OCC Paddling Recap
Better Together Reflecting on this year’s regatta season
success. The Novice B men and women’s divisions both secured podium finishes at the O‘ahu Champi- onship race in late July, earning them coveted lanes at the Hawai‘i Canoe Racing Association’s State Championship Race. The Novice B Mixed crew also qualified for this prestigious event. A special shoutout to the Novice B Men, whose impressive season included claiming the O‘ahu Championship title, winning four out of seven races in the OHCRA regatta season, and ultimately winning first place at the HCRA State Championship Race at Ke‘ehi Lagoon, making them Outrigger’s most successful crew this year. Our Open Women’s program, under the lead- ership of Coach Raven Aipa in his inaugural year as the women’s coach, demonstrated tremendous growth. The Novice A crew, despite encountering a few hurdles, managed to secure a spot at the State Championship race through sheer determination and perseverance, bringing home a second place fi nish. A standout paddler this year was Novice A steerswoman Taylor Doherty, whose exceptional skills earned her a place in the prestigious Senior Women’s race and the Women’s Paddler of the Year award at our annual end-of-season banquet. Con- gratulations to Coach Raven, Taylor, and the entire women’s program for a commendable season. One of the season’s highlights has been wit- nessing the emergence of the next generation of club leaders. Ryland Hart, one of our Open Men’s
By George Wilson, Head Coach
“Holomua pū kākou” – move forward together. It is a timeless ‘ōlelo no‘eau that was first imparted to me at the age of 14 by my first paddling coach. Fast forward 15 years, and as I reflect on our remarkable season at Outrigger Canoe Club, this phrase perfect- ly encapsulates our journey. The season commenced with a deeply signifi- cant canoe blessing ceremony for our three koa canoes. This event was more than a ceremonial rite; it was a profound moment of unity, honoring the his- tory and spirit of our cherished wa‘a. It underscored our deep pilina, or connection, to our kūpuna, and celebrated the age-old craft of canoe building and racing that binds us. Our Novice B program thrived for yet another year, drawing nearly 50 newcomers to the sport. Under the leadership of Coach Liz Perry and her dedicated team, this program achieved notable
20 AMA | SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2024
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