Tomorrow will see Hilo host the HCRA Paddling State Championship for the first time in several years, featuring a number of the isle’s clubs taking on opponents from across the state.
Following the 7 a.m. opening ceremony, races will be held from 7:55 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Bayfront.
The Bayfront will be busy with paddlers all day today — with weigh-ins, tent setups and coaches meetings taking place until the early evening.
Puna Canoe Club and Keaukaha Canoe Club will compete in 4A, the most competitive bracket — with Puna entering 33 crews and Keaukaha entering 21.
The pair of clubs were frequently the top two on the leaderboard during regular-season Moku ‘O Hawai‘i regattas, with Puna leading every time.
Among Puna’s state entries are its boys 14, mixed novice B, women 50 and mixed men and women crews — all of which hold state-leading times.
The other competitors in 4A will be Maui’s Hawaiian Canoe Club as well as O‘ahu’s Lanikai CC, Hui Nalu CC, Kailua CC and Manu O Ke Kai.
Kai Opua CC will enter 20 crews in 3A, competing against O‘ahu’s Keahiakahoe CC and Maui’s Kihei CC.
Kamehameha CC, Keauhou CC and Kai ‘Ehitu will compete in AA — each entering 12 crews. Kawaihae will also compete in AA with ten crews.
The remaining Big Island competitors — Paddlers of Laka (six crews), Keoua Honaunau CC (three crews), Waikoloa CC (three crews), Hui Wa‘a ‘O Waiakea (three crews), Hoemana (three crews) and Na Wa‘a Hanakahi (two crews) — will compete in the A bracket.
The state championship will mark the end of the paddling season, but Moku clubs will compete in three more long distance events on the isle’s west side leading up to the end of the month.