Overview:
Typhoon Champi forced organizers to move Guam’s Micro Cup Outrigger Canoe Race ahead of schedule, but Palau’s AMF, Belau Kanu Club and Iull still made it to the starting line. A modified knockout format gave paddlers a chance to compete while organizers prioritized safety.
Palauan paddlers compete in modified knockout format as organizers prioritize safety
By: Summer Kennard
AGANA, Guam – “ I was happy to hear that the races had been moved earlier because it meant we would still have the opportunity to compete,” said Kedals Reklai of Palau’s AMF outrigger canoe club, after organizers moved Guam’s Micro Cup Outrigger Canoe Race ahead of schedule to prepare for Typhoon Champi.
Three Palauan outrigger canoe clubs — AMF, Belau Kanu Club (BKC) and Iull — participated in the competition, which was originally scheduled for Oct. 16-18 but was moved to Oct. 14-15 as the approaching typhoon threatened the event.
Organizers canceled the planned weekend program but held an official race on Oct. 15 to give visiting teams an opportunity to compete before returning home.
Guam organizer Melanie said approximately 10 to 12 teams were represented across the one-man, four-man and six-man races.
The revised competition used a knockout format instead of timed results. Paddlers raced in sprints along a 250-meter course, with approximately 40 seconds between one finish and the next start. The last paddler or crew to finish each sprint was eliminated, and the rounds continued until one paddler or crew remained.
Melanie said the schedule change was made to protect athletes, volunteers and the wider community. Organizers met directly with coaches and participating teams to communicate the revised schedule.
Despite the disruption, Melanie described the event as successful, saying paddlers enjoyed the venue and maintained a strong competitive spirit.
For Reklai, who made her debut in the open V1 women’s category, the schedule change meant she could still compete despite the possibility that the event would be canceled.
“There was a possibility that the event would be canceled due to Typhoon Champi, so I was grateful that the organizers found a way for the competition to continue,” Reklai said.
She said her teammates stayed positive and focused as they adjusted to the changes.
“We understood that we had to adjust quickly, support one another, and make the most of the opportunity we were given,” she said.
Reklai said competitions such as the Micro Cup allow paddlers to evaluate their performance, identify areas for improvement and learn from other athletes. The experience also helps develop paddling skills, confidence and teamwork, she said.
Calixya Elilai of BKC, who also competed in the open V1 women’s category, said she was initially disappointed when the original event was canceled but was glad the paddlers still had an opportunity to get on the water.
“I was kind of bummed that it was canceled, but I was excited that we would still get to paddle, even if it was just for fun and unofficial,” Elilai said. “The anxiety of actually racing kind of went away, and the new goal became to just have fun and enjoy the experience.”
Elilai said she and her teammates encouraged one another to do their best and enjoy the opportunity, recognizing that the weather was beyond their control.
“We knew there was no controlling the weather, and we had already come to Guam to paddle, so it was about going out there, doing our best and having fun,” she said.
She added that competing in different locations allows paddlers to connect with people from other communities and learn different approaches to the sport.
“Competitions like the Micro Cup help me grow as a paddler because I get to compete in different places, meet other paddlers and learn about how others approach the sport,” Elilai said. “It broadens my understanding of paddling and helps me appreciate the different ways people experience and approach it.”
“We were very pleased with our overall performance. Our paddlers trained hard, both individually and as a team, to prepare for the races in Guam. We competed in six events, earning five gold, one silver and three bronze medals,” expressed Coach Uroi Salii.
AMF also expressed its appreciation to Coach Natalie Calvo and her outrigger canoe club, Poksai, for hosting the knockout races.