Ishikawa Okinawa, a small seaside community that has one of the larger Haaris on the island.
And with good weather forecast it seems everyone in town is here today to watch the dragon
boat races.
The mens division racing has already started, and the locals are really engaged in the racing!
The Yashas meanwhile are coming off an incredible run of winning races. Today they will face
some tough American teams who have registered in the women’s division.
The Yashas don’t appear to be nervous, and as usual are taking everything in stride.
But todays heat could be factor as the temperatures are in the 90’s with a heat index of 102.
The crowd lines up along the dock and seawall awaiting the first race. While the Yasha’s
get set for their first heat. Yasha Water will be racing first against two local Japanese
women’s teams. Daniel will be the Kaj for this race steering the boat, which will be
one of his last races as he PCS’s off island next month. PCS season has hit the Yashas
hard in their first year, resiliency is something the Yashas have gotten good at.
As Daniel congratulates the team, Yasha Water has to wait until times are tallied to see
if they make the finals.
Its only getting hotter by midday now, but everyone loves the races, no matter how old
or young you are.
Coach Kristen watches the last race and takes notes on the water conditions. Yasha Wind
is up next and she wants no surprises.
Its a community affair out here today. Locals are grilling, drinking and having a great
time. Theres no better way to pass time on a Sunday than a dragon boat race.
Meanwhile Yasha Wind loosens up as they prepare for their heat. The rest of the Yashas make
their way to the starting line.
Loaded and ready Yasha Wind gets in position for their heat. Daniel takes full advantage
and will also Kaj this race for the Yashas.
Yasha wind clears the first turn first, way ahead of the other boats in the heat.
Yasha wind wins this heat.
Now that all the women races have ended the officials tally up the times and the Yashas
wait to see how they did, and if they will be in the finals.
Chef Mike has made another great spread, as he offers healthy snack options to the Yashas
while they wait for time results.
Nadia rallies the team. A local Ishikawa girls basketball team had been cheering on the Yashas
all day today. Now the basketball team is racing, and its the Yashas turn to show some
love!
It works as they win their heat. These young girls are stoked. As the Yashas congratulate
them on the dock.
As the afternoon heats up people are doing anything to beat the heat. Some Yashas find
this random bock of ice to cool down with, some sit hoping for a breeze, while others
just lay in the sun awaiting the women finals!
With the times tallied up, again almost identical to Ikei island both Yasha boats will be in
the final. They will be racing against another American team that has proven tough to beat
in the past.
The Yasha’s head towards the dock for the finals. The wind has picked up significantly
now, as both Yasha Wind and water get settled in the boats.
With 3 American teams in the women finals, getting a good start is important to win.
Both yasha boats lead right away.
yasha Water is pulling away as paddle towards the first turn, putting them in 2nd place
currently.
Coming down the stretch Yasha wind has a good lead, as the battle for 2nd place heats up.
Yasha water pulls away. And again it looks like a one two Yasha finish for the Ishikawa
Championship.
Both Yasha teams head for the victory lap, where locals await with shaken beers to spray
them with. A tradition in Okinawa! If you win, you’re getting soaked one way or another.
Once on the dock, the Ishikawa girls teams celebrates with the Yashas!
Time to fuel up for the closing ceremonies. Ishikawa went all out for the champions this
year, including a rather large Tuna!
The Ishikawa basketball team won their division, long shots and in basketball uniforms it just
proves it you fight hard enough, you can achieve anything.
The mens winners get a trophy that says King of Ishikawa..they seem pleased.
Yasha Wind comes up for 1st place trophy. This trophy says queen, but the real surprise
is, yep the tuna!
Yasha Water gets 2nd place in Ishikawa.
Its time to celebrate in Ishikawa!
The Yashas have been fighting injuries, losing teammates to PCS season and still manage to
pull off an incredible record. The Yashas streak is as hot as the Okinawa sun. One can
only wonder what this crazy summer dragon boat season will throw at them next.