Paddling Begins Competition In Waikiki Waters
by Coach Fuller
This past Saturday, the 'Iolani paddling teams tested their mettle for the first time against competition.
The weather was cooperative, providing a calm course off Magic Island and giving the paddlers an opportunity to get into a competitive mindset.
The races are broken down by division in a staggered start. This year the girls' crews went first: Varsity I, Varsity II, JV I and JV II.
The boys' races followed fifteen minutes after the last girls' crew came in, and also included a mixed crew (three boys and three girls).
This first race was over a three mile course starting from the Ala Wai boat channel, turning before the Kewalo boat channel and finishing inside Magic Island, providing family and friends an opportunity to cheer their paddlers down the home stretch.
Subsequent races will gradually increase in length, requiring greater endurance and strength of mind from competitors.
In the girls' divisions, the Varsity I girls finished a promising fourth, very close to Mid-Pac and Punahou. That division should continue to be competitive throughout the season.
The Varsity II girls had a terrific start and a great finish, beating out St. Andrew's by seconds for fifth.
The JV I crew, with four brand new paddlers, finished seventh.
In the boys' divisions, Varsity I finished a respectable seventh. Varsity II and JV II each finished sixth, while JV I finished fifth. The mixed crew, paddling together for the first time, finished well in fourth. The boys' team boasts large numbers this season, which should indicate a promising future.
The next race will take place next Saturday at Magic Island, with the girls again beginning the competition at 8:30.
For more photos, please visit iolani-events.org.
