29/11 PD Chicks OC6 International Success Stories…

Over the past 3 months we have had 7 women from Pacific Dragons compete in international OC6 events in Hawaii and the Cook Islands.

These are excellent opportunities for our paddlers to pick up new skills and knowledge and bring this back into the club to the benefit of all.

Na Wahine O Ke Kai, Hawaii – 25 September 2011

The crossing of the Kaiwi Channel, or Molokai Channel as it is often called, is a rite of passage for outrigger paddlers. The OC6 channel crossing for women is called the Na Wahine O Ke Kai, Women of the Sea, a 70km changes race 5 of our women; Alex Floro, Annett Happich, Charmian Gradwell, Jane Hall and Lisa Green, teamed up with paddlers from Queensland, Hawaii and California.

The conditions were mild by channel standards, with not much assistance from winds and swells, making it hard work for the girls. However having their Changes Coach, Bruce the Kangaroo on board, made all the difference. He kept them on track, distracted other crews with his crazy antics and motivated the girls at all times from the bow of the boat, Titanic style.

The team crossed the line in 11^th place out of 72 crews in a time of 5 hour 56 minutes, taking out 9^th place in the Open division. An absolutely amazing result for a group of girls who hadn’t paddled together before.

Click here for a video of the race in which you can catch glimpses of our girls:

PaddlerTV Na Wahine O Ke Kai 2011

Vaka Eiva, Cook Islands – 18 to 25 November 2011

Vaka Eiva is one of the most well-liked events on the worlds outrigger calendar due to its format, tough competition, beautiful location, ama flying comps, and relaxed vibe… well at least in between races!

4 of our women; Alex Floro, Bailey Bowyer, Eloise Schnierer and Jane Hall, joined two separate crews. Alex and Jane paddled forces with Outrigger Australia, and Bailey and El with Patterson Lakes, women’s crews considered some of the best in Australia. By accounts, the conditions were challenging for both the 12km and Round Raro changes race and the girls had some excellent results across the competition.

Check out the results here: Vaka Eiva Race Results

Read some of the Cook Islands News stories: Vaka Eiva CI News Articles