KOHALA COAST — Hawaii swimming, well, it ain’t no joke.
So learned — or was reminded anyway — Eric Mizuba, who just last week moved back to Hawaii Island after three decades on the mainland.
The Waimea doctor celebrated his Big Island homecoming by trying his stroke at the Cinco de Mayo Splash swim at Anaehoomalu Bay on Saturday.
Yes, the name of the annual event is festive, and themed snacks waited after the 1-mile course, but dang, participants got after it.
“The level of skill,” he said reflecting from the comforts of the beach afterward, “is remarkable.”
The Hilo native isn’t a stranger to water, having done marathon 24-mile swims on the mainland. But after landing back on the island permanently for the first time since the late ’70s, he noticed a majority of the field was anything but novice. Still, he said, it was an inviting atmosphere anyone can enjoy, and a perfect way to engage in his new, old community.
Why such skill?
West Hawaii is swimmer’s mecca, of course, but the race represents a bondafide season opener. It’s the first leg of the Triple Crown of open water swimming on the Big Island. The series also includes the 1-mile Hapuna Rough Water Swim on June 9, and wraps up with the 1.2-mile King’s Swim, which was moved from its traditional Fourth of July date to June 30.
The swimmer with the quickest accumulated time from the trifecta is crowned aquatic’s best.
“I’m gonna win,” said Kawena Haserot, who knocked out a swim of 25 minutes and 32 seconds in the 10-14 year old age group, on winning the triple’s crown.
Chalk her up and friend Finnigan Morton to the seriously skilled category. Both were happy with their times — Morton clocked 24:40 — but both dissected the inside strategy of real racing.
Sprint out 150 to 200 yards, then click down to a steadier speed as you lock on to someone as a pacer. At the yellow buoyed turn on the triangle course, you pick it up, and draft on someone. That’s when you’re right at their feet, using their energy.
“It’s almost like catching their waves,” Morton said. “You get more of a smooth ride.”
Both enjoyed the day, and the community atmosphere they’d encourage anyone to take part in, even the most casual of swimmers.
But really, how serious is it up at the top?
“Everyone was running me over and I got kicked in my face,” Haserot said, reflecting on how she missed the sound of the starting gun which cost her precious seconds. “My face is swollen. My lip is swelling now.”
“There’s a lot of violence in these swims,” Morton added.
But for those not in the scrum, there’s also a lot of tranquility. The flat, calm surface was a treat for plenty of the 225 swimmers. One of the most scenic bays in Hawaii, rays and turtles swam along the coral so those who wanted could treat it like a snorkel outing.
Richard Fong wasn’t sight-seeing, but used the event to stay in swimming shape while enjoying a sunny Saturday. He swam a nice 34:15 for his first time on the course, though he’s no stranger to the racing circuit.
“It’s a well run event, come out and have fun,” he said. “It’s worth the margarita in the end.”
Leaders
Brock Imonen took the title at the Cinco de Mayo Splash on Saturday, leading a pack of four swimmers to shore and winning a short sprint up the beach to clock a time of 21 minutes and 18 seconds.
Sean Reilly (21:21), Bodhi Whitmore (21:22) and William Kanoa Birdsall (21:23) all finished just seconds behind, crowding the finishing chute.
Ku’uleionalani Patterson claimed top female honors, coasting to shore at Anaehoomalu bay in 22:56. Brenda Avery (23:43) and Raven Domingo (23:47) rounded out the female podium.
Every second matters in the race for the Triple Crown and next up is the Hapuna Rough Water Swim on June 9.