Kailua Canoe Club is accustomed to playing the role of favorite entering the Oahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association Championships in the familiar waters of Keehi Lagoon, but the team enters this year’s regatta as an underdog looking to rediscover its winning ways today.

Kailua, the three-time defending OHCRA champion, has struggled to find the winner’s circle thus far in 2012, as neighboring rival Lanikai has won all six regattas this season. AAA division (27-39 crews entered) competitors Hui Nalu and Outrigger have also raised the level of competition throughout the summer, making today’s regatta that much more intriguing.

"I would be so excited to see us win another championship — our club loves to win. But, our competition is really strong," said Kathy Erwin, Kailua’s co-head coach along with Hank Leandro. "Lanikai has had a fabulous year, and Hui Nalu has done a great job as well, and Outrigger is up there, too. Who knows?"

As is the inevitable reality for many successful paddling programs, Kailua has used 2012 as a rebuilding period following the departure of some of its experienced paddlers to rival clubs. While paddlers jumping ship occurs as often as free agents changing uniforms in professional sports, Kailua is still adjusting.

"There are several areas in our club that we’ve had to step back and rebuild, but I have to say I’m really happy with the way things are going," Erwin said. "We haven’t had the results as far as team points that we would like, but our board and coaching staff have been working together beautifully to create a place where people can thrive through paddling."

Kailua has found success at both the youth and masters levels, though, as three of its crews enter today looking to cap perfect seasons. The boys 13, women’s golden masters 55 and men’s golden masters 55 crews have bested the competition thus far, and represent the potential for much-needed points toward today’s team standings. Erwin credits the club’s coaching staff with keeping Kailua within striking distance of Lanikai.

"I can’t tell you how inspired I am every day by the quality of our coaches. It makes me emotional talking about it," said Erwin, who also paddles in the golden masters 55 crew. "The outstanding quality, dedication and passion of our coaches are beautiful to see. What they give to our team is a value beyond measure. You could not pay them enough for all that they do, yet they do so as volunteers."

In addition to battling for gold in individual races, crews continue pushing toward qualification for the Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association state championship regatta scheduled for Aug. 4 at Keehi Lagoon. The top four crews from each OHCRA event earn automatic berths in the state race based on cumulative point standings, and with so many crews on the bubble of qualifying, today’s races are dually important.

"It’s a really delicate balance," said Erwin of the strategy involved with working to win individual gold medals while also qualifying crews for the state races. "Lanikai is doing an amazing job, and have planned their season beautifully. It’s a fine balance because you want to look at the cohesion of the team over time in addition to strong performances in the short term."

Lanikai’s first-year head coach Scott Freitas likens the weekly shuffling of paddlers and crew composition to a game of strategy. While the pieces may change from race to race, the overall mission remains constant.

"Each week is a chess game, and the key is to protect the king, save the queen and sacrifice the pawns," said Freitas following last Sunday’s John D. Kaupiko Regatta. "That’s how we’ve been doing it, while also focusing on qualifying crews for the state championships. We had to move people around, and that’s where the chess game really intensifies."

Hui Lanakila leads a host of talented clubs competing for the AA division (14-26 crews entered) title having won four regattas this season, while Healani, Keahiakahoe and Leeward Kai should keep matters close in the medium-size division.

Waimanalo and Anuenue lead the wide-open A division (1-13 crews entered), having each won three regattas.

"Everybody looks to the Oahu championships and wants to bring their best," Erwin said. "No matter the outcome, it’ll be a good day."