Monterey Hoe Wa'a
May 27, 2023 | Del Monte Beach
MOnterey Hoe Wa'a & Memorial Day Race
For more than 30 years, our annual Memorial Day Hoe Wa’a long distance race has been one of the destination races for Northern Californian outrigger canoe paddlers. Started as a small gathering of local paddlers, the race has grown over the decades and now welcomes an average of 200-300 paddlers, ages 12-70+, for an exciting day on the beautiful Monterey Bay. Ke Kai has been honored over the years to have clubs participate from the Pacific Northwest, Southern California, Arizona, and Hawaii, in addition to the many clubs that make up the paddling community in Northern California.
Join us as we welcome paddlers, water sport enthusiasts and those interested in watching canoe racing at its best. It’s the perfect way to start the Memorial Day weekend, including our annual salute and acknowledgement of our military service people and veterans.
Join Hi'ilani 'O Ke Kai (formerly Ke Kai O’Uhane) and the NCOCA paddling Ohana as we celebrate the start of another exciting racing season. See you at Del Monte Beach, Monterey, on Saturday, May 27th!
Race Courses
The race follows the pristine Monterey Bay coastline, with views (not that the paddlers should be looking!) of historic Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row, passing the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium and the Hopkin’s Marine Station as teams head out towards Pacific Grove, and then back to Del Monte Beach.
Keiki (kids) Course, 2 miles
**by request only**
Novice and Junior Course, 4.5 miles
Short Course (yellow), 6.5 miles
Long Course (yellow + blue), 10 miles
Weather Conditions
With weather conditions ever-changing, paddlers know to expect the unexpected: their day may begin in the fog, open up to the sun and end with gale-force wind. This translates to exciting conditions on the water, including large roller swells, bumpy waves, and impressive shore breaks. Whether new to the sport or a seasoned paddler, the races (men, women, co-ed, novice, and teens/keikis) will challenge one and all!
Order your Race Jersey!
Our choice for the 2023 Memorial Day Hoe Wa’a jersey continues our goal of creating a sustainability focused race event in as many facets of the race experience as possible. Reflecting our care for the ocean, the environment, and each other the jerseys are made with Repreve recycled yarns, are durable, and have a UPF 50+ rating.
Special appreciation to Keanu La’a & Talis Crew for the original design concept and to Ke Kai members Annie, Thu, Heidi, Misha, and Otto for modeling our sample sizes.
Orders can be picked up at the beach on race day, May 27, 2023. All orders with shipping requested will be sent after May 27, 2023.
Last Year's 2022 Event Report
Ke Kai hosted a wonderful event full of aloha and good cheer, and we could not have done it without the support of our friends and extended Ke Kai ohana. Read more about our gratitude and club-wide support here.
