Despite Horrifying Fire Massacre at Birthplace of Surfing, 30-Year-Old Swimming Gem Escapes Nature?s Wrath

People from all over the world flock to Hawaii for swimming and surfing. In fact, many studies suggest that Hawaii is the rightful birthplace of surfing, with cave paintings from the 12th century revealing people paddling on waves. However, this beautiful land mass is facing its biggest test at the moment. Hawaii’s last major brush with a natural disaster occurred back in 1960. On May 23rd, 1960, the islands of Hawaii were left devastated by a tsunami that struck the city of Hilo. A total of 61 people were killed and around 282 were left injured in the wake of the tsunami that resulted in almost 35 ft waves.

However, that disaster record is now broken and the Maui wildfires have become the worst natural disaster in Hawaiian history. Authorities revealed that around 67 people have been feared dead so far, with 1000 more missing. But, amidst all the destruction, a three-decade-old building has been left unscathed from these wildfires, while everything around it has been reduced to ashes.

Swimming club survives the worst natural disaster

A dry summer and strong winds brought on by Hurricane Dora have wreaked havoc on the second-biggest island of Hawaii with more than 2000 people being forced to leave the island. As thousands of homes have been destroyed by wildfires, the Lahaina Swim Club, a 30 -year-old swim club, still stands tall. According to a video report captured by SwimSwam contributing photographer Jon Reiter during a helicopter flyover, viewers can watch the swim club being safe while everything around it succumbed to the flames.

The island currently battles six active wildfires, and while the Lahaina fire is reported to be 80% contained, the scars it leaves behind are undeniable. In the aftermath of this catastrophe, Reiter joined the Prints for Maui initiative, contributing his photographs with 100% of the proceeds pledged towards aiding Maui’s recovery. A number of iconic landmarks that were the soul of the local community were engulfed by flames. These include the Waiola Church, which celebrated its 200th anniversary earlier this year, the oldest hotel on the island, and the Punana Leo school, which served as a Hawaiian cultural immersion school. As the Lahaina Swim Club survived its biggest test, its past and present make this institution a testament to dedication and excellence.

The Lahaina Swim Club

Founded in 1992, the Lahaina Swim Club has evolved from its modest beginning into a powerhouse of over 100 members spanning different ages. The club started with seven swimmers, all under the age of 10. However, fast forward 3o years, and this historic swimming club is home to over 100 swimmers, ranging from five-year-old aspirants to high school achievers. This particular swim club aims to provide a secure and enjoyable environment for young athletes, regardless of their skill levels. It is a non-profit entity that is supported by an army of dedicated parent volunteers and coaches who boast certificates from USA Swimming.

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Their visionary head coach Tom Popdan, along with like-minded coaches like Jen Wiseman, Ericka Gaastra, Gabby Lindblad, Jack Pope, Ryan Martines, and Alicia Wintermeyer, have propelled this institution to countless successes. Now, as the community of Lahaina looks to rebuild, the Lahaina Swim Club stands as a symbol of hope, resilience, and unity. In the face of one of their worst-known adversity, this club of young swimmers reminds us all of the strength that lies in a community’s togetherness.

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