For the second year in a row, youth from the Keaukaha Canoe Club are anticipating an international trip of a lifetime.
Fifteen paddlers have qualified and will represent Hawaii in the International Va‘a Federation World Distance competition in Samoa next month.
After competing at states, a Junior 16 V6 girls crew and Junior 16 V6 boys crew will turn around quickly to make it to Samoa for the races. The crews will compete in a 16-kilometer race and then a 12-kilometer race at the championships.
Wai‘olu Publico, 17, and Ali‘i Youderian, 17, will both compete in the Junior 19 V1 girls and boys race, respectively.
Last year, 13 youth from the canoe club traveled to London for the World Sprints competition. Coach Keahi Warfield is looking forward to bringing a bigger crew to Samoa, so more adolescents can experience an international competition.
“I’m excited for their exposure to a new country and paddling in their waters,” Warfield said. “Samoa is something we’ve never experienced and I think there is something important and special about training and learning from paddlers from around the world.”
Youderian has been out of the country three times for paddling competitions and is looking forward to competing with his crew for races and on his own.
“I’m looking forward to meeting new people and trying to win. I’m feeling confident since it’s been a great season for our crew and for myself,” Youderian said. “I love being in the ocean and pushing myself to compete with the best.”
Youderian graduated from high school, so after this year, he will be joining adult crews. He plans to continue competing as much as he can and growing his skills as a world-class paddler.
This will be Publico’s first time out of the country and the state.
“I had to get my passport a few weeks ago since I’ve never left the islands,” Publico said. “I’m excited to see Samoa, but nervous for the long flight.”
Publico will be competing with the Junior 16 V6 girls crew and will be in a solo race as well. While she’s excited for the competition, she’s also ready to learn more about the world.
“I think it will be so cool to learn about Samoan culture and listen to different languages from paddlers we’re up against,” Publico said. “I have not met my competition, but I think it’s going to be a fun ride no matter what happens.”
According to Warfield, the crews will have to get used to more heat, humidity and flatter water south of the equator.
“We’ll have some time to get used to different hydration tactics and diet changes before competing,” Warfield said. “We’ve had some help from a local Samoan who has paddled with us before, which has been a tremendous help in planning.”
The club has raised enough money for every kid and chaperone going to Samoa and only asks the community for cheers from home.
“While it’s always stressful in the beginning, we made our fundraising goal,” Warfield said. “Our families work so hard to do their part through our constant fundraisers and I’m so thankful for the community that has supported us through it all.”
The Keaukaha Canoe Club Girls 18 and under and Boys 18 and under both took home gold during the Moku O Hawaii Championships. Most of the athletes in those crews will compete in the state championships before traveling to Samoa.
Those interested in following the State Championships can visit hcrapaddler.com.
The IVF World Distance Championships will take place the week of Aug. 10 through Aug. 19. IVF will report updates and results as the week progresses on its website at ivfiv.org.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com