While many young paddlers are enjoying a summer free from homework, Hui Nalu skipper Denise Darval-Chang gave her canoe club’s keiki an unconventional assignment last Monday in anticipation of Sunday’s Father’s Day celebration.

The coach asked all youth paddlers age 16 and under to write letters — handwritten messages; no computers or pre-made cards allowed — to their fathers or father figures. The task was simple: Write the letter and bring it to practice on Wednesday, or don’t plan on racing.

“They all came down to practice on Wednesday with their letters, and the kids presented them to their parents during our kids meeting,” said Darval-Chang of the presentation prior to Sunday’s Oahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association Leeward Kai Father’s Day Regatta, held in calm, glassy waters fronting Nanakuli Beach Park. “It made for a good start to the day.”

Darval-Chang explained that she made the assignment as a way to instill an extra emphasis on Father’s Day, rather than letting Sunday simply serve as just another race day.

“It’s kind of a bummer that you have to ask kids to do something like that, but hopefully it’s a baby step and that’s OK because they’re young,” Darval-Chang said. “Hopefully next year, they say ‘Whoa, I’ll never forget that Nanakuli regatta when Coach made us write that letter.’ Hopefully they’ll perpetuate that.”

One of the more than 20 father-son and father-daughter duos that make up Hui Nalu’s ranks includes veteran paddler Raven Aipa and his 14-year-old son, Maverick. Both paddlers competed Sunday, racing in the boys 14 and men’s freshman events, then shared time on the hot sand and cool waters in Nanakuli.

“He gave me the letter, and I was about to open it, but I thought, ‘You know, I always get emotional when I see those types of things, so I’ll wait to open it until we get home, where I can soak it in,’ ” said Raven, who also serves as the club’s open women’s coach. “Paddling brings us closer and gives us something that we have in common.”

Maverick was also thankful to share in the letter-writing experience.

“Writing the letter, I really had to think about it, and it brought out a lot of emotions and pride to be his son,” said Maverick of the special exchange. “Giving him the letter felt good because he knows how I feel now. He’s a veteran paddler, and he continues to teach me technique and takes me out on the one-man (canoe). It brings us closer.”

Hui Nalu continued its success on the water, claiming a third consecutive regatta to start the OHCRA campaign. The Hawaii Kai-based club amassed 180 points on 11 race victories to claim the AAA Division (27-39 crews entered) while fending off Kailua (175 points).

Hui Nalu raced out to a 122-116 advantage over Kailua through the first 29 events, while Outrigger — the winner of both men’s and women’s 11⁄2-mile senior events — remained in the hunt with 110 points. Kailua managed to seesaw ahead 150-147 with seven races remaining, but Hui Nalu won four of the next five events to reclaim the lead for good.

“It looks promising. We’re like everyone else, looking for the right combinations of paddlers, but it’s still early,” Raven said. “The club hadn’t won a regatta in quite a while, and now we’ve won three in a row.”

Keahiakahoe won the AA Division (14-26 crews entered) on the strength of three victories, and compiled 69 points. Waikiki Surf Club (40 points) was second.

Hui Lanakila won the A Division (1-13 crews entered) with 32 points to hold off Anuenue (16).

The race course afforded paddlers the opportunity to use the ocean swells to their advantage. In most regattas, including those held at Keehi Lagoon, canoes follow a course running parallel to the shore. However, at Nanakuli, paddlers raced away from and back to shore, and catching waves, or “bumps,” became a vital aspect of race strategy.