Aaron powers through the backwash off Portlock in the Solo Molo
With the regatta season rapidly approaching, it’s a good time to look back at the various races and events where Anuenue paddlers participated during the first half of 2009.
Looking first at OC1 races and the Kanaka Ikaika series, Aaron Napoleon won the Oahu Championships and took third in the State race two weeks later. Besides his overall placing, Aaron was a consistent top finisher in his 40+ age group. Other Anuenue paddlers finishing in the money in some races included youngsters Joe Ah Yuen and Peter Caldwell in the Kupuna short course division. Aaron was the top dog in his division in the Pa’a Solo Molokai race and was 11th overall. With perennial partner Gaylord Wilcox out with injury problems, Nappy did not enter his usual number of events but did team up with Gene Lopez for a 60s second in the Kauai Challenge. Aaron and Kea Paiaina came in fifth overall in the open division.
In the Hui Wa’a preseason fundraiser OC6 distance races, Anuenue paddlers teamed up with several different Golden Master friends to take first place in several events. On 5/9/09, two Anuenue prime time crews battled it out for bragging rights in the annual Kala’iomalualani race from Kailua beach to Heeia Kea. It turned out that the 65s crew (gold in their division) edged out the 60s (silver in theirs) that day but everyone enjoyed another awesome Hawaiian lunch put on by Keahiakahoe CC.
Time to get down to business for regatta season!!