The Carry the Load National Relay starts in West Point, N. Y. on May 1 and continues non-stop for 1,700 miles ending in Dallas, Texas on May 27. The intent of the relay is to highlight the true meaning of Memorial Day…remembering the fallen heroes who have served our country selflessly. The relay passed through Maryland early in May. The Kent Island Outrigger Canoe Club (KIOCC) supports many worthwhile events in support of our troops and their families. On this occasion eight members of KIOCC paddled four Carry the Load participants in two six-man Hawaiian outrigger canoes from Matapeake (western shore of Kent Island) to Sandy Point, a distance of more than four nautical miles. Kent Narrows Sail and Power and Annapolis Sail and Power Squadrons provided escort boats.

KIOCC’s home port is Kent Island Yacht Club. Its members participate in races across the country…and sometimes as far away as Hawaii. Anyone interested in learning to paddle an outrigger canoe, either competitively or for fun and exercise, can visit KIOCC.com for pictures, information and more. For more detailed information about practice or race schedules, E-mail Deb or Jim Hall at topaddle@aol.com or call (410) 544-3804. Aloha…