Senior Master 45+, good thing the faster paddlers were in 50+ age group)

Results:
Open Men oc1
1. Alan Goto 54:15
2. John Mooney 54:25
3. David Williams 59:00
4. Ina Talaemotu 1:01:14
5. Kevin McHugh 1:03:12

Master Men-oc1
1. Dave Anderson 1:00:02
2. James Clapp 1:01:15
3. Paul Martin 1:02:12
4. Clint Cook 1:04:50

Sr-Master Men oc-1
1. Scott Moody 1:01:35
2. Dave Mooney 1:05:17

Golder Master OC-1
1. Brian Boatman 54:30
2. Bob Stewart 1:00:03
3. Steve Exe 1:05:15
4. Andy Michels 1:18:00

Novice Men OC-1
1. John McCarthy 1:18:50

Junior Men OC-1
1. Ivan Washington 1:24:00

Women OC-1
1. Erin Thorsgard 1:07:45
2. Autumn Williams 1:23:50

Master Women OC1
1. Allison Veishlw 1:14:40

Sr Master Women OC1
1. Irene McKamey 1:25:00

Master OC-2
1. Don Buethorn/Eric Gerstl 51:28

SR-Master OC2
1. Doug Miyata/Pete Wylie 56:58

Golder-Master OC2
1. Geoff Briggs/Dave Halpern 51:55

Grand-Master OC-2
1. Steve Bennett/Bela Kovacs 57:10

Mixed Sr Masters
1. Keith Jasmann/Maria Duryea 1:02:50

Gorge Games 2007 - 11th year

2006-01-08T15:00:00.000-08:00

Catalina Crossing 2nd Masters 2003

2006-01-01T20:44:00.000-08:00

The Kikaha Men's 2003 Catalina Crossing was awesome. We took 2nd in the masters category. Great fun. More pictures (many from John's camera).

In my organization of teams, I provided the following information to help potential paddlers ready for the event, including costs (which turned out to be spot-on).

Kikaha Catalina 2003 Team Potentials:
1 Mix, 1 Men = 12 men, 6 women

This is a note to let paddlers know of the potential for a solid 1st Kikaha team representation in the Catalina long distance change race, Sep 5-7, 2003. This is a 9 person 31 mile “change” race requiring an escort boat, open ocean swimming, and camping (or hotel) on Catalina Island. This is a serious but fun race that requires lots of training, commitment and organization. Our time last year in a mixed PNWORCA team was 4:49 for 22nd place (out of 59, 5th masters). See http://www.koa.org for Catalina information.
During the organization it made more sense to field 2 teams: a mixed team to race the first day, and have a men’s team race back the next day. This equates to 12 men and 6 women (mixed is 6 women, 3 men). This way we have a buddy system to get all the camping gear and everything transported, and we only have to deal with one oc-6 canoe and one escort boat.
What this means is that the men’s Kikaha team will challenge each other for 12 available seats, 9 will do the Sunday men’s race, and 3 will race Saturday with a strong 6 women team. The 12 men chosen will also allow for a longer time to commit to the 9 man final selection, while letting them know they can make travel arrangements.
To help determine a team, we will continue the selection process that has been going on all season during our practice runs and our races. Having the ability of fielding relatively even teams makes the racing much more competitive and keeps everyone strong and hungry. To augment this experience, I am adding a couple specific events that should be attended. The following includes a list of items that will be used to help the team selection process (a similar process will help select potential wahine paddlers).
• Distance training and racing (oc-1 if possible + oc-6 long runs)
• Change Race practices + Commitment
• Time Trials – oc1, Ruston Way 4 mile, June 28 – 10am, Handicap Mass-Start
• Practice oc6 (1man) 500M (GPS average speed)
• Gorge 9 mile rough water race (probably 4 men teams)
• Gorge 6 mile oc-1 or oc-2 race
• Seattle Grind 9 man change race (2 teams)
• Other distance races

The paddlers will be grouped into 4 inter-changeable positions, (1): Stroker, (2): Seat 2,5, (3): Seat 3-4, and (4): Steerer. There will probably be only 1 main steerer with a backup that can help in relief if needed but mainly paddling. The other 3 positions allow interchanging of paddlers while keeping the same paddle size.

The following are the Men paddlers I’m working from right now (others?)
Bo Robin JeffL JerryS DaleK
Rickie Leo Peter Dwight Darren
Gorden Robert Dave Mark RayW
Scott Duane Vance Jason Drew
DaveR Doug Lito PatO
John Dennis Joe Mikey

Since there are only 12 men’s seats, I would like everyone to know that the highest probability will be to the more experienced and long-distance paddlers. This means that our novice paddlers, even as they are very strong this year, will have a harder time making this team.

Some of the information and costs envisioned for this trip are shown below. Having other paddlers and guests travel along would be fun as well. The size of the escort boat will also dictate how many people get to travel over on the escort boat. There will be a minimum of a coach and/or change coach. Everyone else travels over to the island (or back) via a Ferry from Long Beach.

Plan to be there Friday afternoon to help rig the canoe, register for the race, possible meet the escort boat, get food, and buy tee-shirts. We would then get a hotel and help the Saturday morning crew’s start.

Estimated costs using shared rooms, canoe and escort costs:
1. Airfare: $200
2. Hotel (Friday): $30
3. Ferry: $30
4. Canoe: $30
5. Race Fee: $30
6. Escort Boat: $30
7. Van: $30
8. Food: $70
TOTAL: $470 (estimate)

The next month’s races, from sprints to distance, will help in the selection process. Please let me know what you think about this plan and your availability. A campout practice weekend will also be desired, probably Labor Day. Lets continue to paddle hard and push everyone and make the strongest Kikaha teams possible.

Mahalo,

Coach Scotty,
Kikaha O’ Ke Kai

Gorge Games 10th Year - June 2006 with Tui Tonga

2005-12-24T14:39:00.000-08:00

Lots of pictures of the 10th Gorge event are located at ActionImages.
The even was won by the visiting Tui Tonga team (who had finished 2nd in the 2005 Molokai Crossing). Rough conditions and fun racing all weekend. Following the waves behind the Sternwheeler are always fun as well.

Gorge Games 2005

2005-12-19T12:02:00.000-08:00

Uncle Manu and Dwight memorial stickers.
Amber, Truman and Kai doing projects during the 3 days.
Kikaha Wahine with their best time ever - 4th overall.
Kikaha Wahine.

Canoes ready for the next days races. Hope those skirts stay on this time.
Makela, Brittney and Raelin.
Dodging the kite sailors.

And staying clear of the famous gorge barges. Have a nice day!
And also dodging the wind surfers, Paddle Boat and the 49ers (sail boats).
Kikaha with Laura steering.

Start of mens race.

Kikaha men.

The "Camping" experience.

Raylin jumping in the streams and waterfalls a short distance up in the hills from the campsite.

Looking over the 40 foot waterfall jump (no kidding).

Kikaha.
Awards.
Sail Sand Point - 3rd overall.
Margies - camp style, from a hand crank mixer!

The "Columbia Gorge" that splits the states of Washington and Oregon starts its journey in Canada and travels 1,243 miles before it hits the Pacific Ocean. There are 14 dams along the way which provide low-cost electricity to millions. 200 years ago, the famous Lewis and Clark traveled through the "Gorge" before the dams and were treated to great Indian fish dinners and some exciting rapids. Along this river, there are at least 3 outrigger canoe clubs in the USA and 1 in Canada.

So now, 200 years after the 1805/1806 visits by Lewis and Clark, the Outrigger canoe race will be celebrated in 2006.

THe next year's race will be very exciting, but it is good to reflect the history of the race but also the history of the gorge itself.

Kikaha Christmas Party 2005

2005-12-18T08:56:00.000-08:00

Gorge Games 2004

2005-12-16T12:47:00.000-08:00

Gorge Games 2003

2005-12-12T13:44:00.000-08:00

Gorge Games 2002

2005-12-04T14:09:00.000-08:00

2002 saw the strong Kai O'Pua wahine team from Hawaii show up and beat the canadians. This was during their rein as Molokai champions and it was exciting for them to share their talent with the mainland paddlers. They truely are embassedors of the sport.

2002 also saw Mike Judd returning to win the oc1 race in very rough conditions again. He wasn't going to party too hard this time as the race is rather challenging. Mike also provide a clinic to pass on the latest Hawaiian oc1 winning techniques.

Mike teamed up with Nate Hendricks and some others to win the oc6.

Gorge Games 2001

2005-11-27T19:10:00.000-08:00

Winning "ScatterChicks" from Canada, eh.
Scatterchicks heading to victoryh.
Kikaha men.

Getting ready the 2nd days oc1 race. Great weather!

Full force gale!
A big start to the oc6 races.
Looking up to the modern day "Bridge of the Gods"
Kikaha Wahine.
Boy and others spending most of Thursday and Friday rigging the canoes.

2001 saw a strong Marina Del Rey team show up and take the race. Mike Judd from Hawaii was also in town and raced on that team. Unfortunately Mike enjoyed the amazing all night music and parties at the camping fairgrounds and lost the next days oc1 to the strong Mike Eisner from California. He vowed to return and not make that same mistake - which he did in 2002.

The ScatterChicks returned to regain the womens title.

Lori Jorgenson from Mountain Home in Portland continue to do well in the oc2 competition. In 2004 she handley won the gold medal at the Hilo World Sprints in the masters oc1 race.

Gorge Games 2000

2005-11-20T20:32:00.000-08:00

Oc-1 in rough waters of Swell City

Farther east upriver on Columbia - wide open and beautiful water

This version was one of the biggest and most funded by the Gorge Games. Team Hawaii showed up with Karel and others, and winning outright.

The womens race was also one of the most exciting as Jerico from Canada came from behind to beat out the ScatterChicks, also from Canada - and the reigning champions from many years.

2000 also saw the escort boat feasco. As JD relates this "it looked like a Humpback Wale Breaching" as the escort boat had taken on novice paddlers who's canoe had swamped. Unfortunatly they were too many people in the boat and it flipped over. JD thought as he glanced over in their direction "what the heck is that? It looks like the Titanic". This is happining in the middle of the mile wide river with 30+ mph winds and very rough water. Different boats swarmed around, including the Sheriff Jet Skis and those in the water taking pictures. Here they had to now rescure the paddlers, and the boat drivers, including a lady with her dog.

After that year, JD forbid any "novice" paddlers and made sure everyone was as safe as possible.

Kikaha Molokai Race 2005

2005-11-13T17:47:00.000-08:00

We successfully completed the first Kikaha men's Molokai race.
The race was very rough and very challenging!
We had some difficulties that pulled everything together to finish the race safely. We
stayed upright the entire way even with lots of bailing, ama watching, and big water. It was amazing looking
right and seeing what looked like 15 foot swells, cresting at times. John was totally competent
in steering us with lots of on-the-job training of seat 5 helping hold the canoe straight. It
was frustrating that we couldn't catch the swells but we heard later the tide was against us
making it hard for the entire field. The last 6 miles afforded us some bumps, and rounding
Diamond Head and making it over a couple big waves made it "hawaiian" for sure.

Jumping into the big ocean for the changes was defiitely exciting! Then watching a 44" canoe
come out of the sun glistning swell to pick you up was worth the trip.

It took us 7 1/2 hours which is long but all the times were much slower this year. We also had
some serious energy deficiencies - a strange snafo stopped all our food and energy bars from
making it onto the escort boat (instead they were flown back to honololulu). All we had was
water and gatorade! Good thing we had 3 nights of big food feasts on Molokai.

All in all, it was a great trip, and hopefully the first of many for Kikaha.
More pictures at action-images web site.

-scotty

Gorge Games 1999

2005-11-12T08:42:00.000-08:00

Wahine: Kikaha and Seattle Outrigger Dueling to the photo finish

I think 1999 was not sponsored by the Gorge Games so without prize money the Hawaiian of California teams couldn't afford to race. Instead, for the me there was strong local Seattle team that won called Hui Wa'a O Waikinikona . This included strong marathon paddlers who have also raced outriggers for some time. As a few Native American Indian teams are also big paddling teams, notably the Autum Rose team from Lumni Belligham Washington. At times some of their members were on that strong mixed team as they even won the annual Seattle Grind even though one paddler was removed and they finished with 5 paddlers (but were later disqualified).

Gorge Games History Introduction

2005-11-08T08:39:00.000-08:00

1997 was the first outrigger race held and organized by JD Davies. 1998 was the first inclusion in the "Gorge Games", well funded two week collection of sports held along the Columbia Gorge area, including windsurfing, kyaking, and new outrigger paddling.

The first race included 10 men's teams and 8 women teams. This was the first year for the PNWORCA (Pacific Nortwest Outrigger Canoe Association) which includes teams from Oregon and Washington State. The race also attracted the strong Canadian teams. This race was won by the men's Statterheads lead by Dave Belisek - who is also a leader at Falls Creek. An allstar team of mostly Canadian women called the Statterchicks also won - and started their domination of the race for 3 years until the 2000 come from behind upset by Jerico.

One of the top Scatterchicks Canadian paddlers, Lori Belisek (Maiden name Stewart) can be seen in stroking in the full page Hamilton Cup picture from Sep 2003 Kanu Culture (page X). She was also a member of the 2005 wining Team Bradley Molokay team.

---------------------

JD Davies has been the motivation for this amazing race. JD has a long paddling history including paddling with Lanikai and racing the Molokai Challenge from his first in the historically rough 1986 race to the 1992 race. He also was at the forefront of the oc1 trend and transitioned to the mainland bringing the Karel "Viper" mold with him. He continues to make but mostly sell oc1/2 canoes through his "Water Walker" canoe company.

JD had the grand vision for the Gorge Race after competing in the 96 Gorge Games and talking with the organizer Peggy Lalor. He described how the outriggers would be perfect for the newly started "Gorge Games".

------------------
Gorge Games

The Gorge Games began in 1996 to celebrate the outdoor recreational environment of the Columbia River in the state of Oregon. The games include events such as with events in climbing, kayaking, kite sports, mountain biking, off-road triathlon, outrigger canoe, 49 sailing, trail running and windsurfing.

The 1999 and 2003 games were cancelled at the last minute due to difficulties with gaining adequate sponsorship.

Founder Peggy Lalor says the organizers intend to hold the games on an annual basis as long as the sponsors and community support the games.

Outrigger paddling was included starting with 1998 after JD met with Peggy Lalor and described how it would be great for the games.
--------------------

Jill Komoto recounts the first Gorge Games as the steerswoman for Seattle Outrigger.

"1997 was the first year of the Gorge Games. I along with Sabine and Diane were members of the infamous group that are referred to every year as a reminder of which buoys to turn around!"

"1997 was also the year we probably had the biggest waves-estimates were up to 6ft. If we knew then, what we knew now... I was a novice steersperson- this was my third race steering! I'd never recommend that now. We had a crew I will never forget. We decided at the last minute to go- and when we all got in the canoe for our only practice together, we knew we had something special. We had to fight for Po Anuenue- they weren't about to let us use the Bradley. When we drove over the Bridge of the Gods that morning and saw the whitecaps, we knew it would be a good one. No one knew how big the waves would be- all we had were two blue tarps, taped over seats 1 and 2. Dave did a great job of rigging the canoe-more than what I'd need today, but definitely for a novice steerperson."

"We shot out in front of everyone and I remember on the downrun cruising along side a sailboat. It was difficult to steer and had to have Beth in seat 5 poke every once in a while to keep the darn thing straight. Someone said our stroke rate was near 70. Coming back upwind, we battled hard and were way in front. The first year they had a different course with a buoy to turn around close in, so the spectators could view it better. We were going along and I thought, where is that buoy? I turned around and saw everyone going straight and I started cussing. (Sabine remarked later she had never heard me cuss before!) But everyone was great- they said don't worry, we'll get it back. We were in third at that time. We caught #2 somewhere downwind and were battling hard with the new #1, they turned around that first buoy and we followed. Our crew- Carrie, Diane, Laura, Sabine, Beth and myself battled back and won at the finish line."

"I don't know if I've ever had this special of a win; we all felt a special kinship because of this race, and a special place in our hearts for Po Anuenue. I've never paddled with a group of more supportive paddlers ever."

"I'm in Hawaii now but have great memories of battling Kikaha back in the days. a hui hou - Jill"

---------------------

Sabine Jessel, from the SOCC team adds more to the story of the first race.

"One more thing to add is that the course was shortened accidentially by every single canoe in the women's race that year (SOCC's first year to race in that race), because the lead canoe took the wrong buoy (they could not see the correct one, way further down the course and I am sure everybody was already super tired even at that point of the race) to head back to the finish line. So when we (SOCC) caught the number two canoe at that point in the race and just past them before the buoy, I thought to myself, good... now we have plenty time to catch number one going up wind, knowing how well we did on the first go around into the wind. When I realized that somehow the finish line was coming closer really fast, I just hoped that we still had enough time left to pass the leading canoe and yes we made it just in time. Some time during that stretch I realized that we all must have made the turn too early and just hoped that everybody would follow the lead canoe and that way nobody would be disqualified for that, which is what happened... It all worked out great for SOCC's women crew and yes it was one of my most exciting races ever and a very fun crew to paddle with. -- And yes this is the first time I had heard Jill cuss..."

(Note. Sabine races one year's oc2 event with the ama on the wrong side . That picture is posted so the curious can look for it.)\

-------------------
Sabine Jessel adds more about the Oc-2 with the ama on the wrong side.
"yeah that was me and Michelle with the OC-2 and the ama on the "wrong' side. Someone else had put it together for us and as we were late to get to the startline we decided not to rerigg. Within 100 yards after the start we flipped and after gathering our floating-away flipflops.. we were in such a hurry that we forgot to take those off.... we rightened the canoe and decided to paddle the course anyways, despite the fact that by then all the other canoes were long gone. We had a blast downwind and came in third in the OC-2 division... so I am not so sure anymore about the "right" verus "wrong" side of the ama, it sure worked great for us where it was for that race (wind and wave direction)... just another story."

----------------------

Boy Chun Fook, a founder of Kikaka O Ke Kai, and current president of PNWORCA - the governing body, also competed in the first Gorge race in 97.

"JD Davis approached us at one of the OC-6 races and told us about this Gorge Games Outrigger Race at the Columbia Gorge in July of that year. JD said we needed to have skirts or cover our canoes because the Gorge can get rough and nasty like a minature Molokai rough day. Bill Schillings was our President at that time and he asked if we can do it, I said we need skirts, if not we got to cover the canoes with tent tarp. So thats what we had to do with the canoes, covered it with blue and brown tent tarps. We only covered seats 1,2,3 & 4, plenty duct tape and lots of learning. Only one canoe had a skirt and it was for our Masters Mens on a Calmar Outrigger borrowed from Pacific OCC."

"Although Kikaha O Ke Kai OCC started our club in 1996 we were in our first year of racing against paddlers from the PNW in 1997. As you know we had our first canoe "Kikaha O Ke Kai #1" a fiberglass mold to make Malia canoes originally. It was rebuilt to be used as practice canoe for starting clubs. It was 456lbs. and a tank to go through any race."

"Anyway, I put the first crew in the Force Five borrowed from CROCC, 2nd crew of Masters in the borrowed Calmar from Pacific OCC and the 3rd canoe of drinking buddies in Kikaha O Ke Kai #1."

"On the first lap for the mens race, we kept up with the first pack and first crew till the first turn and started taking in a lot of water from the start of the race. I didn't want to bail yet until made the turn. We took in so much water after the turn, I had to bail and we started losing ground to the leaders. The crews behind us was checking us out as I bailed from seat #5 and they only could think out loud and said, "Eh, thats a whale in front of us and its shooting water from its spout". I was bailing water about 1/2 of the race and tugging that 456lb. Outrigger Canoe was its first and last time we took it through the Gorge. Another note, our steersman bang the second turn buoy not once but twice that race."

"Lots of our paddlers had rash burns from the tarp covers and cramps from that grueling first hard race we ever did. We drove home that night of the race and promise to stay another night next year cause it was a fun race and we had a blast. Till this day, that first race was an experience for all of us! "

Bend 2005 Pictures - courtecy Tinh Vu

GorgeGames 1998

2005-11-06T21:43:00.000-08:00

Kikaha and their first Calmar (Nia). Note the great job of a cover:-) In particular, notice that seats 5/6 are not covered. In this race, seat 5, Vance, ended up bailing most of the race. The long canoes really take a beating in the rough water where the swells are very close together. It's hard to get a photo from land that does the race justice.

1998 marked a bigger involvment by paddling teams, being won by the Scallterheads and Scatterchicks again. There were now 15 women teams and 16 men's teams. The canadians have to drive almost 400 miles to participate.

This was my first and without a full cover on the canoe we ended up bailing most of the time.