Lanikai Canoe Club has once again demonstrated its unparalleled dominance in the world of canoe paddling, clinching its sixth consecutive Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association State Championship. This remarkable victory unfolded in the picturesque yet poignant setting of Hanaka‘o‘o Beach Park in Lahaina, a community still actively rebuilding nearly two years after devastating wildfires. The event transcended mere competition, serving as a powerful testament to collective resilience and the enduring spirit of Hawaii sports.
The regatta brought together an impressive contingent of over 2,800 paddlers and thousands of supporters to the historic Lahaina area, which once served as the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii. Against the backdrop of a still-scarred town, the vibrant celebration of the official state sport provided a much-needed boost to the local economy. Nearly ten hours of intense outrigger racing unfolded, accompanied by a bustling array of local food and craft vendors, fostering a sense of community and renewal.
Despite being away from their home waters, Lanikai Canoe Club exhibited unwavering control, earning its moniker, the “Big Green Machine.” The club’s dynasty mode was on full display, meticulously leveraging its deep pool of talent, from burgeoning youth paddlers to seasoned veterans. This strategic distribution across all age groups proved instrumental in their consistent performance throughout the demanding competition.
Lanikai’s path to victory was paved with an astounding 13 race wins, complemented by eight runner-up finishes and eight third-place results. This comprehensive point accumulation allowed them to decisively best Hawaiian Canoe Club of Maui by a significant 95-point margin, solidifying their status as the preeminent force in the state championship circuit. Their consistency across multiple events underscored their superior preparation and execution.
For Lanikai head coach Scott Freitas, this particular state championship held profound significance. “I told the club before we started the race today: ‘Remember yesterday, dream about tomorrow and live for today,’ tomorrow’s not guaranteed,” Freitas remarked. He emphasized that claiming their sixth title in Maui, amidst the backdrop of the fires and the uncertainties of competition and travel, made this win exceptionally special and memorable for the entire club.
Beyond this latest triumph, Lanikai’s reign extends further, boasting an incredible 42 consecutive Oahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association competition victories dating back to 2017. The club, alongside Hawaiian, has collectively dominated the state competition for the past quarter-century, together securing an astounding 25 straight HCRA state championships. This historic record underscores their consistent mastery of the sport.
The victorious Lanikai crew showcased a true multi-generational talent pool, featuring paddlers like Kamalani Freitas, Donna Kahakui-Ching, Chelsea Bizik, Samantha Stewart, and Makayla Ward. Veteran steersman Chelsea Bizik articulated the intricate balance required in long races, noting, “With a five-turn race, you have to balance sprinting with conserving energy, gathering your breath and powering ahead — you find that happy medium.” Her ability to execute critical turns was pivotal in erasing deficits.
The regatta’s scoring system, which awarded points descending from 15 for first place to one point for last, heavily rewarded clubs for consistent high placements across all 44 races. This “quality plus quantity” approach is a strategy that both Lanikai and Hawaiian, winners of 16 of the last 25 state titles, have perfected over decades, allowing them to consistently outmaneuver their rivals through depth and sustained performance.
As the summer sprint-racing season concludes with this pivotal event, the focus for these elite canoe paddling athletes now shifts towards the challenging long-distance campaign. This culminates in the renowned Molokai-to-Oahu world championship races, setting the stage for future showcases of athletic endurance and skill on the Hawaiian waters.
