High School paddling season wrapped up this past weekend with the final race being held at Hilo Bayfront on Saturday, January 21. At the start of the season, only two students had experience paddling. All of our student athletes comitted themselves to learning the sport and getting better every week. As time went by, that is exactly what they did by improving on their times every race. This week, our crew raced a total of six races. They qualified for the finals in the JV Girls and JV Mixed heats.
At the end of the race day, our families gathered at the hālau to celebrate the season. Parents and siblings got into the canoes, classmates got to feel what it is like to be on the water, and our paddlers got to share what they experience everyday at practice and during races with a family fun day. It was the perfect way to end such a good season.
Thank you to Coach Mike and all the parents for their support during the season. A special mahalo to our coaches (Uncle Lloyd, Coach Melissa, Coach Miki and Uncle Jake) for sacrificing their time and sharing their knowledge with our paddlers.
Below are a few photos highlighting the season.
Looking forward to next season!
Go Cardinals!!