covering hawai`i`s state team sport since 1996

December 2008
F REE i n H awa i i
Covering Hawai‘i’s State Team Sport since 1996
PRSRT. STD. U.S.
POSTAGE PAID
Honolulu, Hi
Permit No. 583
Aloha
Contents
Mahalo
to everyone
who helped us
produce another
issue for the
paddling community. We are in
our 13th year of
serving you and
look forward to
continuing in telling the story of outrigger
paddling. It is always fun to witness firsthand paddlers in action. We are now
in the process of bringing the sport to
you with our own show, Pacific Paddler
TV. Want to be a part of it? Feel free to
contact me. We look forward to the opportunity of working with Pacific Network and
bringing the excitement of the sport to your
home. Our family wishes you
and yours a Merry Christmas
and Happy New Year.
Na Wahine O Ke Kai
6
Molokai Hoe
18
Havaiki Nui
29
Pailolo Challenge
30
SoCal Ocean Racing
32
Gold Coast Cup Australia
36
Na Pali Adventure
37
What to ask Santa?
38
December 2008 Vol 13 #5
On the cover
Published by: Ropati Hebenstreit
Writers: Cheance Adair, Gaylord
Wilcox, Jamie Kinard, Martin
Helleur, Johann Bouit, Dave
Daniels, Blair Thorndike, Matt
Carter, Amy Marvin
Photos: Brian Vestyck—
Hamsterworks.com, Ray Mains
QuickSilver California in
mid-channel. Photo by Ropati
Photography and Ropati
Proof reader: Amy Hebenstreit
All the competition saw of Team
Bradley was their backs
Address: PO Box 300345,
Ka‘a‘awa, HI 96730
PHONE: (808) 351-2398
EMAIL: [email protected]
www. pacificpaddler.com
Printed at Trade Publishing Co.
Shell Va'a couldn't be beat, but their
pervious record could
Ph: (808) 848-0711
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only here in Hawaii, but
around the world. Thanks for
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©2008 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.
Na Wahine O Ke Kai
Top finishers
Team Bradley set a new record in the 30th Annual Na Wahine O Ke Kai
race from Molokai to Oahu with their time of 5:22:05. It was the third consecutive win for the crew beating Australia's Mooloolaba's record set in 2004
by five seconds. The crew was made up of the same paddlers that paddled
last year: Lauren Bartlett, Andrea Moller, Theresa Felgate, Dane Ward and
Margie Kawaiaea from Maui, Kelly Fey and Mahealani Lum-Batlik from Oahu,
Cherisse Agorastos of the Big Island of Hawaii, Noelani Auger from Kauai,
and Shelley Oates-Wilding from Australia. Team Bradley's coach John Puakea
said at the beginning of the season, "We decided to go with the same crew
again one more year, either we all do it or we don't do it." Sixty-seven crews
entered the race, down from the record of 83 crews who participated last
year. Hui Lanakila for the second year in a row finished second with 5:27:09
and Waikiki Beach Boys third, 5:32:39. Rounding out the top ten were: 4,
Outrigger 40s, 5:34:43; 5, Newport Aquatic Center (California), 5:37:49;
6, Kai Opua, 5:41:57; 7, Namolokama O Hanalei, 5:43:26; 8, False
Creek (Canada), 5:43:34; 9, Casco Bay (New England), 5:43:38 and 10,
Hawaiian Canoe Club, 5:46:07.
In the Koa Division, the top three finishers were: 1, Hui Lanakila, 5:47:37
(and 12th overall); 2, Lanikai, 5:59:42; 3, Outrigger, 6:04:12. The top three
Masters 40 were: 1, Outrigger, 5:43:43; 2, Casco Bay, 5:43:38; 3, Pu'uwai,
6:11:19. Top three Masters 50: 1, Kailua, 5:56:22; 2, Kahiau/Hawaiian
Kanaktion, 6:01:19 and 3, Keauhou, 6:12:14.
December ‘08, Pacific Paddler
The start of the 30th Annual Na Wahine O Ke Kai
pacificpaddler.com Deccember ‘08 Anuenue (51st, 6:32:44)
North Shore Canoe Club (47th, 6:29:14)
New Hope Canoe Club
Hawaiian Canoe Club
Lanikai Canoe Club
Leeward Kai (46th, 6:28:40)
Kailua Canoe Club (15th, 5:40:54)
Below, Lokaihi-2 (57th, 6:38:02)
Above, Honolulu Pearl (61st, 6:42:35)
Below, Hui Nalu (16th, 5:55:00)
December ‘08, Pacific Paddler
Hui Lanakila dedicates their race to Leighton Look
Sixty-seven crews
completed the 41mile race from Hale O
Lono, Moloka’i to Duke
Kahanamoku Beach,
Waikiki, with Team Bradley
paddling to victory in a
record time and extending
their impressive winning
streak to four years in a
row. Team Bradley are
nothing short of amazing
and have solidified their
place amongst the paddling
dynasties that have come
before them, Offshore of California,
Outrigger Canoe Club, and Kai Opua
Canoe Club, to name a few.
Hui Lanakila Canoe Club, a small
Ala Wai-based club, entered three Open
crews, all paddling in honor of the late
Leighton Look. Leighton was one of the
original members of the 31-year old
canoe club and at one time or another
wore the hat of club president and head
coach. Ask anyone, the names Leighton
Look and Hui Lanakila are synonymous.
Leighton was the soul, the breath of Hui
Lanakila Canoe Club.
He continued to be even after his
passing on August 25, '08, inspiring
each Hui Lanakila paddler to dedicate
their race to his legacy.
He was in our hearts
that we wore on our
sleeves or rather, our
jerseys, each printed
with a tribute to this
great man. In fact,
Leighton was in everything as we crossed the
Ka’iwi Channel, in every
stroke we took, in every
nalu we rode, in every
smile that flashed across
our faces, in every positive word that emanated
from our coaches’ lips.
Our first crew paddled a new canoe
named after Leighton, “Lehuuila No
Jamie Kinard
Painting of Leighton Look by Kimi Werner,
www.kimiwernerart.com
Below, Alapa Hoe (60th, 6:41:46) and Lokahi
10 December ‘08, Pacific Paddler
Kalawai'a” (A Flash of Lightning for the
Fisherman) and finished second overall
with the guidance and support of Les
Look, Lindsey Todd, and Coach Raven
Aipa.
Hui Lanakila’s second crew had the
privilege of paddling the “Tarita”, one of
the finest racing koa canoes in the state,
built by Leighton himself and named
after his daughter. This talented crew,
coached by Byron Martinez, paddled
to victory in the koa division and an
impressive 11th place overall.
It was a great honor and privilege
to celebrate, in this special way, the
life and legacy of a talented waterman
who gave his heart and soul to Hui
Lanakila Canoe Club. Though no longer
physically present, he continues
to inspire all of us paddlers to
follow in his footsteps, giving in
the same selfless way he gave to
his family and friends, his canoe
club, and his beloved sport of
outrigger canoe paddling. In this
way, we can continue to pay
homage to a man with a giant
heart and unending amounts of
aloha.
Puakea Foundation (4th koa canoe, 6:54:00)
Manu O Ke Kai (44th, 6:24:45)
Hannie Anderson
Na Wahine Race director
Team Bradley (1st, new course record, 5:22:05)
False Creek (8th, 5:43:34)
Namolokama O Hanalei (7th, 5:43:26)
Above, Lanikai-2 (26th, 6:06:00)
Below, Team Redondo Beach (23rd, 6:03:34)
Hannie Anderson has been
paddling for over 50 yrs. She was
introduced to the sport by a group
of classmates at Roosevelt High and
started out with Waikiki Surf Club.
Hannie credits her first coaches,
Wally Froseith and Mike Tongg, as
an important part of her paddling
experience and teaching her about
the sport she loves. Hannie was
part of a group of women who
started Na Wahine O Ke Kai for
women who were not allowed to
participate in the Molokai Hoe because, at the time, it
seemed to dangerous for women to be out in the channel
in a canoe.
What does it take to run an international event like the MH and NW?
A lot of will power and to be surrounded by good
people, my committee. We lost our largest sponsor, and
it's hard to get monies. It costs around 100 thousand for
the women's race, and the men's around 135 thousand.
What are some of the difficulties you
have running the races?
Letters for all permits we need. Working with the
people on Molokai to trailer canoes, hotels, cars and bus
transportation. If the state and counties don't help us, we
could be in trouble. This year we even had to grade the
road at our expense. We asked for help from the County
but to no avail. We did get $10,000 from the Hawaii
Tourism Authority, which helps, but this is our state team
sport, and we bring a lot of revenue into Hawaii. We
actually have to pay the state for the use of the harbor in
Kaunakakai and the beach in Waikiki.
What would you like to see happen in
the future?
If I had unlimited resources, I would try to give more
back to the paddlers for all the expenses they have to
cover. I'd also like to see more of our events on prime time
TV, so everyone in Hawaii and the mainland could watch
the races. I would like to see a cash prize for our Koa
Canoes, and have the races end in front of the Moana
Hotel, like we did in 1952 with the first crossing for men.
I still remember it as if it were yesterday. Canoeing has
been a big part of my life.
Kahiau/Hawaiian Kanaktion (21st, 6:01:19)
12 December ‘08, Pacific Paddler
Lae'ula O Kai (11th, 5:47:05)
Pu'uwai (30th, 6:11:19)
Waikiki Beach Boys-2
(18th, 5:59:14)
Waikiki Beach Boys (3rd, 5:32:39)
Outrigger Canoe Club (3rd koa canoe, 6:04:12)
Newport Aquatic Center (5th, 5:37:49)
14 December ‘08, Pacific Paddler
Outrigger (1st Masters-40, 5:34:43)
Team Bradley on their way to a new Na Wahine record
Nazarene Anderson, Event Director
Naz started paddling in
1998 with Waimanalo
Canoe Club and served
as secretary in 1999.
She became president
of the club in 2001 and
has been an active part
of OHCRA for seven
years. She handles
sponsorship, marketing
and building a brand
name for OHCRA. She is
also the liaison between
corporate sponsorships
and helps with the race production,
making sure that all the bases are
covered and that OHCRA runs a
race that everyone is happy with.
The Moloka'i Hoe is hosted by
OHCRA while the Na Wahine O Ke
Kai, which she also assists with, is
organized by a committee of five
women who coordinate the many
facets of their race.
What were some of
your challenges?
Funding, of course, is always a
challenge; however, this year we had
the unexpected closure of the Moloka'i
Ranch which we managed to overcome. While we expected a drop in
the numbers of crews, we were pleased
to have 104 participants this year
considering the economic challenges.
16 December ‘08, Pacific Paddler
The clubs and participants don't realize
that it costs approximately $1,104 for
each crew to cross
the channel. That
does not include
any marketing and
production expenses.
When do
you start planning for the
next year?
I have already
started to present
proposals for sponsorships for '09, and
I am working with Hannie Anderson
in securing a location for our official
site in the event the Moloka'i Ocean
Side Retreat is sold and not available
through New Hope Canoe Club. We
need to get a jump start on funding,
especially during these difficult times.
Companies are experiencing cut backs
and sponsorships are the first to go.
Do you still paddle?
I had hoped to cross this year with
Waimanalo Canoe Club, but with all
that was going on, I couldn't dedicate
the time necessary to train and decided
that it was more important to be a part
of the planning. I hope to participate
next year.
If you had unlimited
resources, would you
change anything about
the races?
I would incorporate two levels in the
race: a professional and an amateur
division. I would like to see a two week
festival in conjunction with Aloha Week
with workshops and special 'made in
Hawaii' craft fairs and some triangle
races between the two Moloka'i races.
The Hoe would be the finale ending
with a sunset on the beach where the
paddlers can intermingle with those
who travel from different countries and
share in their stories. I'd also like a 'livefeed' from the channel to a large LCD
screen in Waikiki so that spectators can
watch the race as it happens.
How could the State
do more to help?
At this time, we have received
some funding from the Hawaii Tourism
Authority sports program, however,
from the State or C&C we don't receive
much assistance at all. We pay for all
permits. We requested assistance for
the clearing of the road to Hale O Lono,
and we received nothing. This is the
state sport and we should have some
sort of help from the state.
Does your family
paddle too?
Thankfully my family is very
supportive and understands the time
it takes to coordinate these races. I
have four children, three are paddlers.
Mom and dad paddle, and we spend
Sunday's together racing during the
summer regatta season. I have coached
my kids and their crews and they all
participate in the Na Opio program
in Waimanalo. It's definitely a family
sport.
Molokai Hoe
Paddlers signal to
others, 'hold-up'
Nick Beck helps rig the iako to the ama
Shell Va'a headed to 1st place and a new course record
The competitors were ready. Months of preparation was
about to be ignited on the South shore of Molokai. Crews
waited for the start boat to raise the green flag and officially start the race. Paddlers took stock of who was around
them, jostling for a clear path with no hang-ups, a clean
start, and to get in front of as many canoes as possible
before the first change. Then 'a mouse darted out in front of
a bunch of cats'. Team Pure Light, who had been burdened
with logistical problems including the sinking of their escort
boat on the way up to Moloka'i, started their race. The
team was supposed to start an hour early (see pg.27), but
had delays. When they began their epic journey, pulling
away from a line of excitable, adrenaline flushed paddlers,
it was too much. A crew noticed Pure Light pulling away
and a war-cry arose, sending a chain-reaction down the
line of 104 crews. And the race was on. Communications
between officials became hectic, what-to-do? "Turn them
around," came the command from Hannie Anderson, who
was helping Race Director Kalani Irvine on the starter
boat. "But they're going" came back the answer over the
radio. "Turn them around, NOW," and suddenly a score
of official boats took off into action, cutting the field off and
stopping the charge. Kalani said that it would have been
unfair to the crews who spent months preparing for the race
to finish to find out that the finishing times would have an
18 December ‘08, Pacific Paddler
Camping at Hale O Lono
asterisk beside it. "After we got the leaders to stop and we promised
them a fair start, everyone eventually turned around," he said.
After all the crews returned to the starting line, the 56th edition
of the Molokai Hoe was officially underway. The leaders caught up
to team Pure Light off of La'au Point. Team Pure Light headed North,
perhaps to avoid the mayhem of the first change where escort boats
zoom in from the south to find their crews and make the first change.
This invasion of motorized boats turns the ocean into a jumble of
waves coming at the competitors from all angles, a perfect environment for a huli.
Those crews that gambled by going North had a harder time
in the channel than those who went South due to an incoming
tide. The leaders who went South made it to Oahu before the tide
changed.
It was an incredible third consecutive win for Shell Va'a and the
third consecutive record-breaking race for the Tahitians. Three of
Shell's crew had raced in all three of their record-breaking crossings,
Jimmy Pirato, Lucien Tara and David Tepava. From the start, Shell
lead the way and by La'au Point had a half-mile lead on Lanikai.
Shell crossed the Kaiwi Channel in a record-busting time of 4:38:35,
just over one-and-a-half minutes faster than last year's time. Venus
Va'a, also from Tahiti, passed Lanikai in mid-channel finishing 10
minutes behind Shell with 4:48:59. Lanikai improved last year's
time by nearly 13 minutes finishing third with 4:51:50. Team OPT,
also from Tahiti, who placed second last year finished fourth with
4:53:14. Fifth place also went to another Tahitian crew, Erai Va'a.
Outrigger Canoe Club of Oahu took 6th place followed by Pa'a,
a group of OC-1 paddlers from different clubs around Hawaii.
20 December ‘08, Pacific Paddler
Above, Alapa Hoe. Below, Mooloolaba (19th, 5:25:45)
Anuenue (7th Masters-55, 6:23:52)
Below, Hui Nalu
Below, Nainoa Thompson steers a Hui Nalu crew
(5th Masters-40, 5:48:16)
Kailua (1st Masters-50, 5:45:31)
Kailua-1 (11th, 5:13:38)
Below, Keahiakahoe-Black (15th, 5:19:55)
pacificpaddler.com Deccember ‘08 21
Eighth across the line was Hawaiian Canoe Club from Maui
and ninth was Team Livestrong of the Big Island of Hawaii who
also finished first in the 40-plus division. Lanikai's second crew
rounded out the top 10.
Of the 104 crews, 30 were from out of state: fourteen from
California, four from Tahiti, three from Canada, two from New
Zealand and Washington, & one each from Hungary and
Japan. Only two koa canoes participated; Lanikai who crossed
in 5:41:28 and Puakea Foundation, 6:15:17. The Masters 40
went to Team Livestrong from the Big Island, 5:12:35. Australia's
Mooloolaba finished second with 5:25:45 and Team California/
Hawaii third, 5:26:20. Kailua Canoe Club won the Masters
50 in 5:45:31 followed by Namolokama from Kauai 5:47:59
and Manuiwa of Tahiti, 6:00:36. Team Bradley/Hui Nalu took
the 55-plus division 5:56:53 followed by Waimanalo 5:57:47
and California Gold 6:09:30. Also participating in the race was
Team Pure Light who finished the race in 7:59:25.
QuickSilver California (17th, 5:21:11)
Below, Lanikai (1st koa canoe, 5:41:28)
Erai Va'a, Tahiti (5th, 4:56:38)
Below, Venus Va'a (2nd, 4:48:59)
Above, Hawaiian-1 (8th, 5:11:20).
Below, Keahiakahoe (15th, 5:19:56)
Team Zebra
Team Zebra who finished 21st
(5:28:22) is a collection of paddlers
who got together only weeks before the
Molokai Hoe. Five paddlers are from
Canada: Paul McNamara, steersman,
Peter Buday, Tamas Buday (a threetime Olympian), Andrew Russell (onetime Olympian), Kyle Jeffery and Ian
Mortimer (who are both members of
the Canadian flat water team). The
crew also included a German, Andreas
Dittmer who has won three Olympic
medals in flat water in Atlanta, Sydney
and Athens, Attila Vajda from Hungary,
who medaled in Beijing, and Martin
Doktor from the Czech Republic who
won two medals in Atlanta.
Team Zebra started as a dream for
the Olympic paddlers on the team who
after the Olympics said they wanted to
come to Hawaii to experience a totally
different paddling adventure. "They
were all solo paddlers and they decided
this would be a chance to race together,
and what better place to come, Hawaii"
said Peter.
"These guys are great athletes, no
problem getting in the boat, they have
'huge' power, but they have never been
in a rough ocean environment before,"
said Pete's friend Paul who steered the
crew. " It will be the little things, like
water management — bailing that will
be a challenge."
Team Zebra also helped the
Hungarian Olympic team with logistics in preparing for the race. The Mol
Hungary Team who won the gold medal
in the 1000 in Beijing, learned outrigger
paddling just two weeks before the race
and were nick-named 'the swim team'
because of the countless hulies during
practices in Kailua Bay. They finished
43rd in 5:53:28.
Q&A with Olympian Martin Doktor
How did you guys like the race?
The race was great. For most of us, it was one of the best experiences in our
sports life.
Are you satisfied with the 21st place?
Well, the 21st place from the first look is not what we like, but when you
realize that for most of us in our crew, it was first time in an outrigger boat,
then I think we did well.
Would you like to come back and do the race again?
Definitely. I don’t know if it will be next year, but sometime in the future.
What was the biggest challenge for you as Olympic
paddlers?
We are flat water canoeist, so what we like is really flat, like glass. I think
you’ll agree that conditions in the middle of the channel weren't glassy.
What do you think about the level of the top Hawaiian
crews?
I think that Hawaiian crews are top in the outrigger world, together with
Tahitians of course. But it is natural, because your paddlers were brought up in
these conditions, so we don't feel water the way they do.
What do you think about the Tahitians?
You mean this year's results? Unbelievable! They were in top form, and if you
look at the results, you can see it. I’d be curious if they try our flat-water canoe.
Maybe we’d be surprised!
The race is considered unofficially as a World
Championship of long distance paddling. do you think
that we should administer drug testing?
Yes, for sure. I was very surprised when I realized that in a race like this there
is no doping control. I think to keep prestige of the Moloka’i Hoe for the future,
that will be next step. And you know that especially in long distance races like
this, doping testing is very important.
pacificpaddler.com Deccember ‘08 23
Waikiki Beach Boys
Kaiola Canoe Club
Kai Poha (78th, 6:21:53)
Anuenue-2 (46th, 5:55:25)
Niumalu (49th, 5:57:46)
24 December ‘08, Pacific Paddler
Shogun Outrigger, Japan (52nd, 5:59:10)
A Kiwi paddler's story
Lanikai Canoe Club (3rd, 4:51:50)
Marina Outrigger (75th, 6:17:30)
Above, Mol Hungry (43rd, 5:53:28). Below, Lokahi (77th, 6:18:50)
It is true what people say about Hawaiians. The
true aloha spirit is alive and well,
that is what I'm feeling on my flight
back to NZ. This was my very first
trip to Hawaii and the Molokai Hoe
International 41mi Outrigger race.
From my first day there (thanks
to Pat Erwin and Tom Connor from
Lanikai Canoe Club for allowing me
to train with their club) to crossing
the finish line while paddling with
Namolokama open men's crew
(thanks to Torrey Goodman & Jody Simpson). This was
quite an experience of the competition and competitiveness of all those wanting to get into a crew on the
start line for the last big race of the season.
During these two short weeks, between training
and adventures that my host took me on, I have had a
fun-filled voyage that most other International paddlers
only read about. From 2-3m surfing swells off Kailua
to bucking bronco paddles around Makapu'u Point to
Hawaii Kai, and even more impressive was the downwind runs off Molokai Island.
Finally the day of the race arrived. All of the
excitement started at 4:15 am with breakfast, then
we embarked on our way to the race venue one hour
away behind the long que of vehicles, along dusty
roads with wild deer and pigs running for shelter.
The Race: I have never seen this many paddlers on
a start line since the Te Aito Vaa race in Tahiti.
This race was typical of a group of guys coming
together for the first time having never before worked
on combinations and cohesion. We would have good
patches when the canoe ran well, then we would have
bad patches where the canoe floundered. Around the
four hour mark, the water became wishy-washy and
really hard to paddle, but sheer guts and enthusiasm
for each other pushed us through so that we could surf
the last hour of our race. Coming past Diamond Head
and into Waikiki Beach, our bodies were crying out to
finish, with various cramps starting to creep in… What
a great bunch of guys I paddled with. It was an interesting mix of guys; 1 Iranian, 1 Californian, 2 Kiwi's
and 5 from Kauai.
We were all happy to stand on terra firma again,
and I had a grin from ear to ear. We finished 30th out
of 104 crews. We didn't threaten the Tahitians, but man
was it fun!
Big Arohanui to Torrey Goodman, Vivian Griffin
(my hosts), Pat & Kathy Erwin, Tommy Connor (Lanikai
Club), David & Kalani (Oiwi ocean gear), Ron, Cam
and Kim (Molokai Island) and all the Kauai boys who
made me so welcome. To everyone from Hawaii,
Kakite ano kia hoa ….No reira tena koutou, tena
koutou, tena koutou kata (Good bye my friends… farewell, farewell, farewell, thanks to you all).
Martin Helleur
pacificpaddler.com Deccember ‘08 25
Kaulua Canoe Club-2 (22nd 5:22:37)
New Hope (5th, 6:15:09)
Kaneohe Canoe Club (90th, 6:36:44)
Outrigger Canoe Club (4th Masters-55, 6:11:00)
Kaiola (5th Masters-55, 6:15:39)
Kai Opua-2 (44th, 5:52:40)
26 December ‘08, Pacific Paddler
Pure Light Racing Team
Honolulu Pearl-1 (94th, 6:50:15)
Lanikai Canoe Club (29th overall/1st koa)
I posted a video of an incredible group of people who this year
accomplished feats that even they
had never imagined before.
These people are elite athletes
that overcome challenges every day
of their lives. From getting out of
bed, brushing their teeth, making
breakfast, to buying groceries;
common things we take for granted.
And to be able to see them and
capture them on video as they set
out on a journey of self-discovery
using the sport of hoe wa'a or
outrigger canoe paddling, was to
me as a Polynesian, a great honor.
The values of friendships, family
and sportsmanship – for some they
had never belonged to a team, for
some they have never had to care
for anybody else but themselves, for
some they had never had a sports
accomplishment.
This year the team won five gold
medals, one silver and three bronze
at the World Sprints in Sacramento
(Hawaii won a total of 9 gold
medals). They completed the Queen
Lili'uokalani Race in Kona (18
miles), the Henry Ayau Race (32
miles) from Hawaii Kai to Nanakuli,
and of course the Molokai Hoe, 42
miles in less then 8-hours, unbelievable!
Aka Hemmings and the group of
volunteers at Pure Light Racing had
gone beyond the duty to help these
athletes with disabilities (as they
would prefer we say, athletes with
abilities) give opportunities!
A message beyond sport:
participation especially for people
with disabilities. Pure Light Racing
has set an admirable shining
example for disabled people
around the world… so stay tuned to
Pacificnetwork.tv
If you would like to participate
or help in any way possible contact
www.projectpurelight.com/racing.
Aloha, Johann Bouit
finished in 7:59:25
Kihei Canoe Club
Hui Nalu (5th Masters-40, 5:48:16)
New Hope
pacificpaddler.com Deccember ‘08 27
Kalani Irvine, Molokai Hoe Race Director
Kalani Irvine has raced across the
Molokai Channel over 20 times for
Lanikai Canoe Club. This year he
decided it was time to step up to the
plate and help to run the race that
has been his passion. We asked him
about his hopes for the future of the
Molokai Hoe.
How long have you been
involved in the paddling
community?
I have been involved with paddling
ever since I can remember. My father
was involved with Lanikai Canoe Club as
President in the late 60’s and escorting for
the club into the late eighties. My first year
of actually participating as a paddler was
1976 in the boys 12B division.
What club did you start
out with?
I have always been with Lanikai
Canoe Club except for one year, I think
it was 1986; I paddled for Surf Sports
Canoe Club. Lanikai was struggling as a
club and only had freshmen men in the
upper division men's program. I had been
moved up to sophomore men the year
before. I would show up to practice and
there would be nobody to paddle with.
Who introduced you to
paddling?
I would attribute my involvement in
paddling to my father. He was really
involved and I would tag along to meetings,
working on canoes, and escorting races.
What do you think are
paddling's biggest benefits to
the community?
The biggest benefit paddling has
on the community is bringing families
together. It also enables people from
not so stable family life to become part
of a family. It gets kids out in the ocean
instead of watching television, playing
video games, or just hanging out.
Paddling provides a learning experience for life. Hard work, responsibility,
working as a team for a common goal,
and friendships.
Paddling has changed so much since
I started paddling. When I first started
paddling, it was all about where the club
28 December ‘08, Pacific Paddler
party was after the race, and has
evolved into a world class athletic
event. In order to do well in races, it
has to be a lifestyle revolving around
paddling and family.
Why did you decide to
become an OHCRA official?
I was asked by a few clubs if I
would be willing to run for the office
of President of OHCRA. I have been
involved at different levels for the past
15 years, and with the support of my
family, I felt it was my responsibility
to put my name in the hat and let
the clubs decide. If we did not have
people like Mike Tongg, Hannie
Anderson, Joan Malama, Uncle John
Kekua and countless others who took
so much time and effort to evolve our
sport, where would we be as a sport?
“If you are not part of the
solution, then you are part of the
problem” Words my friend John Foti
once told me. Clubs and leaders of
the clubs should get involved and set
the direction of our sport in Hawaii.
We sit back and complain but don’t
back it up with action and solutions.
What is the best thing
about being involved in
the Molokai Hoe ?
The best thing about being
involved in Molokai Hoe is working
with the volunteers. They truly love
the sport and the paddlers and are
willing to donate such large amounts
of time and effort for such little appreciation — to represent the paddlers'
point of view on race decisions and to
talk to the paddlers and coaches, many
of whom I raced with and against and
became friends with, and have not seen
for a while.
What does it take to run
the Molokai Hoe ?
Money, money and more money. I
was surprised by the size of the budget
and the planning involved to pull off
the race. This year with the closing of
Aloha Airlines and the Molokai Ranch
and the price of gas, it made it extra
challenging. Through working with the
Molokai Canoe Racing Association, the
people of Molokai, Maui County, the
volunteers and the sponsors of this event,
we were able to put on the race.
Please tell us about some
of the difficulties you have
running the Molokai Hoe?
The biggest issue is safety. It is
amazing what goes on during the race
and all the safety issues. The committee is
responsible for the safety of over 1,000
paddlers as well as escort and pleasure
crafts stretched out over five miles north
to south and over four miles east to west.
Another big issue is putting on a race of
this magnitude while staying on the current
budget and keeping entry fees as low
as possible while still trying to make it a
world class event.
What do you think is the
future of the sport?
The future of our sport is global.
You can see it growing around the
world. If we are not careful, we will
lose the cultural aspects of paddling.
The Tahitians have raised the bar for
the men. Hawaii should review their
event structure, format and distances to
strengthen their relevance in the world of
outrigger canoe paddling.
If you had unlimited
resources to run the races
what would you like to see
happen?
If we had unlimited resources, I
would like to implement more technology
to make it more spectator-friendly. GPS
tracking and live world-wide internet
feeds from events.
Havaiki Nui — Shell gets a push
Fixing the canoe at the finish line on
Raiatea, Billy Philpotts (blue shirt), Pat
Erwin (green shirt), Ron Kimball (bareback) and coach Walter Guild (white
shirt). Tahaa in the background, and
Bora Bora faintly in the distance.
The 2008 Havaiki Nui confirmed
Shell Vaa’s continued dominance in
the outrigger distance world, but they
were pushed to win it this year, as EDT
from Papeete gave them a run for their
money (@ US $19,000). The Huahine
to Raiatea leg saw the two clubs take
a north route and battle head to head
along the reef outside the pass into
Raiatea, before Shell pulled away to
win by a minute. EDT struck back on
Day Two, winning with a minute-anda-half gap over fourth place Shell. A
win by Shell on the Tahaa to Bora Bora
run would not guarantee the overall if
EDT could finish a close 2nd. But Shell
came out of the lagoon with a healthy
lead and increased it to over 5 minutes
at the finish, while EDT ended up 3rd.
Manutea Owens’ new crew Matairea
Hoe from Huahine is one to watch in
the future, as they finished 3rd, 5th
and 2nd.
Finishing 25th overall was Kamanu
Oiwi, with 5 paddlers from Hawaii,
two Aussies, a Kiwi and a Cook
Islander. They were the top foreign
team edging out Team Hawaii on
time (they were tied on points), and
finishing a respectable 13th on Day
Three. Team Hawaii, with most of
the paddlers coming from Molokai
Channel bronze medalists Lanikai
Canoe Club, ran into equipment problems on Day 1, and couldn’t make it
into the top 15 after that.
Gaylord Wilcox
Unlocking the secret of the Havaiki Nui
Once again, a victory at the Havaiki Nui has proven
to be one of the most elusive and frustrating goals that any
paddler would hope to strive for. The '08 journey to Havaiki
Nui started out like most paddling trips, the belief that maybe
just maybe, this would be the year. The right crew, the right
weather conditions, the right equipment, and the right luck
would all come together for this moment and the dream of
winning Havaiki Nui would be realized. Well, maybe not to
win the whole thing but just to win one leg in the three day
event would be a huge statement for Hawaii paddling. For
the record, no team outside Tahiti has ever won the Havaiki
Nui and only once has a non-Tahitian team ever won one of
the stages. That was Team Hawaii in 2000 and according
to the Tahitians that was a huge embarrassment for their
country’s most popular sport. Most paddlers in Hawaii can’t
imagine how important outrigger paddling is to the people
of Tahiti. Hawaiian paddlers are probably more recognized
in Tahiti than they are in Hawaii. For example, when we
boarded our plane bound for Tahiti, as Jim Foti entered the
plane, I could hear whispers from the Tahitian passengers,
“Foti… Foti… Foti.” When Karel Jr., Mike Judd, and Kai
Bartlett entered the plane, you could hear the same whispers
of the paddler’s names. It was an amazing phenomenon
to be known and respected in another country more than we
probably are in our own state.
As respected as the Hawaii paddlers are, though, the
Tahitians are fiercely competitive and come race day, Team
Hawaii is just another crew in a pack of eighty-plus boats that
believe that they have a shot at winning. As the first day of
racing commenced, our team didn’t know yet that our desire
to try and place top five on every day and maybe push to
possibly win a leg would shortly reach its first road block. Ten
minutes into the race, as we began to make our last turn inside
the lagoon fronting the small town of Huahine, we felt a jolt
come from the tail of the boat and immediately heard a loud
cracking sound. It was the kind of cracking sound that you
don’t want to hear in a race, and when you hear it, you pray
that it isn’t your canoe. As we moved out of the lagoon into
the open ocean, Karel slowly realized our canoe was acting
sluggishly, as the rear manu filled with water and our competition started passing us. An eight-foot crack that stretched from
the steersman’s seat to the tip of the tail, right along the seam
was evident, and our Havaiki Nui was over almost faster than
it had begun.
Fortunately, with quick thinking from our escort crew, we
were able to do an open ocean repair on the boat and come
back from “DFL” (with most canoes out of sight by then) to
place a respectable 47th. From that day forward, though,
we were never really able to find our rhythm and were never
able to do better than 18th. Anybody who’s been paddling
long enough and competing, knows that having equipment
problems is just the name of the game and the crew has to
learn and move on from those problems. Our team from
Hawaii gave everything we had on every day, and in the
face of adversity, but unfortunately fell short of our goals.
We didn’t, however, give up on the dream that someday a
crew from Hawaii will be able to unlock the secret to winning
the Havaiki Nui. One day, all the 'rights' will line up and a
crew of all Hawaii paddlers will achieve that elusive victory.
The paddlers that represented Hawaii in the Havaiki
Nui 2008 were Jim Foti, Karel Tresnak Jr., Mike Judd, Kai
Bartlett, Kaai Bruhn, Kekoa Bruhn, Mike Kane, Thibert
Lussia’a, Pat Dolan, and David Daniels. Also making this
endeavor possible was Coach Walter Guild and IHCA
supporters Lauren Bartlett (head cook), Jimmy Bruhn, Gaylord
Wilcox, Dr. Phil Foti, Billy Philpotts, Pat Erwin, and Ron
Kimball. Their vision and leadership in outrigger canoe
paddling will be an important component in any success that
is achieved for Hawaii in the world of international paddling.
Dave Daniels
pacificpaddler.com Deccember ‘08 29
Coffees of Hawaii Pailolo Challenge
Coffees Hi
2008 Coffees of Hawaii Pailolo
Challenge Maui to Molokai (Flemings
Beach park to Kaunakakai Pier)
Saturday, September 20, 2008
On Saturday, September 20, 25
crews from across the state took part in
the Second Annual Coffees of Hawaii
Pailolo Challenge. The event, organized
by Hawaiian Canoe Club, is fastbecoming one of long-distance canoe
racing's "must-enter" races, largely due
to the incredible straight-downwind run
from Northwest Maui to Kaunakakai,
Molokai.
The event started off with a fun
30 December ‘08, Pacific Paddler
rigging/barbecue at Flemings Beach
Park the evening before the race, where
crews mingled, discussed race strategies
and grinded kau kau provided by Paia
Fishmarket.
Race day dawned bright and clear
with light tradewinds, but everyone
knew winds would pick up as the day
progressed. The
women's crews
started first, with
defending Na
Wahine O Ke Kai
champions, Team
Bradley, taking off to
an early lead. Aiming straight for Lanai,
Team Bradley's course allowed them to
surf one big bump after another, angling
to the right after passing Kamalo, and
into Kaunakakai.
The men's crews started 15 minutes
after the wahine, with hosts Hawaiian
Canoe Club and the Big Island's Team
photos by Ray Mains Photography
Livestrong getting off to an early lead,
and in a pitched battle to the very end.
As the pack approached
Kaunakakai, the ocean was white with
bumps and some amazing glides were
being ridden by all. Team Livestrong
crossed the finish line first, with
Hawaiian Canoe Club not far behind,
and Pa'a -- the only iron crew -- right
behind them!
On the women's side, Team Bradley
came 5th overall, and a comfortable
25 minutes in front of the Hawaiian
Canoe Club women, who were
followed closely by Lae'ula O Kai from
Kanaha, Maui.
Once on shore, weary paddlers
settled under canopies at the end of
the Kaunakakai Pier where Coffees of
Hawaii provided an awesome meal
'Molokai: Return to Pono' is available
and an awards ceremony. Overheard
for purchase by visiting www.coffeesofon numerous occasions was "What an
hawaii.com.
awesome downwind run!" and "We
Blair Thorndike
can't wait for next year!"
The 2007 and 2008 Pailolo Challenge Maui to
A spectacular DVD
Molokai OC6 Race DVD is now available
containing both this
You can buy them now at www.createspace.
year's and last year's
com/256453
This is the perfect Christmas gift for paddlers
race videos, plus a short
that participated in Coffees of Hawaii's Pailolo
non-profit video called
Challenge OC6 race over the past two years.
The DVD contains two feature videos. One
documents the 2007 race and the other documents the 2008 race. Two additional bonus
videos are included. Over 40-minutes of total
content. Every crew's finish, with finish time, is
included in the 2008 race video.
Participating teams get a SPECIAL 10 percent
discount for a limited time. Go to the sales
page and enter the following discount code on
the checkout screen: *3B4GMQUR*
pacificpaddler.com Deccember ‘08 31
First race of the season
I can't come up with anything that off
the top of my head can explain the day.
Wow... for starters.
San Diego OCC hosted the first race
of the SoCal Ocean racing series on
Saturday under what has to have been
the best day of the week weather wise;
it was sunny, mild temperatures, light
breeze and perfect conditions.
We had a record number of preregistrations, 91 people, to set the mood.
On race day, we added another 165
paddlers to the mix.
We had a record number of Stand-Up
Paddle Boarders including a nice influx of
women.
We were also pleased to have more
women on the Surfski course this race,
which is making a little comeback—that's
great. Most pleasing is the number of
juniors we have on both the OC1, OC2
and Surfskis for 16s and 19-and-under.
To facilitate the excitement and
encourage the juniors to get on board,
Epic (Chris Barlow) has set up a points
system for the juniors racing on a Surfski
with the final award being a new Epic
32 December ‘08, Pacific Paddler
34 December ‘08, Pacific Paddler
Surfski. Will I hear from any of
our OC1 vendors who want to
match that for the juniors racing
the OC1's? Chris has a really fair
point system in place so that it isn't
obvious who will win, and everyone
will stand a chance for a new boat.
More on that will be posted on the
www.eteamz.com/socaloceanracing site.
A big thank you to the paddlers
for coming out and to our sponsors, Epic Surfski, Huki Outrigger,
Better Surf than Sorry, PaddleMe.
com, Ocean Ohana, Ocean
PaddleSports, Pacific Paddler
Magazine and Keli's Outrigger.
First Team Extreme donated a
real fantastic 'Most Inspirational
Paddler award'. It was an honor
to have Dee Van Winkle and Nick
Hanoian both unveil it on Saturday.
It's a fantastic award. We now
want you to start thinking of who
this year's recipient could be? Who
inspires you and makes you want
to get out there and be your best?
Submit nominations to Thomas
(contact info will be forthcoming in
the next few weeks at our web site).
If you want to be a sponsor of our
series, please get back to me, and
we'll talk opportunities to become a
big part of our sport.
Again, a big thank you to all
who took part. We hope to see
you in Oceanside on the 6th of
December. Karel 'Jr.' Tresnak will
be in town and will be at the race
hosting a free paddling seminar
between races. You don't want to
miss out on that opportunity to get
first hand tips from a world champ.
Be safe, paddle smart, see you
on the water.
www.hamsterworks.com
Cheance
pacificpaddler.com Deccember ‘08 35
Gold Coast Cup Australia
OC1/OC2 Relay Race
This race is always fun no matter
what the conditions, and this year was
bigger and better again.
Hard work from the Outrigger
Australia Club and Club President John
Stewart for lining up several top sponsors for the event made it a must do for
all paddlers. The race was also open to
Surfski and Stand-up Paddling which is
taking off 'Down Under' too.
The race had a bit of everything,
even getting out to the start line was
interesting. There was a small channel
to paddle out, but some support boats
timed it wrong and took on the middle
of the Tweed Bar.
Paddling conditions were a bit tuff;
there was a little swell to catch, but was
a little side-on with very little wind assistance. The Stand-up Divisions took off
about a half-hour before the outriggers
as it was going to be hard for them
too. In the OC1s, it was clear from the
start, were going to be the teams to
beat. Team Hinano/Hurricane combo
of Travis Grant and Chris Maynard
would have an epic battle against Greg
Long and Mike Millsthom. Both teams
were never separated by more than
50 yards. It came down to the last 5
kms in the flat water where a lot of
surfing took place funny enough. They
were going head to head when this
massage 70 foot luxury boat went past
creating the best bumps of the day.
They went runner-for-runner, bump-forbump until finally Millsthom got the
run to the line to take the win. Third
was some six minutes back with Todd
Cohen and Andy Weatley still beating
some top local crews. But the big news
was the effort of two under-18 guys,
Nick Wendt and Andrew Mcaleenan,
coming in 5th in the open men only a
few minutes behind and beating some
crews who have won the race before.
Most other divisions had close
finishes; the mixed OC1 was separated
by one second in a sprint finish, and
Woogie Marsh and Danny Sheard
won the Stand-Up by 10 seconds.
Complete results can be found at www.
sqcanoe.org.
All-and-all it was a great day for
paddling along 'the Strip' on the Gold
Coast. The strong winds we were
looking forward to were back two days
later.
Matt Carter
36 December ‘08, Pacific Paddler
Na Pali adventure
We were approaching the end of the
Na Pali kayaking season and decided
to embark on a weekend camping trip to
Miloli’i, an amazing beach on the Na Pali
Coast which is accessible only by water.
The first step was to get our camping
permit, as only a few people are allowed
to camp there. We were making it a ‘family
outing’ with our 15 year old daughter, Ana
belle, and her 16 year old friend,
Vanessa who had never kayaked
or experienced the Na Pali on the
water (she had only hiked). We
were also including our nephew,
Aaron who would leave two hours
later on a OC1.
The logistics of a Na Pali kayak
trip are a challenge. Departing
on kayaks from the North Shore
and ending up on the west shore
requires leaving a vehicle at
the very end of the road at Poli
Hale. Rick drove his truck with his
motorcycle in the bed, left it there and rode
back to our house. Once he arrived home,
we packed up the kayaks and minimal
camping gear and headed out to Ke'e
Beach on the north shore of Kauai.
There was a small N.W. swell, and the
lifeguards told us that earlier in the day
a couple on a kayak had gone ‘over the
falls’ as they attempted to get outside the
breaking waves. He said we needed to
head out through the 'keyhole' instead of
straight out like we would on a calm day.
We waited for a lull in the surf and then
paddled hard to make it out beyond the
waves. Once clear of the reef, we stowed
our front seat paddles and set up our
Breezer sails.
We had a sustained 25 knot wind
at our backs and sailed along at a good
speed, making it to Kalalau, 6.5 miles, in
about 50 minutes. Paddling would have
taken us two-and-a-half hours, at least.
Once we passed Kalalau, the wind started
dying and we switched to paddling.
Although there was a fair amount of surf,
we landed on the beach at Miloli’i without
incident. On the beach, we met the son of
one of our friends who is a local fireman.
They were also having a family adventure
with another couple who, it turned out, were
the ones who went over the falls at Ke’e.
They had an arduous trip since their kayaks
were overloaded with tents, inflatable
beds, food and gear for a five-night
stay. The Na Pali Coast can be very
calm one moment and the next, turn
totally treacherous. The first time you
go, you should definitely go on a
guided tour with guides that are well
versed in the different challenges you
can expect. As soon as we landed,
we looked back and right on our tail
was Aaron who had caught up with
us after leaving two hours behind us.
Aaron was smiling ear-to-ear and
completely excited about his paddle/
sail experience.
Miloli’i is known for it’s abundance of precious shells. We always
find purple, pink and coral colored
cone shells and the occasional Kauai
Sunrise shell. The trick is to keep
walking the shoreline as the tide comes
in and goes out. It isn’t as easy as it
sounds since the sand is deep, the
shoreline rocky in places and the sun
is typically blazing. After we filled
our shell bags, we took a short hike
up into the valley to rinse off at our
favorite little waterfall. Hearing the
goat hunters' shots in the valley, we
quickly made our way back down to
the beach and prepared our campsite.
We ate cold chicken and edamame for
dinner and then slept out on the beach
with our sheets. As we lay counting
shooting stars, we were energized by the full moon and
could hardly believe that we
were so blessed to be having
this unique and wonderful
experience. We all eventually
fell asleep to the sound of the
waves.
After a wonderful day and
night at Miloli’i, it was time to
pack up and head on around
to Poli Hale where Rick had
left the truck. We were blessed
with a nice wind that took us there
before we knew it. The surf was big,
and landing the kayaks on the beach
seemed daunting. We sat offshore
and watched the sets until the time
was right 'to go' and then paddled
really hard managing to ride the
shore break to the sand. It is always a
relief to get safely back to civilization
and at the same time sad to leave the
magic of Kauai's North shore behind
you. After packing everything onto
the truck we immediately started planning our next adventure down the
spectacular Na Pali Coast.
By Amy Marvin
pacificpaddler.com Deccember ‘08 37
What to ask Santa for this Christmas
What to get for your paddling enthusiast? Here
are a few things that may be on their wish list.
Want to keep your paddling significant safe from
the harmful rays of the sun, get them some Vertra
sunscreen, www.vertra.com. Think a paddle is
what they want? A Gillespie Ultralite paddle would
be a good choice, with rich laminates of cedar and
butternut. The blade is lightweight and durable and
edged in double bandings of red maple. They also
come in double angles, www.
gillespiepaddles.com.
Or for a stand-up paddler you can get them a
Quick Blade paddle or one of their
wide selections of paddles, www.
qbpaddles.com. Polynesian
Paddling Products in Kona has
a beautiful selection of koa paddles,
www.p3kona.com.. A Kialoa Wacky Helium OC1 would be fun to give. It's one of many among their line of quality
paddles. Not only does the neutral wrist position keep your hands
from going numb, it also helps to improve your technique, www.
kialoa.com. Mudbrook Racing Paddles also has a wide
selection of quality paddles test driven by California's top paddler
Danny Ching, www.mudbrookpaddles.com.
If you want to leave it up to your paddling buddy to pick
out what they would like, try a gift certificate from Island
Paddler, www.islandpaddlerhawaii.com, or
Twogood Kayaks offers gift cards so your paddling
friend can choose from a wide selection of paddling gear,
www.twogoodkayaks.com.
Go Bananas has a wide selection of paddling accessories, including racks for your truck or car, www.gobananaskayaks.com. If you're on the Big
Island, Polynesian Paddling Products
has a wide range of koa paddles and paddling gear,
www.p3kona.com.. On the other side of the
island in Hilo, check out the accessories at Hilo Bay Paddler, www.
hilobaypaddler.com. If you're
on Maui, you must check out Tri
Paddle in Wailuku, call (808)
243-7235 for their in-store
specials. They have lots of paddling
gear to choose from including a
plastic angled paddle and Thule Xsporter racks. If
you're off to a Christmas party, take along some
Bud Light Lime. It's an American-style light
lager with a delicate malt sweetness, a crisp clean finish
and the taste of fresh squeezed lime for ultimate refreshment,
www.budweiser.com. They remind us to drink responsibly and not to drink & drive. Also some of New Zealand's
Steinlager beer will add a nice touch of green to the
cooler, www.steinlager.com. Don't forget to have a
designated driver when you go out to party.
If you want to get your paddler water wear, look for
the Xcel brand of clothing at your favorite store. They
make a wide selection of UV Protection gear for all ages
like the Xcel Ventx. It's made from a breathable, moisturewicking material offering incredible protection from the
sun’s harmful UVA/UVB rays. They also have high-performance Xcelerator shorts with a neoprene front and back
38 December ‘08, Pacific Paddler
and engineered for paddling with maximum
ease and comfort, www.xcelwetsuits.
com.
If you're looking for a canoe, Outrigger
Connection has a wide selection including
the OC-1 Fuze and Zephyr. Their test driver
Karel Tresnak, Jr. has won many championship
races on them. They also have the Stingray2, Makaha OC-4 surfing canoe and OC-6
Mirage, and are offering $200 off the price if
you get one before the end of the year (2008).
For a full selection, check out www.outriggerconnection.com. If you want to customize your OC-1,
look into a Kamanu Composites canoe. These
boats are hand-made by actual paddlers, www.
kamanucomposites.com. Paddling champion Kai Bartlett of Kai Wa'a also makes his own canoes,
the Pegasus and Scorpius. His wife Lauren Bartlett has won
the Molokai Solo Championships several times on the family's canoes,
www.kaiwaa.com. If you're looking for a canoe that the whole
family can share, from keiki to kupuna, a Hurricane Canoe from
Ozone has a line of them in a rainbow of colors, www.fotibros.
com. Huki Outrigger & Surfskis has a wide selection of single
and double OC's and surfskis to choose from. Visit
their website to see their line of water crafts, www.
huki.com. Want some cool tee-shirts and women's
Polynesian style clothing for your significant other? Go
to Hinano clothing online store, www.hinanobeach.com and check out their wares.
How about a nice dress shirt from Kahala
Sportswear? They have a beautiful line of onehundred percent Sand-Washed Tradewind Silk. If you
like a Santa-themed shirt for Christmas, they have one
with Santa catching a monster swell or a stand-up
surfing Santa which is one-hundred percent Organic Cotton with
a sleigh pilot Rudy pulling Santa into the last wave of the day, just
before he gets ready for a long night of deliveries.
You can find them at the Kahala retail store in Ala
Moana Center, www.kahala.com. If you want
to give the gift of a delicious morning brew, Maui
Coffee has a selection of coffee roasted fresh from
their plantation on Molokai. Their premium coffee
blends are a perfect gift, and island-style gift tins are
available at www.coffeesofhawaii.com. Now
if you know your paddling buddy likes to be able to fix their own
canoe, call Art nelson who stocks West System Epoxy's
for do-it-yourselfers (808 593-9958). Not in time for
xmas but available early next year and on our wish list is
the Aqua Bebe. Small babies can sit in it and play with
the steering wheel while enjoying the water without fear
of tipping over. The older child that already knows how to
swim can use the board for surfing. Check
it out at www.aquabebe.net.
And for the paddler who wants to read
about their favorite sport from all corners
of the world, a gift subscription to pacific
Paddler is the way to go. From our family,
Violet, Daisy, Amy and me, we wish you
a happy, merry christmas and a
wonderful, safe, prosperous New Year!
Ropati Hebenstreit