It’s that time of year again, and Hui O Mana Ka Pu‘uwai Canoe Club is all levels of paddlers to join its practices. Pu‘uwai President Brian Curll says the Hawaiian Tradition of the canoe is treated as a living entity,
It’s that time of year again, and Hui O Mana Ka Pu‘uwai Canoe Club is all levels of paddlers to join its practices.
Pu‘uwai President Brian Curll says the Hawaiian Tradition of the canoe is treated as a living entity, which must be treated with respect.
“The Hawaiian value system is based upon the deep collective idea that views man and nature as inseparable,” he said. “Spirit in the Hawaiian tradition is seen as transmutable, flowing to and from, Tree and Carver, Canoe and Paddler, Ocean and Transition.”
Curll also said in canoe paddling, “we are competitors during a race, but returning to land, we are people who all love the same thing and to support one another.”
This year’s Outrigger Canoe paddling is divided into three sections:
Iron season: Feb. 2 to May 3, ocean distance races with six-person teams
Regatta season: May 3 to Aug. 2, sprint distance races up to one mile.
Long-distance season: Aug. 2 to Oct. 12, ocean distance races six or nine-person teams.
Paddling practices will help those of any age or physical level learn a foundation of paddling techniques, physical endurance and team camaraderie, and the earlier in the season you start, the better the experience is.
“(It’s) best developed at the beginning of the year when everyone is starting out fresh and willing to take the time to assess new paddlers,” Curll said. “…You will be stronger, lighter and faster than you have ever been in your life, whether you are 18 or 80.
Those who have never paddled before are welcome, and Pu‘uwai has canoes, paddles and coaching staff on hand.
“We are by nature a competitive sport, but rest assured that novice paddlers (years 1 through 3) only compete against paddlers of the same experience level,” he said.
There is no fee to come and check it out; season fees are $150 for women, $175 for men.
Want to go?
Pu‘uwai Canoe Club is located on the Kapa‘a side of the Wailua River, on the makai side of the highway.
Women: 5 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays
Men: 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays
