Typhoon Champi forces early schedule for Guam Micro Cup outrigger canoe race

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…