Meeting Kalei ultimately changed Kimi’s life. “He dives on a whole different level from anything that I’ve ever seen before as far as what kind of fish he shoots or how deep goes,” she said. Through Kalei, Kimi was introduced to a whole new world and community of great divers that included Wayde Hayashi and Gavin Sato. “They were an elite group of divers,” Kimi said. “Once I met them and became friends with them, it was only natural to want to be like them.” Kalei said that prior to Kimi’s first dive with him she was only able to dive 15 to 20 feet. “I was really impressed with her on our first dive,” he said. “I gave her some tips, and on her third try she was down 35 feet. She learned quicker than any of the other guys I took out.” She continued to tag-along and Kalei said that within three to four months, Kimi was diving 30 to 60 feet. “One spot was 70-foot deep, and she could reach the bottom.” Within a few months, Kimi entered her first tournament and experienced her first real introduction to the dive scene. She didn’t place, but did good enough to draw attention. “She would put most guys to shame,” Kalei added. “Not many women would even have a chance. She’s definitely in a league of her own.” Her newly earned nickname is the Mahi Magnet. In October 2007, Kimi shot a 34 lb. mahimahi off Kona. “I always seem to get lucky with that fish,” she said. Being a fortunate diver might be an understatement for the self-proclaimed “lucky” girl. It takes more than luck to break the women’s state record for whiptail uhu twice in the same day – which Kimi did in May of last year. She also holds the women’s state records for the illusive mu and the delicious munu – which she shot at the North Shore Spearfisherman’s Classic Tournament in the summer of 2007. Kimi’s encounter with the elite divers, who eventually became her best friends was definitely instrumental in kicking her diving into the level where she wanted it and where it is today. “They were always so positive and encouraging,” she said. “I felt like the luckiest girl in the world to get to learn my passion from my idols.” As much as she knows what she wants, Kimi also has a firm understanding of what she doesn’t want. This strong sense of identity has helped her make difficult life changing decisions. Kimi left Maui to attend Kapiolani Community College where she earned a degree in Culinary Arts. Once Kimi experienced a taste of the restaurant business, she quickly realized that what she loved about cooking didn’t exist in that environment. Cooking, from then on, was something she happily performed on her own terms and in her own kitchen–usually with the fish that she shot. When Kimi dives, she usually emerges with a fish to eat for dinner that evening. “Kalei would probably say that I don’t shoot enough,” she said. “But I only shoot what I want to eat.”
“She’s big on not wasting,” Christy added. “And if she catches a fish, even one that she doesn’t really care for, she’ll figure out a way to cook it so that she or other people like it and it won’t go to waste.” It is Kimi’s thoughtfulness when it comes to shooting fish that impresses her closest dive buddies (that and her panko-crusted stuffed ulua). “Kimi has always been selective about the fish she shoots,” Wayde said. “This is usually something divers learn later on in their lives.” It is her precision and patience that complement her focus and drive for freediving. “She has tunnel vision when it comes to fish,” Wayde said. “She just goes crazy until she gets it. That really shows her drive.” This drive earned her a chance at making one of her dreams a reality when she represents Hawai‘i at the 2008 Freedivng Spearfishing National Championships at King’s Beach, in Newport, Rhode Island. Kimi was pleased that Andy Tamasese of Kona, agreed to be her partner. Not only is Andy a great diver, he is also a good friend. In 2006 Andy placed in the top ten at the World Spearfishing Championships in Portugal. Their mutual respect for one another shows. “Kimi’s a really good diver and usually beats half of the guys in the tournaments,” Andy said. “I think that we have a really good chance of winning first place at Nationals.” Kimi has been training for the tournament, which will be held in early August. Her workouts include pool exercises, running and paddling. The focus is there, but for Kimi, she giggles at the foreign idea that she is a world-class athlete. But she is committed – she’s even giving up beer for the time being. With Nationals just around the corner, Kimi’s dives switched to competition mode. “I feel more determined and more focused on a goal,” she said. “I always remind myself that the main thing is to have fun, but when you’re trying to win, you’re trying to win.” You can help send Kimi to Nationals. Visit her fundraising website at kimiwerner.chipin.com. “I’m trying my hardest to raise $4000 to help with the costs of airfare, lodging, escort boats, entry fees, equipment, and kayak rentals that will be necessary for scouting and competition day,” she said. You can check out her paintings at kimiwernerart.com. PAU
Kimi recently led her team to victory at the 2008 Inter-Pacific Spearfishing Championship in Kona. Partnering with Tanya Beirne (p.28), the pair shot a total of 9 fish. Kimi’s first shot, a 9.5-lb uhu, out weighed the other team’s combined catch.
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