On May 4 and 5, the Marianas Outrigger Club (MOC) paddlers embarked on an inspiring team-building journey, successfully crossing the Saipan-Tinian Channel. This adventure also included a youth va’a paddling workshop at Unai Tachogna on Tinian.
The Journey
MOC members Ashley Pangelinan, Kika Halstead, and Tim Asaivao shared their experiences. Using two six-seat va’as (Hawaiian-style outrigger canoes), they paddled approximately 20 to 22 miles.
On May 4, two crews—an all-male crew and a mixed crew—departed Kilili Beach at around 5:30 a.m. They navigated through the reef near Bantalan and ventured into the open water, with two chase boats providing safety support.
Crew Changes and Challenges
The plan included a crew change at Unai Chulu along Tinian’s western shore. The mixed crew was replaced by an all-female team for the final leg to Tachogna. The crossing times varied, with the all-men crew completing it in about two and a half hours and the mixed and women crews in around three hours.
Personal Reflections
Pangelinan described the crossing as a thrilling challenge, emphasizing the club’s competitive spirit. Halstead, who had never crossed the channel before, found the experience both safe and exhilarating, thanks to her experienced teammates.
All three credited coach Jason Tarkong for their preparation, including capsize drills and live water changes. Asaivao praised the crew’s coordination, likening their performance to a well-oiled machine.
Youth Workshop on Tinian
Once on Tinian, MOC conducted a paddling clinic for local youth aged 13-17. The students learned about paddling techniques, canoe history, and safety, culminating in a race from Tachogna to Unai Taga. Pangelinan and Asaivao hope to see Tinian High School form competitive teams in the future.
Return Journey and Future Plans
On May 5, MOC reversed their course back to Saipan, swapping crews again near Unai Chulu. Pangelinan described the experience as unforgettable, eager to share it with her young relatives.
Asaivao envisions expanding this event, potentially turning it into a larger race involving multiple canoes and celebrating the va’a culture.
Paddling Crews
- Mixed Crew: Ashley Pangelinan, James Lee, Marisol Ladino Potes, Chris Guerrero, Jenn Itibus, Maverick Itibus
- Women’s Crew: Lori Rabe, Bonny Grow, Sharleen Sablan, Elaine Sablan, Francisca “Kika” Halstead, Leisha Deleon Guerrero
- Men’s Crew 1: Jose Quan, Billy Grow, Steven Beyer, Tim Asaivao, Dan Taitano, Richard Sikkel
- Men’s Crew 2: Clinton Dela Cruz, Jason Tarkong, Vince Aguon, Rodney Camacho, Mario Salas, Darrien Salas
The Marianas Outrigger Club’s crossing of the Saipan-Tinian Channel stands as a testament to their dedication and passion for paddling.
At the Marianas Outrigger Club (MOC), we’re a passionate group of paddlers from diverse backgrounds in the CNMI, united by our love for competitive outrigger canoeing. Driven by hard work, dedication, and a fierce commitment to excellence, we aim to lead the region in our sport and attract competitors from around the globe. With the enthusiastic support of our local communities and our extended family worldwide, we’re on a mission to bring pride and recognition to the Northern Mariana Islands.