View Magazine in pdf - Pacific Paddler magazine

june 2010
F R EE
PRSRT. STD. U.S.
POSTAGE PAID
Honolulu, Hi
Permit No. 583
Covering Hawai‘i’s State Team Sport since 1996
Contents
Aloha
'Molo Solo'
4
Moloka’i Relay
8
Bud Light State Champs
10
Maui to Moloka’i on an SUP 16
Kauai World Challenge
18
Kukui’ula Outrigger CC
22
Tere Mata’i
23
Keahiakahoe
24
Riggs Napoleon
26
OluKai’s Ho’olaule’a
28
Hawaiian Sailing Canoe
31
SoCal Ocean Racing series
32
Kia Kaha up in flames
35
Wai Tui Fiji
36
LiveStrong Tahiti
37
What's Hot?
38
Publisher/editor:
Ropati Hebenstreit
(808) 351-2398
SALES: Millie Rodriguez
(808) 286-6211
Writers: Peter Caldwell,
Jim Foti, Anne-Marie Reichman,
Tom Bartlett, Lora Bodmer,
Chance Adair, Cara Mazzei
Photos: Peter Caldwell,
Nathaniel Evslin, Chris Silvester,
Brian Vestyck, Ropati Hebenstreit
Proof reader: Amy Hebenstreit
Pacific Paddler
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Send check to:
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or visit pacificpaddler.com
Life is a learning
experience. We learn
from the past. Over time, we
have found ourselves in a
new world with new gadgets
designed to make our lives
more productive and easier.
The fiberglass canoe came
about because koa trees
were hard to come by, too
expensive, and we had
the technology to build cheaper canoes with new
materials. We embraced the new technology which
allowed more canoes to be built. A new association
formed, Na ‘Ohana O Na Hui Wa‘a, and more
people could paddle outriggers. With this outrigger
paddling spread beyond the Pacific, and with it,
our culture and our aloha philosophy. Then came
the modern OC1. It became popular with businesses who saw the need for a cheap canoe that
one person could paddle. Hawaiian Designs
was one of the leaders in this revolution. OC1’s
weren't a new idea. Our ancestors would often
use a one-person canoe to go fishing. I remember
when we visited my mother’s home island of Puka
Puka. We (the whole village) set off in canoes that
would hold many people, including their belongings, on a trip across the lagoon to an atoll where
the village would live for a few months, harvesting
the coconuts, coconut crabs and fish off the reef in
wooden canoes. When I returned a quarter-century
later to a neighboring island, Manahiki, things had
changed. A lot of the canoes had been replaced
with boats powered by outboard motors. There was
no sadness amongst the villagers about adopting
new technology. They embraced it. It made their
lives easier. They could fish further out and carry
more stuff between islands. They didn't seem to
miss the old wooden canoes. If our ancestors were
able to make a fiberglass canoe, they would have.
For some time, we were caught up in holding back
progress, thinking we were losing our connection to the past. Now a new chapter has begun.
People have talked about it, dreamed about it, and
now it is a reality. A new era in racing. I'm talking
about Pa'a Eono Hoe. The Paddling Athletes
Association, which is only two years old, has
done what many had wanted to do, created an
iron race from Molokai to Oahu; just six-people in
a canoe, no changes — just the way it would have
been done in the past, since there were no escort
boats back then. Hats off to Manny Kulukulualani
for putting this together and opening it up to a new
generation of canoes. Congratulations to Kamanu
Composites for breaking the mold and coming
up with a radically new canoe shape made from
21st century materials especially for this race, and
their canoe still maintains the basic elements of past
designs. Outrigger Connection did the same
thing years ago with an ultralight 200 pound OC6.
Some said it was breaking tradition; I think it was
actually strengthening it by daring to do what our
ancestors would have, if they could have
—paddle their canoes faster.
June 2010 Vol 15.2
On the cover
Crews in the Keahiakahoe short
course make a turn on the buoy
and head back to the finish. See
page 22 for more pictures.
Photo by Ropati
Pacific Paddler
Address: PO Box 300345,
Ka‘a‘awa, HI 96730
(808) 351-2398
info@pacificpaddler.com
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Print specialists (808) 848-0711
A MAGAZINE FOR PADDLERS
BY PADDLERS
Mission Statement: to bring the
excitement of outrigger paddling
to a larger audience. We feel that
Pacific Paddler’s hui of supporters,
contributors, subscribers and
advertisers is helping the sport
grow, not only here in Hawaii, but
around the world. Thanks for your
contribution to the sport.
© 2010 Pacific Paddler is published six
times a year. No reproduction without permission. No responsibility is assumed by publisher
as to the contents’ accuracy or completeness.
pacificpaddler.com June 2010 'Molo Solo'
Out of the 86 paddlers who entered the
Steinlager Kaiwi Channel Solo OC1 World
Championship, Danny Ching from California
was the first to finish in 3:38:51, just seconds
shy of setting a new course record. He was
also the first paddler not from Hawaii to win
this race. Jimmy Austin was second just half-aminute behind Danny followed by Pa'a Race
organizer Manny Kulukulualani.
"It was nuts," said Danny. "The whole time
it was me, Manny and Jimmy battling." Then at
mid-channel, a rogue wave appeared; Danny
flew the ama, Manny went sideways and
Jimmy went canoe over ama. That left Manny
and Danny to fight it out, and Danny edged
out in front. "I got a nice little gap," said
Danny, "then Jimmy came up on me at the end
and almost caught me, but after last year when
Kai passed me at the end, I said, 'that ain't
gonna happen twice.'" Instead of going for the
record, he just wanted to cover Jimmy.
Jimmy confirmed his 'yard sale' in midchannel, "I wiped out on a big wave, right in
front of Danny and was chasing him for the
rest of the day. At the wall, I had a Red Bull
and it 'gave me some wings' and I caught him
at Portlock, but he was too strong," said Jimmy,
"and he pulled away."
All top three had something in common,
apart from all paddling a Pueo — it was
Johnny Puakea's influence.
"I helped Jimmy with his training program
and Manny trains with him," said Johnny,
"and I helped Danny during the race." Johnny
was in Danny's escort boat helping him find
the fastest route across the Kaiwi Channel.
"Basically the plan was to go point to point,
run the bump into the island and don't head
for Waikiki. A lot of the time when you go
right, you're going faster than if you just went
down the wave."
Making a surprise showing after injuring
his back snowboarding earlier this year, Kai
Bartlett showed up at the finish on his Scorpius
XM. For Kai it was a last minute decision to
enter because he hadn't trained for it. "I didn't
want to watch a windy channel, I wanted
to paddle in it even if I
wasn't ready." Kai said
his race started off easy
catching bumps and trying
to relax. "Then two-and-ahalf hours into the race, I
saw Danny's escort boat…
but because I wasn't in
shape, I couldn't push, so I
kept surfing." Kai finished
fourth in 3:44:38.
Rounding out the
top ten were Simeon
Ke-Paloma, Aaron
Creps, Thibert Lussiaa,
Ka'eo'okalani Abbey,
Mike Murry from Australia,
and Kea Paiaina.
Aaron Napoleon who
was 11th overall won the
40-49. "It was a little technical," said Aaron. "You
had to slide-ride the waves
sideways."
Other top finishers
were Kekoa Kau who
won the Juniors (4:11:42)
placing 37th overall.
Bruce Lukas took the 50-59
(4:36:03) and the 'Lone
Ranger' Roger Dunn just
had to finish to win the 60plus. He crossed the line in
5:26:38.
Lauren Bartlett won the open women in 4:13:43 followed by Andrea
Moller, 4:23:20, and Jane Mckee, 4:34:24. Jane had never done the solo
before. "It always seemed so far, and this race was a goal I wanted to do."
Jane then told her rogue wave experience. "I got on this one wave, and
thought I had it, but I ended up being bucked off. Glad I didn't break my
boat," she laughed. Arlene Holzman won her 40-plus division in 4:42:35.
There were three OC2 mixed teams who entered. Laola and Kamu
Aea from Kauai took first place honors in 3:39:43. There was only one
OC2 men's team with a F-15 fighter pilot out of Hickam, Matt Beals and
his partner John Maclean who is a paraplegic. "I did this race five years
ago on a double surf ski," said John,"and I wanted another challenge."
They finished in 4:29:49. Matt who is a Lieutenant Colonel said that
some people say that paddling must seem boring to him because he flies
at 2,000 mph, 'So how's it exciting going 10-12 mph down a wave?'
"It's all perspective," Matt said.
Pacific Paddler June 2010
molo/relay
It was a grueling day for the 99 teams taking part in the
Kaiwi Channel Relay from Molokai to Oahu. Flat, glassy and
humid with the only bumps coming from the escort boats.
Top overall finishers were: the OC2 team of Raven Aipa,
Bill Pratt, Evan Rhodes and Carlton Helm with 5:32:30;
second overall, first OC1 team, Manny Kulukulualani and
Jimmy Austin, 5:33:39; second OC1 team, from Australia,
Mike Murry and Travis Grant, 5:34:51; and third, Luke Evslin
and Simeon Ke-Paloma, 5:36:14. Taking the 40-49 was Mike
Mills-Thorn and Aaron Napoleon, 5:41:02; the 50-59 went to
Grant Hughes and Kenny Denton, 6:10:11; and the 60-plus
went to Gary Samura and Harold Akeo, 6:22:52.
Amongst the women: Lauren Bartlett and Andrea Moller,
6:25:49; 40-49, Katy Arnold and Nicole Holbrook, 7:33:09;
50-59, Jane Mckee and Paula Crabb, 6:49:15; and 15-17,
Jessie Mills-Thom and Talia Gangini from Australia, 7:04:22.
The OC2 mixed went to Katie Slocumb, Pat Von, Cindy Grover
and Jeff Wei, 6:18:49.
Pacific Paddler June 2010
Jimmy Austin crossing the finish
line at Magic Island
Manny Kulukulualani and Jimmy Austin soak in
the moment following their Molokai Relay win.
"It was relentless, nothing to ride. Even when
you got out in front, you feel anxiety because
you can never let up. I think the Austrailans did
really well. We raced them all the way to the
finish, we never got comfortable, it was a fiveand-a-half hour race," said Manny Kulukulualani
who is also the Paa race organizer.
pacificpaddler.com June 2010 Bud Light state champs
Billy Pratt
Riggs Napoleon
Pat Erwin
Aaron Napoleon
Kanaka Ikaika 2010
2010 was the year of the permit, or lack thereof.
However, all in all, things worked out. In hindsight, the
two races that were scratched from the schedule were
welcomed and unexpected weeks off for everyone in a
busy racing schedule. Between Kanaka Ikaika, PAA and
all the independent races on the schedule, it makes one
tired just thinking about doing them all.
Thanks to Bud Light, Kialoa Paddles, Haleiwa Joe's,
ENZA New Zealand fruit, Hinano and Foti Bros., and
all who contributed to the endeavor — Jim Foti
Mike Hangai
and Kyle Morioka
Kaihe Chong
Karel Tresnak, Jr.
Maggie Twigg-Smith
10 Pacific Paddler June 2010
Below, ama over buoy, Luke Evslin flies it at the finish
Steve Sahetapy-Engel
Sarah Van De Vanter and Laura Birse
Grace Emanuel and Michelle Arnold
Maila Gacutan and Will Gacutan
Lori Nakamura
Jeff Chang
Walter Hamasaki
Norm Bradley
Gaylord Wilcox
Ron Mizutani
12 Pacific Paddler June 2010
After the paddlers arrived at the
finish at Kaimana Beach and put
away their canoes, they all headed
down to Lulu's in Waikiki for food,
party awards and givaways.
MC for the event, Jim Foti, ended
the day with his signature 'rock,
paper, scissors' game for the
chance to win some paddle covers.
For full results of the
day's event go to
Kanaka Ikaika's
web site. A link
can be found at
pacificpaddler.
com.
Laola Lake Aea
Jim Foti
One of the paddlers who stood up to Jim's flying fists
of "junk an' a po" was Andrea Messer
Jimmy Austin gets his prize
Jane Mckee
Mael Carey
Mike Dowsett
Aaron Napoleon
Maui to Molokai, 24 miles on an SUP
My alarm beeps at
4:20 a.m. Ten minutes later
I'm grinding coffee beans
for my morning ‘c'upper’.
Tiffany is at my doorstep
at 5:10, and we leave the
house at 5:30 heading
towards Flemmings Beach
and the start of the race
from Maui to Molokai.
The last two summers, I
have crossed the Molokai-Oahu channel
in the form of a relay-team with Devin.
This season I feel the urge to paddle
solo. I know I am drawn to new experiences, and I always like to explore new
mental and physical boundaries within.
The crossing today will also be a ‘test’
whether I will consider doing the 32
mile Molokai to Oahu solo in July.
Mike Holmes, who lives on
Molokai, is the skipper of my escort
boat ‘Ahi, the Hawaiian name for
tuna. We talk tactics and I keep my
eyes and ears wide open to receive
all the advice I can get. Tiffany forms
the other half of my escort crew. She
takes pictures, video and will help me
exchange water packs with energy
powders and electrolytes.
As I check up on my gear and
food supply, we get a visit from a pod
of dolphins. Wow! Seeing dolphins
always makes me happy. Seeing them
at this moment seems like an omen; a
message that everything will be ok.
With a healthy-nervous-excited
feeling, I paddle to the start around
8:10 am. Ten-minutes later we are on
our way.
My mind is prepared for the worst
case scenario, a five-to-six hour paddle.
I paddle fast and strong to get onto
a ‘bump’ and surf the ocean swells.
16 Pacific Paddler June 2010
There’s also parts of the route I cannot
glide ‘south’ as I need to send my board
‘north’. Mike and Tiffany make sure I
keep my focus on the ‘landmarks’, and
Mike does the calculations on how to
approach the ocean currents.
Whenever I surf a swell, I hear
Mike's exciting voice, “Send ‘r down,
AM, send ‘r down!" Or, “Way to
go, AM, way to go!” Tiffany has her
own motivational terms with loud
‘whoo hoos’ and "Duder… you rock”.
Sometimes I giggle inside as I hear her
talking towards the camera
documenting the trip.
The few times I start feeling
my muscles or fatigue, I switch
my brain to better thoughts.
Concentration is my friend out
here as it helps me stay ‘in
synch’ with the ocean flow.
Flying fish, mahi mahi’s
and I imagine a little shark—
who knows with Polaroid
sunglasses and a little
fatigue—cross my path. The ocean
and ocean life is absolutely stunning. I
make myself look around to imprint this
moment to memory.
The northeast winds are just the
way we want them, and I end up
getting some really long glides. This is
amazing and so much fun! It doesn’t
feel like a race. At the very end, the tail
wind is exchanged by a strong sideheadwind for the last 50 meters. This
hurts after about four-and-a-half hours
of paddling, and it demands 100
percent of my powers. If I don’t ‘crank
it’, I will be blown further and further
away from the finish line.
At the finish it's time for hugs and
hello’s. Everyone congratulates each
other on their performance. I am
exhausted and don’t really know what
and how to think for a while. Some
food, water and a shower help me to
come back.
I hear that I am the only woman
who crossed the channel solo this race.
My time is 4 hours, 37 minutes. My
result is not crowned with a trophy
as I share the outcome with the men,
but this feels like a personal victory.
It is part of my own journey within;
reaching out to new levels.
And... to answer my own question
whether I consider paddling the Molokai
to Oahu channel solo this year? Yes, I will.
Many Mahalos to my support crew
Mike and Tiffany, and to Campbell for
bringing me and my board back to Maui!
Opening up my email on Sunday
the Skipper Mike is in my inbox. He
sums up some history and the race from
an outsiders point of view; allow me to
quote it for you:
“Aloha Anne-Marie, I hope you are
happy with the outcome of your race; it
was an impressive performance! Years
ago, no one would have ever thought
a person would travel standing up from
island to island on a paddleboard! It is
an amazing accomplishment and you
should be proud of yourself. I spoke
with Carlton, the paddler I escorted to
Honolulu last week. He went south and
said it was definitely the wrong course
to take, although they had wave riding
speed it took them further away from
the finish line. I wish I had known the
outer buoy didn't count for rounding
or I would have had you cover the girl
behind you, (two person team). Leaving
Maui, she was 500 yards ahead of you
and you passed them by 400 yards near
Kaunakakai. By being on the inside
cutting the corner she was able to catch
up but considering that she only paddled
half as much as you did, yours was an
impressive performance. I am proud
to have been a part of it and would
be glad to do it in the future. Many
mahalos, Mike”.
Anne-Marie Reichman
Aqua Resorts Hawaii/Steinlager
We knew Jimmy and Manny were going to be tough
to beat, and there was no surprise with a finish about 5
minutes ahead of the super fast Travis Grant/ Mike Murray
team from Australia. There was great racing in a lot of divisions with changes in positions at each relay point. Luke
and Kelly had a great battle with Carlton Helm and Makana
Denton. One of the closest races was between Billy Pratt/
Raven Aipa, Kaeo Abbey/Sean Kaawa and Justin Watts/CJ
Day with each team separated by about 20 seconds after
34 miles! Keizo Gates/Julian Wicker had a great battle with
John Immel and Ikaika Hauanio only 5 seconds behind.
Jane McKee with her incredible training schedule and
Kristin Foster just proved too hard to beat leading the entire
course ahead of Andrea Moeller and Noe Auger - it was
their day. Great to see Kelly Fey back on the race course
teaming up with another Team Bradley team member Lori
Nakamura for a great 3rd place finish.
The OC2 Mixed teams had a great race with the top 5
teams trading positions throughout the race. Of these, two
teams finished only 10 seconds apart. Imagine the yelling
that was probably taking place.
We saw a great turnout of 4-person OC1 teams made
up of each paddler doing one leg- a great way to get introduced to this tough course - 5 teams raced! Many will want
to race next year as a 2-person team.
Mahalo to Race Coordinator, Laola Lake, Margie
Goodno, Pres. Kaua’i Hoe Wa’a, and everyone with Kaua’i
Hoe Wa’a who worked hard to put on a great race.
Kauai World Challenge
May 6 - Fun Run Kalihiwai
Bay to Hanalei Pier. Great conditions, spectacular scenery. This run is
for people visiting Kauai to experience
some of the most beautiful places on
earth while working the kinks out.
Trades were 15 knots plus. Mark
Frazier, one of Kauai’s best paddlers
thought it would be fun to set the first
mark upwind about a mile (it felt that
far) as he wasn’t paddling. That did
provide a great angle for a surf run
to a buoy off the Hanalei surf spot
“Bowls” for a 500 yard sprint to the
finish. Peter Dorries from Australia
came in first only 5 seconds ahead
of Kelly Foster. Matt Carter also from
Australia came in third. In the ladies'
division, Kristin Foster edged out Alana
Goo-Frazier by catching a small wave
at the “Bowl” with Belinda O’Sullivan
from Australia third. Steinlager
provided a welcomed thirst quencher!
26 OC1’s participated.
May 8 - the 34 Mile Coastal
relay. Good trades were blowing.
Kaua’i’s Mayor Bernard Carvalho
welcomed everyone and lovey
Britton gave a beautiful chant to get
everyone focused on the race ahead.
Good turnout - 70 teams, around
172 paddlers with Riggs Napoleon
the youngest and Grandpa Nappy
the oldest. This was the real race to
watch: Riggs and Alex Look versus the
Kapunas!
The race started at Wailua Bay
where there were some large waves to
avoid with the wind and swells hitting
the ama side – real technical paddling.
There were two starts; Mixed, Ladies,
18 Pacific Paddler June 2010
Photos by Nathaniel Evslin
Aloha, Tom Bartlett
Young (Teens) and the Kapunas, and
the second start a half hour later for
the Men’s teams. At the first turn, the
mixed OC1 teams were well in the lead
– Mark and Alana Frazier are fantastic
paddlers. What was really special to
see was 13 year old Alex Look (Makana
Alii Les Look’s son) right there making
the first turn at Hanamaulu Bay ahead of
some tough older paddlers! Riggs, just
12 years old, hopped on and took off
for Kalapaki Bay. As I was a bit behind
Riggs at this point, I had to focus on
getting past him. He was having a ball
and the conditions were tough for this
leg as well. He was great. He chatted
for a bit excited he was out there and I
was just trying to survive. Coming into
the Marriott at Kalapaki Bay, I thought
the cheering I heard from the beach was
for us old guys as one of my age group
competitors and I were having a good
neck to neck race. Nope, it was for
Riggs and Alex. Coming out of Kalapaki
Bay, Alex took on the tough conditions
like a seasoned veteran coming around
Carters Point and picking up some small
surf flying by Kipu Kai. The conditions
got a bit sticky due to a bad current
but Alex stayed right with the pack.
Coming into Poipu’s Waiohai Beach,
Alex handed the canoe off to Riggs for
the final surf run to Salt Pond. I have a
bit of a lead, as I can hear the cheering
for the kids behind me, so I have to do
all I can to stay ahead. Getting tired
I am expecting to hear Riggs laughter
as I think he is right on my heels and
ready to pass me. After at least an hour
of hard paddling, I turn the last buoy
heading upwind to the finish and get a
chance to look at the paddlers behind
me. There is Riggs right there so it is a
tough push to the end. Riggs and Alex
are awesome finishing their first major
race among a tough experienced field in
a very respectable 41st place out of 70
teams. I can’t get out of the water as I’m
pooped, but Riggs is full of energy with
Alex congratulating him and the parents,
aunties and uncles and Grandpa very
proud. Give these two young guys your
encouragement when you see them as
they are the new wave and, we’ll be
seeing a lot of these kids (as they paddle
by us) on the race course in the future.
Hopefully we’ll see many more young
people racing with us next year.
pacificpaddler.com June 2010 19
Keehi Lagoon, HCRA State
Championships, 2008,
photo by Ropati
Kukui’ula Outrigger Canoe Club
Kukui’ula Outrigger Canoe Club
is the newest member of the Garden
Island Canoe Racing Association on
Kauai. They are in their 4th year as
a club, and with the help of Pu’uwai
Canoe Club, finally obtained full
membership in 2010.
The club is lead by head coach
Keone Miyake, President Dana
Miyake, and board members Jonathan
Parrish, Tony Zina, Denise Morrison,
Tenley Ueda, Mac and Fran McDonald
and Kamu and Laola Aea.
The club’s greatest triumphs so
far have been the 2009 Na Wahine
O Ke Kai and the Molokai Hoe. The
women placed 22nd overall, with four
paddlers who were brand new to the
Kaiwi Channel. The men’s team took
29th overall and 2nd place in the
22 Pacific Paddler June 2010
Masters division, with four Novice B
(first year) paddlers.
Kukui’ula recently hosted its
first long distance canoe race, the
Kukui’ula Klassic, in Poipu with 30
6-man canoes participating. The
Kukui’ula men took first place in the
masters, and second in the open and
novice divisions. The women achieved
first and fourth in the open division,
and the mixed crew placed first in the
masters division, second overall.
The club is also involved in a
number of community service and fundraising activities. They regularly participate in collecting food and donations
for the Kauai Food Bank, and part of
the proceeds for the TriKauai Triathlon,
jointly run with Pu’uwai Canoe Club,
goes to local charities.
Funds for new boats, race entries
and a new hale are raised through car
washes, t-shirt sales and sponsoring
canoe races. Upcoming events include
the TriKauai Triathlon, regularly held
in April, July and November, and
Paddlefest, part of Koloa Days in July.
Kukui’ula always welcomes new
members. Our goals are to have fun,
be competitive, and spread the art of
Hawaiian outrigger canoe paddling
and its culture. Novice paddlers practice on Mondays and Wednesdays at
4:30 at Kukui’ula small boat harbor,
and anyone can stop by. For more
information, call Keone Miyake at
808-332-7625. Experienced paddlers
practice on Tuesdays and Thursdays,
and keiki practice on Wednesdays at
4 pm. Hope to see you there.
Tere Mata’i
One day changed everything for
the outrigger canoe in Hawai’i. On
October 17th, 1976 the Tahitian built
canoe, Tere Mata’i, followed by three
other Tahitian crews, blazed across
a glassy Kaiwi Channel to dominate
the Moloka’i Hoe. The Hawaiian and
Tahitian outrigger canoes went down
drastically different paths in the 19th
and 20th centuries; and it was not until
fifty hybrid fishing canoes in Hawai’i
in order to ensure that the Hawaiian
Canoe did not move out of the matrix
defined by the log; effectively ending
the evolution of the canoe. In the
words of legendary waterman and
influential canoe and surfboard shaper
George Downing, the regulations were
enacted “in the spirit of the ‘Olympic
Games idea of allowing man to chal-
...for the first time in 34 years, there
is hope for the evolution of the outrigger
canoe in Hawai’i.
the 1976 Moloka’i that the varying
canoes and styles of paddling came
into direct competition with each other.
The victor of the competition was clear,
and it forced Hawai’i to figure out an
identity for the Hawaiian Outrigger
Canoe.
The Tahitian domination brought
Hawai’i into the modern age of
outrigger canoeing as a sport and
those who participated in Hawai’i were
forced to look deeply into the meaning
and preservation of that sport. The
controversial spark of 1976 was the
Tere Mata’i. Not only was it completely
revolutionary in design, it was equally
revolutionary in construction. It was
built with laminated strips of balsa
wood, which allow the builder to move
out of the matrix defined by the Koa log.
In pre-contact Polynesia, the individuality
of each log made every canoe unique.
When massive logs would drift from
North America and land on the shores
of Kaua’i and Ni’ihau, Hawaiians
would use those logs to make huge
voyaging canoes. The large redwoods
of pre-contact Hawai’i opened up
possibilities for the Hawaiians in just the
same way that composite and laminate
canoes open up possibilities now. The
Tahitians moved on from the matrix of
the log with wood laminate construction
without qualms as part of the evolution
of the canoe.
The success of the Tere Mata’i in
1976 divided the paddling community. The HCRA adopted a strict set of
regulations based on measurements of
lenge man’ on equal footing,” and
so that the “present canoe doesn’t
become obsolete” (Christensen, John.
Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Rules for Canoe
Race Altered. October 13, 1977.
D12). While, in stark contrast, Hugh
Laughlin, coach of the winning crew,
Te Oropa’a, explained the Tahitian
viewpoint to Andy Yamaguchi in the
Honolulu Advertiser, “Canoe is like
a religion. It’s a part of our culture,
of our heritage. Canoe was used to
go fishing, to go to war, to go 5,000
miles.” And he related the canoe itself
to the Moloka’i Hoe by saying, “Do
you think the Molokai race has become
popular because of the people? It has
become popular because of the canoe
itself,” and further, that “the Moloka’i
race is more than a sporting event. It
is a celebration of the canoe” (The
Tahitians, October 5 1983. D5). The
two opposing beliefs are incompatible
with each other, and have remained at
odds for the last thirty-four years.
The Tahitian canoe has continued
to evolve freely with very few restrictions, while its Hawaiian counterpart
has only had halting progress within
the regulated limitations. There are
currently only two competitive models
of canoe in Hawai’i. Nowadays
canoe races are extremely fair. When
someone wins, the design of their
canoe will rarely be considered a
factor in the win. This has brought the
focus completely on the people in the
canoe rather than the canoe itself.
However, for the first time in 34
years, there is hope for the evolution
of the outrigger canoe in Hawai’i.
The Pa’a ‘Eono race, scheduled for
May 23, will be the first iron Moloka’i
Channel since the last Aloha Week
race in 1973. The race will also be
the first major race in Hawai’i that has
an “open mold division” with no restrictions on shape, waterline, or weight.
The Pa’a race is acting as the catalyst
for an overdo revolution for outrigger
canoeing in Hawai’i. While only a
handful of canoes will be lined up on
Moloka’i’s Papohaku Beach, the revolution of the Tere Mata’i that was stopped
in its tracks 34 years ago will again be
set in motion. Open class canoes will
sit side by side with regulated canoes.
Six paddlers will race them each from
Moloka’i to O’ahu. No matter which
canoes are successful, it will be the
beginning of a new era for outrigger
canoeing in Hawai’i
pacificpaddler.com June 2010 23
Keahiakahoe
24 Pacific Paddler June 2010
It was a fun, full day of racing at Keahiakahoe's annual fundraiser, the Kala
‘iomalulani. The club held three different races for about 130 crews; one for the
kids, and for the adults, either a long course from Kailua Beach to Heeia Pier or
a short course within Kaneohe Bay. After all the racing was done, the awards
party began. There was music, a Hawaiian plate lunch and lots of aloha.
pacificpaddler.com June 2010 25
Riggs Napoleon: The tradition continues
Aaron and Riggs Napoleon
Late afternoon sun washes over the
Anuenue Canoe Club site as paddlers
gather for their afternoon workout. Not
needing any help from his elders, a
small, young boy nonchalantly picks
up his sleek grey Pueo OC1 and
takes it down to the water. He jumps
aboard and heads out, flying the ama
a couple of times with practiced ease.
This scene does not surprise adult
club paddlers because they know
as another Napoleon, he has been
around the ocean all his life. Son of
accomplished waterman Aaron and
grandson of Nappy, Riggs has been
surprising onlookers from his early
keiki days, and although only 12, his
resume includes everything from surfing
accomplishments to most recently,
hanging with the big boys in SUP
competition.
Starting in menehune surf meets,
Riggs, who will be 13 in December
26 Pacific Paddler June 2010
and is still waiting patiently for that
growth spurt, has routinely been
among the smallest out on the water,
but his natural ability was always
evident. Data from the Human Genome
project identifying over 25,000
genes in human DNA would certainly
include some paddling or ocean sports
genes that Riggs clearly has inherited.
Along with that talent comes the love
and respect for the ocean and the
family humility when it comes to their
successes. Ask Riggs how he did in an
event and the answer usually is “I did
OK.” What that really means generally is that he had grown-ups shaking
their heads in amazement at his performances.
Paddleboarding came into the
picture around age 8 followed by
racing competition. Speeding past
some surprised adults in OC1 events
such as this year’s Kanaka Ikaika
competition, Riggs has more than held
his own, and it’s just a matter of time
before he will be up in the front pack.
Taking to SUP quickly, in February he
qualified in trials to compete in the
first Waterman League’s Stand Up
Paddle Tour event, the Sunset Beach
Pro held in 8-10 ft surf. No doubt he
inherited his “no fear” attitude from
father Aaron, who also let his son take
over the controls of his fishing boat
in the Moloka‘i Channel from an age
where he could just barely see over the
wheel.
Looking at canoe paddling in
particular this year, Riggs was 69th out
of 90 short course competitors in the
Kanaka Ikaika State Championships.
Earlier in the season, he finished in the
top three in the 18 and under division
in several races. In the Kaua’i World
Challenge Relay event, he and partner
Alex Look finished first in the Junior
division and 50th out of 69 entries.
He just returned from Maui after
competing in the OluKai Ho’olaule’a
and will be leaving in a week for Tahiti
with his dad for some new paddling
challenges in the South Pacific.
With three sponsors already,
Riggs is definitely on a fast track even
compared to his father. According to
grandmother Anona, herself a top-level
surfer and skilled paddler, Aaron didn’t
really get into competitive events until
he was 15.
Even now, Riggs is close to his dad
when it comes to SUP short flat water
sprints and “Maybe in 2-3 years, I
might be able to beat him,” he says
modestly and with a matter of fact
attitude. When it comes to Riggs and
OC1, Aaron says, “When he gets a
little bigger and stronger, he’s going to
be something.” Those of us who have
already watched him fly by us on the
water would definitely agree!
What does the future hold? Stay
tuned! With unlimited potential and
such an early start, the likelihood of a
new exciting chapter being written in
the storied history of this remarkable
Hawaiian family is very high.
Photos and story by Peter Caldwell
Riggs Napoleon accepts his award
from Jim Foti at the Kanaka Ikaika
State Champs
pacificpaddler.com June 2010 27
OluKai’s Ho’olaule’a
Maui, HI (May 19, 2010)–OluKai’s
Ho’olaule’a, supporting the company’s
‘Ohana Giveback Program, returned
to the Lae ‘Ula O Kai Canoe Club
at Kanaha Beach Park in Maui over
the weekend welcoming hundreds of
competitors, enthusiasts, locals and visitors to the ocean celebration. The OC-1
and standup paddleboard races saw
twice the number of participants from
the event’s 2009 debut. Racers took full
advantage of the tailwind throughout
the race as they vied for a piece of the
$15,000 prize purse. Paddlers, families and other visitors shared the camaraderie, gorgeous weather, Hawaiian
games, hula performance, luau and
music by John Cruz.
“OluKai is humbled by the generosity of everyone that worked together
to make the Second Annual Ho’olaule’a
a special event,” says Kerry Konrady,
OluKai Marketing Director. “Thank you
to the island of Maui for sharing your
Aloha spirit and welcoming everyone
who traveled to participate in the
Ho’olaule’a.”
Nearly 300 elite watermen, waterwomen, and paddle enthusiasts raced
the famous Maliko “downwinder” on
Maui’s North Shore. The “downwinder”
was in great form with a 12 knot
tailwind propelling paddlers through
the eight-mile stretch of open ocean
from Maliko Gulch to the Lae ‘Ula O
Kai Canoe Club at Kanaha Beach.
Many racers finished in under an hour.
Interest in the SUP race exploded in the
last year with 220 entries. Another 72
paddlers entered the OC-1 category.
Livio Menelau, originally from
Brazil, but now living in Haiku,
California's Danny Ching and local
favorite Dave Kalama stayed together
in front of the pack throughout the SUP
race. Ching led for the first half before
Menelau found several surge swells
to take the lead. He took first place in
the men’s elite SUP race with a time of
52:37 less than 100 yards in front of
Ching and Kalama.
Danny Ching came back Sunday
to win the OC-1 elite race with a
shockingly fast time of 46:37. With
two finishes under one hour, Andrea
28 Pacific Paddler June 2010
Photos courtesy of OluKai
Moller repeated her 2009 OluKai
Ho’olaule’a sweep by winning both the
SUP and OC-1 races on the women’s
side. A $15,000 prize purse was
shared equally between the men’s
and women’s division of each racing
discipline: OC-1 and SUP. Full race
results are available at www.olukai.
com/NewsEvents.aspx.
"Right on for OluKai for making
pacificpaddler.com June 2010 29
Hawaiian Sailing Canoe
photos by Gloria Reed
Pule at Hana, Maui
the prize money equal for men and
women,” says Andrea Moller, repeat
winner of both the SUP and OC-1
women’s races. “I hope this motivated
more women to come out and race. It
is really special for us to be supported
equally.”
Beyond the races, guests enjoyed
traditional Hawaiian games hosted
by Maui Cultural Lands, sailing canoe
rides on the HSCA champion vessel
Kamakakoa, Lae ‘Ula O Kai canoe
club’s traditional luau with imu (pig
roast) and a hula performance by
Hula Halau Alapa'i I Maluuluolele
before John Cruz took the stage.
Families relaxed on the park grass for
Cruz’s performance that started with a
dramatic plumeria drop over the crowd
followed by a traditional Hawaiian
conch blowing ceremony and an Oli
chant by Vene Chun.
"OluKai is a great organization
giving back to the community and
really helping the lifeguards,” says
Kalani Vierra, Kauai’s head lifeguard,
who took third place in a recreational
SUP race. “Their Ho’olaule’a is a great
event that the whole family can enjoy."
Part of the proceeds from the
OluKai Ho’olaule’a go to the
OluKai ‘Ohana Giveback Program.
Beneficiaries include the Hawaiian
Lifeguard Association/Junior Lifeguard
Program, Maui Cultural Lands and
Team Kamakakoa, champions of the
Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Association.
Capt. Ray Glauser, Keo Kea to Maui
Capt. Marvin Otsuji on
Kamakakoa, Hana, Maui
This was a two day
event on May lst from
Keokea on the 'Big
Island of Hawaii' to
Hana, Maui crossing the
Aleinuihaha Channel.
Second day was from
Hana to Kahului Harbor,
Maui. This year there
were only five sailing
canoes participating.
Lora Bodmer
30 Pacific Paddler June 2010
pacificpaddler.com June 2010 31
Wind & fog added to season's mix
The closing races of the
SoCalOceanRacing series included a
wind swept Dana Ocean Challenge,
a fogged out PaddleMe.com
Championship Malibu to Marina
Parade and the always exciting
Ocean Ohana Catalina Relay. Dana
Outrigger hosted another stellar, nearrecord-breaking-number-of-paddlers
race, with the SUP and traditional
paddleboarders coming out to join
the OC1, OC2 and surfksi regulars
to enjoy the challenging conditions
that the harbor has to offer. I was
reminded on that day in early March,
as I faced headwinds in both the long
and short course return leg, that these
headwinds would once again greet
me at the end of the Ocean Ohana
Relay later that month. The final race
of the SoCal season wasn't a race at
all, but an enjoyable parade from the
Mailbu Pier. Where is the pier? There!
Where? As fog covered it, then lifted.
We waited, nearly stranded as the
shuttle that brought us to our canoes
at Mailbu drove off; all of our cars
waiting in the lot at Mothers Beach
in Marina. Who knew? We waited,
hoping the fog would lift, it did, then
it came socking back in. No way with
the distance to cover, and the contour
of the shoreline would it be safe to
send paddlers out into the fog for an
actual race. Beer run! Chase boats
with dangling "carrots" of favorite
brew to entice us onward. We did 10,
15 and 20 minute pieces back to the
finish line. It turned out to be quite fun
and educational as I was schooled in
the art of chase boat wake riding. I
think I failed but had fun trying!
As this year's recipient of the peervoted Mike Shea Most Inspirational
Paddler award, I would like to thank
Thomas Maximus Shahinian for his
sponsorship of this perpetual award.
I also thank my friends and fellow
paddlers for finding me worthy to
share the honor with other more
notably inspiring paddlers: Dee
VanWinkle, Rich Long, Nick Hanoian,
and Chris Barlow. I am humbled and
very grateful.
The end of March brings the Ocean
32 Pacific Paddler June 2010
Photos by Chris Silvester
Ohana Catalina Relay. If you haven't
already heard, one of the entries in
this year's event was SUP paddler
Jodie Nelson who made her trip a solo
venture to raise money and awareness
for breast cancer. It was a remarkable
crossing for Jodie, accompanied by
a whale nonetheless! When we came
upon Jodie and her chase boat near
the harbor entrance, I recall thinking
as I saw her standing on her board,
"I wonder if she is wishing she could
be sitting as much as I wish I could be
standing right now!" Congratulations
to the many paddlers who made
their way across the Pond that day.
Additional congratulations to the Epic
and Valhalla Junior surfski winners this
year! A lot of fine paddling talent is
coming out of the Junior Canoe and
pacificpaddler.com June 2010 33
Crystal Pier, photos by Hamster Works
Winter season, photos by Hamster Works
Kayak team efforts of Chris Barlow
and staff. This year 15 year-old Kevin
Stock who finished the series with
275 points based on his 5 best races,
wins an Epic surfski, and 16 year-old
Katarina La Juenesse finished with
273 points, winner of the Valhalla ski.
Congratulations!
Now that winter solo and double,
SUP and paddleboard racing is
over, we move into the SCORA OC6
paddling season! The first race of
that season was May 8th in San
Diego, hosted by veteran race hosts
Hanohano Outrigger. We had over 80
canoes on the water for the kids and
novice event. Last week we were up in
Santa Barbara rounding oil rigs, and
next week we race the coast along
Marina del Rey. Complete results can
be found at socaloutrigger.org website
as well as information about future
SCORA races.
Please watch for outrigger list
emails regarding an effort in SoCal to
win a grant from the refresheverything
Pepsi giveaway. We are pooling our
talents and efforts to begin a grassroots
effort to bring outrigger paddling to the
returning wounded vet and challenged
athletes. In order to begin a program
that provides adequate adaptive equipment and resources, we have to have
money to fund the project. The grant
is awarded to the idea that generates
the most votes daily over a one-month
period in the 50g category. It will be
called the Freedom Outrigger Project,
and if it is accepted by Pepsi in the July
submissions, we will begin asking for
all of your support by voting daily for
the idea – stay tuned!
And paddle safe, Cheance
34 Pacific Paddler June 2010
Kia Kaha Canoes & Paddles up in flames
Photo by the Kauai Fire Department Prevention Bureau
By Cara Mazzei
Kia Kaha Canoes and Paddles was
one of the three businesses completely
wiped-out in a fire that destroyed a
13,000-square-foot warehouse in Puhi,
Kauai. Kia Kaha’s production and
design workshop was located in the
warehouse. Kauai County officials estimated the damage to the building and
the businesses to be in the millions.
Kia Kaha owner, Maui Kjeldsen
unfortunately lost two canoe molds and
all of his custom Kia Kaha paddle molds
in the fire along with his production
materials for future orders and twenty
completed paddles that were about to be
shipped. Kjeldsen hopes to secure a new
location for his warehouse and have Kia
Kaha’s capacity to accept new paddle
orders secured as soon as possible.
Kjeldsen apologizes to all his
customers that have been patiently
waiting for their paddles. “Obviously
these are circumstances beyond our
control. I will work hard to get the
paddles back into production hopefully
before the end of the paddling season.”
He is asking customers to please visit his
www.kiakahacanoesandpaddles.com for
the latest status on paddle production.
The only bright spot is that Kjeldsen
had just returned from a trip to his
OC-1 canoe manufacturer in China.
He had delivered his Wainui and new
Hiko OC-1 canoe molds for production so they were not destroyed in the
fire. Therefore, the production of both
the Wainui and the Hiko OC-1 canoes
will not be interrupted, and Kia Kaha is
currently accepting orders. To place an
order or for more information, email
info@kiakahacanoesandpaddles.com.
On a personal note, Kjeldsen who
is a Kauai fireman and expecting his
second baby with his wife Jody wanted
to express his sincere gratitude and
appreciation to his customers, all the
firefighters who tackled the blaze and
to his family, friends and the community for all their support. “I was two
weeks away from taking some time
off for the new baby’s arrival and
was working hard to complete my
outstanding paddle orders. This fire
has changed everything. The important
thing is that no one was hurt.”
Maui Kjeldsen: 554.3216 (Oahu)
Jody Kjeldsen: 265.2096 (Oahu)
Maui, Jody and Tai
pacificpaddler.com June 2010 35
Tafaga U19 Boys
Tafaga 'in the house' (tent)
Team Takia take time out under a tarp
LiveStrong Tahiti
Wai Tui Fiji
On April 2nd, about 150 paddlers descended on
Wailoaloa Beach in Nadi Bay for the launch of Wai Tui
Fiji International 2010. It began with the blessing of
the canoes performed by Father Claude of the Anglican
Church. The Anglican church in Fiji oversees maritime
waters, so it was fitting for him to do the blessing.
Day 1 kicked off with V1 Sprint races, and while
weather conditions were less than ideal, it made for
some good racing. In the Semi-Finals of the U19 Boys,
notable finishers were Nadi Bay’s Matia Taito and
Takia’s Joshua Autar.
In the Open Men’s V1, Stan Ooms of Nadi
Bay took Semi 1 and Johnny Chung of Takia took
Semi 2 setting the stage for an interesting final. The
afternoon kicked off with V6 Sprint heats in both the
500m and 1500m. Nadi Bay’s local knowledge of
the course shone through in the men’s races while
Hong Kong set the stage for the final by winning
their heat in the Women’s Semi Final.
Day 2 saw better conditions for the sprint finals in
the V1 and V6 plus the V1 marathons. Pauline Benson
took out the V1 500m with second going to Natalia
Evans. Courtney Pene, who at 15 is a bright prospect
for the Worlds in New Caledonia, took third challenging Natalia to the finish.
Kisione Fonua took the Men’s V1 500m while Min Kim of Takia 'pipped'
Matia Taito of Nadi Bay for 2nd and 3rd respectively.
Team Hong Kong showed why they were the team to beat with an emphatic
win in the Women’s V6 500m, and Nadi Bay came from behind to 'pip' Tafaga
on the line in the Men’s 500m. In the 1500m, Kaiwai women stamped their
'mark on the day' with a win, and Nadi Bay concurred the Men’s event.
After a short lunch break, the V1 marathons started with the Junior Girls
6km—Courtney Pene won ahead of Elly Joyce and Kimberly Samson to complete
a Nadi Bay Triple.
Matia Taito took out the Junior Boys 6km followed closely by Serge Abel, both
36 Pacific Paddler June 2010
Tafaga & Guam, below Hong Kong
of Nadi Bay, Joshua Autar of Takia
ensured no clean sweep for Nadi Bay
in this race.
Due to fast fading light, the Open
Women’s race was reduced to a 6km
sprint with Pauline Benson taking the
race from Natalia Evans and Katarina
Morris. Kisione Fonua took the men’s
8km event from Stanley Ooms of Nadi
Bay and Guy Morris of Tagafa.
Day 3 saw very flat conditions
on Nadi Bay. The Junior V6 marathon
with girls and boys races ran concurrently and was won by the Nadi Bay
Boys with Nakama Bay Girls coming
in second overall. This was the first
time Nakama Bay Girls had done a
marathon – an awesome result for first
timers.
It was Hong Kong who won the
Open Women’s division in the 20km
race over Kawai and Nadi Bay.
Amongst the Open Men, it was Nadi
Bay first in the 25km race beating out
the Takia Global Mix and Takia Pesos
Ligeros teams.
For more on the event and to make
plans to participate, go to www.waitui.
com.
Tahiti and its islands are happy
to welcome their new club, Team
Livestrong Tahiti which is registered
at the Tahitian federation of Va’a with
ID number 333.
The team is essentially composed
of young veterans (40 and over) who
have paddled for well-known clubs and
who have already taken part in prestigious races such as the Hawaiki Nui
Va'a as well as the Molokai Hoe.
Jean Millon is the president of
the club and accepted to answer a few
questions.
Tahitian Paddler: How did it
all start ?
Jean Millon: It all started in
2008 when I was in Sacramento, USA
for the World Championship. Bruce
from the Team LiveStrong Hawaii came
up to me because he was looking for
a Tahitian guy to paddle with them
for the Molokai race. They needed
someone from Tahiti with the same
tactic to help them and teach the
Tahitian way of paddling.
Tahitian Paddler: What was
your reaction?
Jean Millon: I was rather
astonished, but it was quite flattering to
be offered such a great opportunity to
paddle with the renowned Hawaiian
team from Kona, Hawaii. I accepted
the offer and kept in touch with Bruce
once back in Tahiti.
Tahitian Paddler: So did
you participate in the 2008
Molokai race ?
Jean Millon: Yes, I did, but not
with Bruce’s team. When I returned
home, I found out that the president of
the Venus Va’a Club wanted to be at
the Molokai race with a selection of
the best local paddlers. So I was there
with my friends Gilles Tching, George
Cronstadt, Manutea Owen, Xavier
Delongeaux, Charles Taie jr, Tautu T
and Teva Mooria.
Tahitian Paddler: How was
the race ?
Jean Millon: We came second
behind the Tahitian Shell Va’a team. It
was their third victory in a row. But we
were very happy with how well we did
since our team was a last minute blend
of Team OPT and Venus Va’a’s best
paddlers.
Tahitian Paddler: Do you
still have news from Bruce ?
Jean Millon: Right after the
prize-giving, Bruce introduced me to
Seth who is Team Livestrong Hawaii’s
founder and who is also a friend of
the cyclist Lance Armstrong. The Lance
Armstrong Foundation is recognized
for its actions in favor of people who
are affected by cancer. Both Seth and
Lance are now the honorary presidents
of our new club.
Tahitian Paddler: How did
the exchange take place?
Jean Millon: First, I shared my
excitement and my experience with my
best friends Jean Wong (canoe shaper)
Raimana Vanbastolaer (Teahupoo Tow
surf), George Cronstadt (vaa sprint
world champion) and Mario Cowan
(coach of the Team OPT Vaa). Then, in
the beginning of the year 2009, we
all met at Kona for a week of training
and technical exchanges with TLSTH,
KUKIO as well as for the construction
of the wooden latté Vaa toru by Wong,
Jean.
Tahitian Paddler: I bet it
was an enriching experience !
Jean Millon: Yes, it was really
great and in a good state of mind.
Moreover the trainings were really
effective since the team of Kona
finished 7th in the race of Molokai in
2009. We all had a very good feeling
and we were eager to continue this
exchange ; that’s why we came up
with the idea of creating the Team
LiveStrong Tahiti with the agreement of
Lance Armstrong and Seth who were,
by the way, very proud of the idea.
Tahitian Paddler: Who are
the paddlers in your club ?
Jean Millon: Our club is
different from the others. We all know
each other and our goal is to have fun
together. But we have also chosen to
get involved in the fight against cancer
with LiveStrong.
There are nine paddlers in the
team; Jean Millon, Jean Wong, Gilles
Tching, Gilles Tching, Vatea Quesnot,
Mario Cowan, Hans Aitamai, Lemmy
Lambert and Popo.
Tahitian Paddler: What are
the Team’s objectives ?
Jean Millon: The Hawaiki Nui
2010 race is one goal. We would also
like to have the two teams, the one
from Kona and ours to meet either here
or in Hawaii. But most of all, we’d like
to share our love for the Polynesian
va’a.
Jean Millon's email is:
teamlivestrongtahiti@gmail.com
TAHITIAN PADDLER
pacificpaddler.com June 2010 37
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Nobody tests the limits of our products like the Hawaiian Lifeguard
Association. All 420+ of these elite
watermen and women patrol and
train in our footwear, performing
rigorous real-life R&D over sand,
water and lava rock. OluKai is the official footwear of the Hawaiian Lifeguard
Association. Part of the proceeds
from sales help support the HLA’s
Junior Lifeguard Program.
Hiko
Hiko (lightning) is Kia Kaha’s newest design. We accomplished all of our goals with the design of our new Hiko OC-1
canoe. Like every canoe manufacturer, we were trying to create
a canoe that excels in all conditions. And with the Hiko, we
believe we came really close. We sharpened up the entry, took
out a little tail rocker and moved the cockpit forward, resulting
in a canoe with effortless acceleration on the bumps and great
glide in the flats. Slight changes to the tail of the ama were
also made to improve the release. For more information and to
schedule a demo, currently available on Oahu and Kauai, email:
info@kiakahacanoesandpaddles.com, or call 808.554.3216.
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