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Eight Na Leo O Ke Kai paddlers took to the waves in San Diego on Saturday, Jan. 25 at the 30th anniversary Hano Hano race. In a short course that had more than 400 paddlers, our own Laura Baack and Amy Hartle came in third of all OC2s (out of 35) and first in women’s OC2. Joining them on the course were Na Leo President Betty Flores and husband Richard, in their very first Hano Hano race. The long course, with winds gusting between 20 and 25 mph, was moved inside of the jetty. More than two hundred paddlers raced two rounds of the short course. Ceci Ng and Andy Thomas came in second in master’s coed OC2 and Alicia Lin Kee and Hisano Tasedan finished third in master’s women’s OC2. Fantastic turnout and efforts by all our clubmates! Also, thanks to our Na Leo board, coaches and paddlers for working as volunteers for January’s Rock and Roll Marathon to help raise money for a new unlimited canoe for the club.

Nā Leo celebrated one of the founders and core members who helped found the club, including Louise Navarro, Diane Escalante, Art Keanini and others. New members – many met at the Aloha Festival – and OGs gathered for the canoe blessing and paddle out for Lono Navarro, held in conjunction with the Nā Leo’s Open House at Tempe Town Lake. Lots of Aloha to close out the month of March, and open April’s first race of the year, Havasu Heat! Nā Leo took crews to race short course and long course, including “Boto” men’s crew (with Melissa!), “Team Phoenix” wahine going to World Sprints in Hilo, and the “Baby Goats,” Nā Leo’s breast cancer survivor crew. All took first place, but most importantly, had a wonderful time shared with Arizona’s Va’a Ohana. And if you are wondering what’s coming up next, don’t forget our Kalua Pig Fundraiser. Get your orders in by April 17: $10 per 8 oz. bag, cooking in traditional Imu (Hawaiian underground oven). We do it right! Email orders to: NaLeoOKeKai@gmail.com, with subject line: Kalua Pig order. Can pay by Venmo (@NaLeoOKeKai) or Zelle (NaLeoOKeKai@gmail.com).