SANTA
CRUZ, CA.-- Nine female outrigger canoe paddlers from three different islands will represent Hawaii at the 12th International Va’a Federation World Sprints Competition. Held every two years, the 2006 IVF Va’a World Sprints will run March 21 – 25 on the flat waters of Lake Karapiro in Aotearoa, New Zealand. The Team Hawaii paddlers will compete with 2,000 paddlers from 26 countries to determine the best Va’a (outrigger canoe) paddlers in the world.
“We intend to sweep all of the women’s events with our team from Hawaii,” said team member Cindy Razga, 44, of Waimanalo, Oahu. The team will be competing in the open, masters, and senior masters divisions.
The Team Hawaii paddlers currently hold the records for master women (age 35 and up) in the 500-meter and 1000-meter races. At the qualifying trials in Hawaii, the team won eight out of the nine events they entered and were awarded one of eight slots allotted to U.S. teams to compete in the IVF Va’a World Sprints. A core group within the team first paddled together at the World Sprints in Fiji in 1998. But unlike other teams who paddle together regularly, the Team Hawaii paddlers only come together every two years for the World Sprints.
“The synergy we have when we are in the canoe together is unlike anything, any of us has experienced with our own clubs, or other crews,” said Razga. “We all paddle well together and we get along well together, and we don't seem to have the usual issues that arise with female athletic teams. We take our competition very seriously and we are all able to analyze our performance or times without personally attacking each other. Individually, we are fierce competitors and would strive to beat each other in one-man canoes, but when we come together to crew, we all strive for excellence as a team.”
In between competition, the women stay in shape by paddling one-man canoes, lifting weights, and cross-training with swimming, running, and biking.
“The women of Team Hawaii successfully balance careers and families with their passion for their sport. Their achievements and winning team attitude make them inspiring role models for other women,” said Kim Ruby, President of Girls4Sport. "We are proud to sponsor Team Hawaii and wish them the best of luck at the World Sprints.”
In addition to Ragza, the Team Hawaii paddlers include: Denise Darvel-Chang, 44, of Hawaii Kai, Oahu; Kelly Fey, 44, of Hawaii Kai, Oahu; Gail Grabowsky, 43, of Honolulu, Oahu; Donna Kahakui, 42, of Kailua, Oahu; Margie Kawaiaea of Wailuku, Maui; Cherisse Kelii, 33, of Hilo, Big Island; Nicole Pederson, 37, of Hawaii Kai, Oahu; and Lauren Spalding-Bartlett, 26, of Kula, Maui. For more information on Team Hawaii visit: www.girls4sport.com/teamhawaii.shtml.
About Girls4Sport:
Girls4Sport is dedicated to creating performance clothing with the female body in mind. Girls4Sport's line includes rashguard sets designed for women by women with super comfy SPF 65-rated fabrics, built-in shelf bras, out of the ordinary prints, and flattering fits. In addition to its products, Girls4Sport has established the Girls4Sport Foundation, a charitable arm of Girls4Sport to support organizations and programs that provide girls of all ages with the support and inspiration to lead active, confident lives. Girls4Sport products are available online and through a variety of retail outlets in Hawaii including: BK Ocean Sports, Blue Planet, Hana Highway Surf Shop, Hawaiian Island Surf & Sport, Hawaii Surf and Sail, Hawaiian Ocean Sports, Lightning Bolt Maui, Sailboards Maui, Surf Garage, and Town & Country. For more information about Girls4Sport products and team riders, please visit www.girls4sport.com or call 831.423.8755.
About the IVF Va’a World Sprints:
For more information about the 12th International Va’a Federation World Sprints Competition, please visit www.wakaama2006.com/en/.
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