June 2009 - Pacific Paddler

Kanaka Ikaika State Champs
It was tough for the long course
paddlers during their first stage of the
race from Smith Point, in Lanikai, up
to Makapu’u Lighthouse. Then paydirt,
a surfing bonanza the rest of the
way to the finish at Kaimana Beach,
in Waikiki. The short course had their
own battle against the elements up to
the official boat parked off of Portlock
Point. Then it was a breeze, a downhill
run to the finish also at Kaimana
Beach at the Kanaka Ikaika Hinano
State Championship race. Afterwards,
an awards party was held at Lulu’s
Waikiki where beer specials and
prizes were given out. Jim Foti, who
M.C.ed for the Solja Series, held a
‘Junk and Po’ competition — the game
of rock, paper and scissors — for
door prizes. This season saw many
new faces in the winner’s circle. New
champs were crowned. Mael Carey
who came over from Maui to race,
Jimmy Austin, Kea Paiaina and Danny
Ching from California. Arlene Holzman
dominated the women in the OC1 with
Jessica Eames hot on her tail.
Past year’s champions, like Karel
Tresnak, Kai Bartlett, Mike Judd, John
Foti, and Mark Rigg, didn't race this
season. The Surf Ski division was
dominated by visiting resident Szolt
Szadovski, Steve Kelly, Sean Monahan
and Stuart Gassner.
Race director, Jon Emmerson, said
it was the their best season so far. "We
had help from Jim Foti, and a lot of
sponsorships from the canoe manufacturers.
I had a lot of guys coming up to
me and saying thanks. The food was
great." Jon said he enjoys standing
back and watching the paddlers come
in after a good long workout, shake
hands, hug and talk about the race. "It
gives me chicken skin," Jon said. "This
year Jim Foti did a fantastic job. He
brought in sponsors, his positive attitude
definitely helped us out this year."
photo by Ropati
Jon said he saw a lot of paddlers
return to compete and a lot of new faces.
Concerned about the future and someone
getting hurt, Jon has some plans for next
year. “We are trying to be proactive. If
someone down the line gets hurt and the
Coast Guard and City and County asks,
'What did you do to try to prevent it’ Jon
said they are planning to have wrist bands
available for competitors to wear with his
phone number on it. "If someone has a
problem and comes in, I know that I can get
a phone call. I think everyone who races
Kanaka Ikaika should have one. I’m also
working on a fanny pack. I want to put a
mirror in it along with some rubber (bike
tubing) and a cell phone zip-thing, a 3-by-
3 pink flag — a minimum of three things."
And, Jon said, "Next year I’d like to bring
in the outer island champs to compete here
on Oahu, no charge. Full results can be
found at Kanaka Ikaika's web site.
10 June ‘09, Pacific Paddler pacificpaddler.com June ‘09 11