(Photo courtesy of Olamau Unlimited Canoe Race)

Hawaii 24/7 Staff

Tahitian team Shell Vaa completed the three-day Olamau Unlimited Canoe Race ahead of the competition Friday at Kailua Pier

Nineteen crews — 14 men and five women — fought rain, wind and high surf and for a $50,000 prize purse.

The three days of racing covered more than 100 miles of Big Island coastline, beginning in Laupahoehoe and skirting the northern rim of the island before winding up in Kona.

The teams paddled 38 miles from Laupahoehoe to Keokea on Day 1; 27 miles from Keokeo to Kawaihae on Day 2; and a 36-mile relay from Kawaihae to Kukio and then from Kukio to Kailua By on Day 3.

Each team was allowed up to 12 paddlers on the roster, but only six could compete in each stage of the race. The final day included every paddler, as crews changed at Kukio for the final leg.

Shell Vaa collected $22,500 of the total prize money – $15,000 for being the first overall men’s team and a $7,500 bonus for the top time each day.

Official Overall Men’s results:

1 Shell Vaa 10:45 38
2 EDT Vaa 10:53 43
3 Mellow Johnny’s Vaa 11:07 16
4 OPT Vaa 11:34 06
5 Pflueger Honda 11:43 49
6 Kamanu Composites 12:10 22
7 Riviera/Dana 12:15 09
8 404 Men 12:16 55
9 Mahina Hoe 12:25 34
10 Intova 12:40 08
11 Surf Park 12:44 10
12 Alakai Nalu 12:47 16
13 Pacific Northwest 13:23 05
14 VRC/LBC Hong Kong/ Sea Shepherd 13:55 46

Official Overall Olamau Women’s results:

1 Pacific Wahine 14:39 05
2 Na Hoa 14:46 34
3 404 Women 14:51 21
4 Na Wahine o Kawaihae & Keahiakahoe 14:58 43
5 Pure Oceanic Connection 15:25 16

— Find out more:
www.olamaurace.com