The California women and Hawaiian men led from start to finish to capture the top two prizes on Saturday at the 2006 Howe Sound International Outrigger Races in Gibsons.
The women's team from Newport Beach won the women's long course iron, while the men, representing the Hawaiian Canoe Club from Maui, won the men's long course iron.
JoJo Toeppner said there was lots of positive energy in their boat, which aided in their victory.
"We got out to a good lead and had a good pull at the end," said Toeppner. "The race was great. The boat was moving well and the crew just meshed together beautifully."
She admitted that the team came together only hours before, but given everyone's experience, Toeppner was confident they would have a good result.
"It's just a fantastic feeling to come together like we did. You have lots of faith in your crew and everyone performed beautifully," she said. "This is my third time racing here. It's just so gorgeous out there. It's fun to go around different islands and have the water come in different directions and change up the stroke a bit."
Rick Nuu is no stranger to Gibsons, as he's raced several times before as a coach and member of the False Creek Canoe Racing Club. After moving back to his native Hawaii, he set a goal of bringing a men's team over to compete.
"This is the first time a Maui crew has competed. We're glad to be here," said Nuu. "It's a wonderful event. Beautiful scenery, great people and very, very hospitable. The problem with the timing of this event is that we're right in the middle of our regatta racing season back in Hawaii trying to qualify crews for state champs. This year because our men's program is doing so well, I was able to pull six guys over for a weekend."
Besides the iron races, Saturday was highlighted by the Gibsons Challenge Races. Eight local teams took part this year.Heat one saw the Public Serpents, sponsored by the Town of Gibsons, place first and the Dragon Divas, sponsored by Visitor's Choice Publications Ltd., in second, earning both teams a place in the final. In heat two, Chatelech Paddling Pirates, sponsored by Claytons Heritage Market, took first while second went to the District of Sechelt Dolphins, sponsored by the District of Sechelt, making them the final two teams for the final.
During the second heat the crowd learned what a "huli" is as the Venturers, sponsored by the Gibsons 1st Scouts, overturned their outrigger going around the turn at Granthams Landing. They quickly righted their canoe, bailed it out and paddled strongly to the finish, a little wet, but still smiling.
The final was a close race with the Public Serpents taking first, earning a $300 donation for the Salvation Army. Second place was Dragon Divas who chose Sunshine Coast Community Services to receive their $200 donation. The Dolphins placed third with $100 going to Back the CAT, while the Paddling Pirates came in fourth to the cheers of the crowd, dressed up as pirates and Vikings, with painted faces, axes and swords, full of enthusiasm.
"We had a bit of a collision with the Divas at the start," said Gibsons' team captain Chris Marshall. "We all paddled on the opposite side and managed to pull out a bit of a lead. If we hadn't had that bang up at the start, it might have been a different race. The Divas are a great team. It was nice to get ahead and have people chase you rather than you having to chase them."
Sunday's races included the Junior Team of the Year and Rookie of the Year. Four youth teams competed with Cedars Inn Annihilation, sponsored by Cedars Inn, placing first, the Paddling Pirates second, Cruisin' Cougars, sponsored by Gibsons Building Supplies Ltd., third and the Venturers in fourth place. Rookie of the Year went to the Dragon Divas, the Dolphins in second and Spirit of the C, sponsored by Community Futures, third.
The solo and tandem races were also held Sunday, completing a wonderful weekend of competition and competitive spirit on the water.
