THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE PADDLE
Together, these crews have endured gym workouts, swim tests, OC-1 practice to Black Point, OC-1 races in Waimanālo and Lanikai, as well as OC-6 practices in the ocean off Diamond Head and Waikīkī, and regularly in the Ala Wai. Though last year’s Novice teams faced fierce competition and adversity early in the 2022 regatta season at Kailua and Nanakuli, the dedicated crews saw burgeoning success as the season went on. In fact, both the Novice A Men and Women won States. This year, the Women’s Novice A team— which includes Doherty, Carly Bargiel, Rachel Geicke, Lindsey Lowe, Becky Needham and Sandra Walter—have started the season off strong, coming in first place at the first two races of the season, the Clement D. Pai‘aina Regatta and the King Kamehameha Day Regatta.
Paddlers are all smiles as they get OCC’s Leilani into the water for the King Kamehameha Day Regatta. The storied canoe’s first race was in 1936. Bottom: Other paddlers and members alike show their support by cheering and welcoming racers out of the water.
JULY / august 2023 | AMA 19
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