A team of young paddlers hope to represent Keaukaha after qualifying for the “Olympics of outrigger canoe paddling” this year.
Twelve adolescents, ranging in ages from 13–18, were selected to represent Hawaii at the International Va‘a Federation World Sprints hosted in London from August 8-16.
After the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Keaukaha One Youth Development created the Junior V1/OC1 Program to help find a positive solution when many out-of-school activities and programs were taken away.
The program has helped introduce and enhance the capabilities of youth to utilize a single-man outrigger canoe for competition.
Since then, several youth have been training to compete in the World Sprints.
“This is huge for us. Many of the kids are Native Hawaiian or are from disadvantaged households, so we really want them to have this experience,” said coach Keahi Warfield. “They have put in so much effort and dedication to the sport that many just picked up during the pandemic. We are so proud of them.”
The KOYD paddling team previously qualified for the World Sprints, but was unable to race because the competition was cancelled.
“It’s awesome to have the opportunity and to know that we have the ability to make it (into the competition) again,” said paddler Pakelakahiki Kaaua. “It’s an even bigger deal, because some of us have never left the island or left the state. To go out of the country to represent Keaukaha is so cool.”
Warfield, who has been part of developing the Junior V1/OC1 Program since the beginning, has been working with the youth as they continually improve individually and as team.
“A lot of these kids have paddled for me for years and I’ve seen them grow in the sport,” Warfield said. “We’ve never had the opportunity to compete against the world and the students will be able to serve as ambassadors to the whole state.”
One of the primary goals of the IVF is to perpetuate the cultural identity and practices of the sport of va‘a through the world. The World Sprints help establish pathways for va‘a competition at the highest level.
“Not only will they be competing on the world state of outrigger canoe paddling, but they are also preparing to experience the world and learn from it,” Warfield said.
Kaaua has been paddling for eleven years and has spent the majority of her time with the Keaukaha team.
“I love that this is a sport where you learn together while learning about your culture,” Kaaua said. “I participate year-round because most of my friends are from this sport and everyone is so accepting. Paddling gives us a place to all grow together.”
‘Eha Kiyuna, 15, has been paddling since he was in fourth grade and has loved it ever since.
“Being on or near the ocean relaxes me. I’ve been around Hilo Bay and Palekai my entire life and have such fond memories,” Kiyuna said. “It feels really good to be able to qualify and then travel for this. This will be my first time out of Hawaii and the country, it’s exciting.”
Noah Pila, 17, has been paddling for about nine years and is a little nervous to leave the country, but hopeful for the opportunity.
“This feels great, but it’s kind of scary because it’s the first time I’m going out of the country and I don’t know what to expect,” Pila said. “We are training more intensely and we’re really hoping our efforts pay off and we’re able to go.”
There are monetary barriers that may impede on the team’s chance to travel to London to compete in the World Sprints.
The team must raise money to pay for travel, lodging, food and activities for twelve athletes and four chaperones, which has amounted to about $70,000.
“The high cost of travel is not something we were prepared for as a nonprofit organization and that is our biggest barrier,” Warfield said. “We’re hoping to work with the community to try and raise money and figure out how to get us all over there. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity we want these kids to experience.”
Warfield has set up a GoFundMe page for anyone that may be interested in donating to help the team get to London.
“Travel for them is learning, inspiring curiosity and adventure. The experience will open their minds and allow them to create and build stronger relationships with other people worldwide,” Warfield said on the GoFundMe page. “The World Sprints will allow these youth to showcase the resilience, training and preparation they developed when so much time and experience have been lost.”
As of Wednesday, the GoFundMe has raised $5,890 out of the $70,000 goal.
Those interested in learning more or donating can find the page at https://www.gofundme.com/f/keaukaha-smiles-in-london-world-sprints.
Until August, the team will be training rain or shine to show the world what Keaukaha and the state of Hawaii can do in the sport of va‘a.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com
