It wasn’t the windiest day at Hilo Bay in Moku O Hawaii Outrigger Canoe Racing Association history, but two records were set — neither good.
At the Keaukaha regatta on an overcast Saturday with 13-mph gusts, serving as a paddling deterrent, there were a record 17 disqualifications and a whopping 31 scratches.
The DQs came in all forms: burying the flag, crossing the starting line and colliding with another canoe.
There are 40 races, and there were multiple events where more than one crew couldn’t field the required six paddlers.
More than anything, that’s a big black eye for the clubs because, for the most part, their paddlers didn’t display the necessary commitment to show up.