Ocean canoes race from Dana Point to Laguna and back
Teams of outrigger canoeists hit the ocean Saturday for the Whitey Harrison Classic, a 20-mile round trip from Dana Point to Laguna Beach.
The event, hosted by the Dana Outrigger Canoe Club, is named after Southern California surf and canoe pioneer Lorrin "Whitey" Harrison. It was established 40 years ago as part of Dana Point Harbor's opening ceremonies.
Awards are given for first through third places in the women's, coed and men's divisions.
Races began just outside Dana Point Harbor, headed north to a turnaround point off Main Beach in Laguna and then finished at Doheny State Beach.
Because the Hawaiian outrigger canoe only has six seats, the 20-mile race allows change outs, in which an escort boat will drop fresh competitors off and change out fresh for tired as the canoe is moving.
"I lose five pounds during a race," Chuck MacGreger of Dana Point said.
"You need energy because you are burning through it (during a race)," added Gary Springer of San Clemente.
