Napili Canoe Club’s coaches include (from left) Al Nip, Eugene Tihada, Colin Delos Reyes, Nori Tihada, Kona Maielua, Danyo Tancayo and Junya Nakoa.

LAHAINA — The joyous energy of the return of Hawaiian outrigger canoe paddling with the first regatta of the 2022 season could be felt throughout the West Side. The breakout event on June 4 at Hanakao’o Beach Park (Canoe Beach) after the shuttered two pandemic years marked the beginning of the Maui County Hawaiian Canoe Association (MCHCA) 2022 season.

With over 175 registered members, Napili Canoe Club led the way for the West Maui programs as the Black and Gold paddled their way to middle-of- the-pack finishes in the inaugural races of the season sponsored by Kihei Canoe Club and Lahaina Canoe Club, respectively.

The veteran leadership of NCC is maintained by President Theresa Marzan and the steadfast Tihada ohana, including head coach Joey Tihada and keiki mentor Nori Tihada.

Marzan is joined on the Napili Board of Directors by Vice President Courtney Asato, Treasurer Denise Nery and Secretary Kenoalani Delatori. The coaching staff is made up of Eugene Tihada, Kalani Tihada, Colin Delos Reyes, Kona Maielua, Kalei Kauhane, Al Nip, Junya Nakoa, Treven Tihada, Kawaiola Kauhane, Joseph Aquino, Daniel Tancayo, Michael Rains and Justin Mey.

“It’s been a tough two years, and it is so good to be back in the water,” commented 25-year NCC member and current President Marzan.

“It’s been tough for everybody, and we are calling it a rebuilding year. We started practice in early March, and the regattas will continue through the month of June and into July when we will host the Dougie Tihada Memorial Regatta on July 16. The state races will take place at Keehi Lagoon on Oahu at the beginning of August. One of the best parts of the regattas is watching our manini paddlers — about 35 of them — going for it on race day. They are so cute!”

Marzan noted that NCC will honor throughout the year the memory of beloved charter member Manny Portables, who passed away last year. “He was our maintenance man who took care of the canoes and all of the equipment. No one can replace him.”

She added that longtime contributors Carol Elterman has relocated to the Mainland, and board member and leader Jeanne Gonzales has retired. “It is tough to find people like this, and we have so much gratitude to them for all they have done for Napili Canoe Club.

“Mahalo to the entire Tihada family for their hard work and determination in support of the club. And thank you to the Lahaina community in general for their continuous support of canoe paddling,” Marzan concluded.