UH Maui College hosts 1st Annual Outrigger Canoe Regatta

The 1st Annual University of Hawaiʻi Maui College Outrigger Canoe Regatta on April 9, 2011 at Kahului Harbor brought close to 200 students, faculty and staff out to paddle. The event held at the Hawaiian Canoe Club Hale was full of excitement and team spirit as everyone prepared to race.

UH Maui College teams were formed from Allied Health Services, Sustainable Construction, The Maui Language Institute and student government, as well as groups of students that formed teams independently.

Former student government president Brenda Starcher, a first time paddler, said, "It was a blast! I loved being out on the water and working with my team to cross the finish line. We didn't win, but we still got to race again which was totally awesome. I woke up the next day with a sore back and bottom, but it hurt so good.  I can't wait until the next regatta!"

The event was organized by the newly formed UH Maui College Canoe Club and sponsored by the Associate Students of UH Maui College (ASUHMC). The Hawaiian Canoe Club provided their services with officials, lifeguards and canoes. At the end of the race lunch bentos were available for everyone to refuel.

Ki'ope Raymond, Hawaiian language professor and chair of the Humanities Department serves as the faculty advisor for the UH Maui College Canoe Club. He wanted to express special thanks to Mel Hipolito Jr. for his hard work in organizing the event. Hipolito Jr. is also an advisor for the club. Raymond went on to say, "The regatta was an opportunity to share and build on a common love for Hawaiian culture, sport and cooperation."

Raymond offered a big mahalo to Hawaiian Canoe Club for the use of their canoes and paddles and for providing coaching, race steering, and a place to hold the regatta. He also sends a huge I MUA! to team "Kiope" which was comprised of mostly novices to the sport but who exemplified what he is hoping for in the future: "Students who want to join in and learn about canoeing and participate and have fun."

The winning teams were Team Crusty Guns and Team Kaeo. If you would like more information on being a part of the UH Maui College Canoe Club contact club president Ekolu Hipolito at 269-0509. Practice is held on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at the Hawaiian Canoe Club Hale in Kahului.