Saturday, September 15, 2007
"The Final Countdown"
You can feel the excitement in the air, it's "Moloka'i Time!" Or the "Big Dance" as our lovable Coach Cy has so fondly called it over the years.
How blessed we are to live in this place called Hawai'i.
How blessed it is to be able to spend a fleeting weekend amongst people who embody a glimpse of yesteryear and the true "Aloha Spirit."
The people of Moloka'i are one special lot.
While on "The Friendly Island" breathe in the air of people who will smile and wave at you, as if to allow us a glimpse for the brief time we are there, of the way it used to be throughout the entire island chain.
In the past, when time and opportunity permitted, the ocean vista of Kalaupapa is so incredibly breathtaking as to make my eyes well up with tears of joy. If you've never been to the lookout, it's sheer beauty unparalleled.
To our twenty NHCC wahine paddlers who will be flying to, and paddling back from one island to another, and amongst sisters from here and around the world, GodSpeed!
Stay Safe, Stay Strong!
C'ya on the Beach at Waikiki this Sunday afternoon!
Uncle Hut
How blessed we are to live in this place called Hawai'i.
How blessed it is to be able to spend a fleeting weekend amongst people who embody a glimpse of yesteryear and the true "Aloha Spirit."
The people of Moloka'i are one special lot.
While on "The Friendly Island" breathe in the air of people who will smile and wave at you, as if to allow us a glimpse for the brief time we are there, of the way it used to be throughout the entire island chain.
In the past, when time and opportunity permitted, the ocean vista of Kalaupapa is so incredibly breathtaking as to make my eyes well up with tears of joy. If you've never been to the lookout, it's sheer beauty unparalleled.
To our twenty NHCC wahine paddlers who will be flying to, and paddling back from one island to another, and amongst sisters from here and around the world, GodSpeed!
Stay Safe, Stay Strong!
C'ya on the Beach at Waikiki this Sunday afternoon!
Uncle Hut
Friday, September 14, 2007
"Things To Bring"
- Travel light
- Leave valuables at home
- Wet/Dry bags are a good thing
- Don't squirrel anything away on the escort boat, keep it with your personal belongings, or give it to your coach or boat helper for safekeeping
- Consolidate everything into one bag
- Pack the night before
- Scan your room before leaving for any personal items
- Let your ohana know that cellphone reception on Moloka'i is fair to poor, and in some spots non-existent. Provide them with the retreat's number in case they need to reach you in case of an emergency. It is 479-6835
- Rigging Gloves
- Paddling Gloves
- I.D. & E-Plane Tickets
- Cash
- Pillow Case (old kind which can be donated to retreat upon departure)
- Sheets (old kind which can be donated to retreat upon departure)
- Thick rubbah' slippahs' (The thorns at Hale O Lono could stop a rhino)
- Ear Plugs (the stories I could tell you, shaking walls)
- Toiletries including prescription medications to last until Sunday night
- Paddle
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Cap
- Pen
- Disposable Camera
"Perseverance"
Hi Uncle Hut,
Can you post today's devotion on our club's blog? It comes at a perfect time. God's timing. As we persevere towards the Na Wahine O Ke Kai and Moloka'i Hoe races. Through the trials and challenges that many have gone through this season, we know that through His grace we all will come out of it a better person, being drawn closer to Him and to each other.
Mahalos,
Gary
Can you post today's devotion on our club's blog? It comes at a perfect time. God's timing. As we persevere towards the Na Wahine O Ke Kai and Moloka'i Hoe races. Through the trials and challenges that many have gone through this season, we know that through His grace we all will come out of it a better person, being drawn closer to Him and to each other.
Mahalos,
Gary
Thursday, September 13, 2007
"Downtown Paddlers"
I mean come on, you can spot em' a mile away.
Well, especially at this time of the year.
Yup', they are the "Downtown Paddlers!"
Ya' see em' walking down Bishop Street clutching a bowling ball sized container of water (it's likely glued to their hand), their taking humongous swipes from it as if to say "I will burst soon, of this, I am sure."
They walk along side us, and get into elevators with us, and you can't help but say "Na Wahine O Ke Kai?" or "Moloka'i Hoe?"
The pregnant pause (always a little awkward), and ya' think for a sec, "Ouch, she/he must think I'm a kook on the loose!"
Happy to report, I've never been wrong (yet).
"How did you know?" (It's elementary my dear Watson!)
Besides the water bottle, the other tell tale mental notes I've already made is the paddle or really big fish hook pendant they are wearing, a half-eaten power bar in the non-jug hand, and a yesterday sun burnt body which is so fresh as to call out, "Duke's," "Kailua," "Dad Center," "Kona," and "E Lau Hoe." I swear, sometimes I can actually detect the smell of, perhaps a new fragrance which would likely be called "Paddler of Canoe." A whiff of the sweet and salty Pacific Ocean air, and no can wash off suntan lotion.
We exchange the customary-
Supah' Buff Paddler: "Lanikai."
Me Trying To Look Supah' Buff Too: "Oh, right on."
Me: "New Hope."
SBP: "Oh, right on."
Me: "Moloka'i?"
Responses vary, but if that big container of water or their favorite performance drink is still clenched in his/her hand, especially if it still is in the same hand, the answer is always a big smiley "Yes!"
SBP: "You?"
Me: "No, I taking one paddling sabbatical this year."
SBP: "Oh, right on, next year."
The elevator door opens, SBP walks out, and you wish him/her well by saying "Geev' Um," (translation- go and give them heck fella' for we know not what tomorrow will bring), or "Have a great race!"
To all of the Downtown Paddlers, and paddlers coming in from around the world this month and next-
Stay safe, stay strong, and have a great crossing!
-Uncle Hut
Well, especially at this time of the year.
Yup', they are the "Downtown Paddlers!"
Ya' see em' walking down Bishop Street clutching a bowling ball sized container of water (it's likely glued to their hand), their taking humongous swipes from it as if to say "I will burst soon, of this, I am sure."
They walk along side us, and get into elevators with us, and you can't help but say "Na Wahine O Ke Kai?" or "Moloka'i Hoe?"
The pregnant pause (always a little awkward), and ya' think for a sec, "Ouch, she/he must think I'm a kook on the loose!"
Happy to report, I've never been wrong (yet).
"How did you know?" (It's elementary my dear Watson!)
Besides the water bottle, the other tell tale mental notes I've already made is the paddle or really big fish hook pendant they are wearing, a half-eaten power bar in the non-jug hand, and a yesterday sun burnt body which is so fresh as to call out, "Duke's," "Kailua," "Dad Center," "Kona," and "E Lau Hoe." I swear, sometimes I can actually detect the smell of, perhaps a new fragrance which would likely be called "Paddler of Canoe." A whiff of the sweet and salty Pacific Ocean air, and no can wash off suntan lotion.
We exchange the customary-
Supah' Buff Paddler: "Lanikai."
Me Trying To Look Supah' Buff Too: "Oh, right on."
Me: "New Hope."
SBP: "Oh, right on."
Me: "Moloka'i?"
Responses vary, but if that big container of water or their favorite performance drink is still clenched in his/her hand, especially if it still is in the same hand, the answer is always a big smiley "Yes!"
SBP: "You?"
Me: "No, I taking one paddling sabbatical this year."
SBP: "Oh, right on, next year."
The elevator door opens, SBP walks out, and you wish him/her well by saying "Geev' Um," (translation- go and give them heck fella' for we know not what tomorrow will bring), or "Have a great race!"
To all of the Downtown Paddlers, and paddlers coming in from around the world this month and next-
Stay safe, stay strong, and have a great crossing!
-Uncle Hut
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Na Wahine O Ke Kai
New Rules for 2007:
II. ENTRY APPLICATION
C. Division of Paddlers
Classification Change for Junior Masters Division - the number of paddlers for the Junior Masters Division (formerly Senior Masters Division) for 40 year olds has been changed from 12 paddlers to 10 paddlers.The Golden Masters Division is now called Senior Masters. The number of paddlers for this division (50 years old) remains at 12.No change in the Open Division. The number of paddlers for this division remains at 10.
D. Paddlers Eligibility
Item 3. NO PADDLER WILL BE ALLOWED TO RACE IF PREGNANT. If a pregnant paddler races without the knowledge of the Race Committee, or if a crew member knows of a paddler who is pregnant and races without the knowledge of the Race Committee, that crew will be disqualified and subject to sanctions that may include a $1000 fine and no future participation in any Na Wahine O Ke Kai race.
II. ENTRY APPLICATION
C. Division of Paddlers
Classification Change for Junior Masters Division - the number of paddlers for the Junior Masters Division (formerly Senior Masters Division) for 40 year olds has been changed from 12 paddlers to 10 paddlers.The Golden Masters Division is now called Senior Masters. The number of paddlers for this division (50 years old) remains at 12.No change in the Open Division. The number of paddlers for this division remains at 10.
D. Paddlers Eligibility
Item 3. NO PADDLER WILL BE ALLOWED TO RACE IF PREGNANT. If a pregnant paddler races without the knowledge of the Race Committee, or if a crew member knows of a paddler who is pregnant and races without the knowledge of the Race Committee, that crew will be disqualified and subject to sanctions that may include a $1000 fine and no future participation in any Na Wahine O Ke Kai race.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
"Best Wishes Tiffany!"
Tiffany Thurston (Charlie and Kathy's daughter) just left Hawai'i the other day bound for Ohio, where she will be singing as part of the 2007 GMA Dove Awards Female Vocalist Of The Year Natalie Grant's in-progress and spectacular nationwide tour.
If you have family and friends on the mainland, send em' over to one of Natalie's concerts so they can make Tiffany feel at home when she sees the shaka signs in the crowd!
Right on Tiffany. We will miss your singing here at home.
God Bless!
If you have family and friends on the mainland, send em' over to one of Natalie's concerts so they can make Tiffany feel at home when she sees the shaka signs in the crowd!
Right on Tiffany. We will miss your singing here at home.
God Bless!
"Take Da' Plunge"
Let's all turn out and cheer on our NHCC Kane, as they compete in their final O'ahu race in the "Henry Ayau" from Hawai'i Kai to Nanakuli this Sunday! Watching the rock divers compete for "Biggest Belly Splash Of The Day" is pretty exciting to watch too!
Monday, September 10, 2007
"Daddy, Daddy, Did You Watch Me?"
It's kinda' funny ya' know, the things that pop into your widdle head for no rhyme or reason sometimes.
Kinda' like one of those distant, happy, and growing hazier-by-the-year thought bubbles I had today.
Calling out to Dad to make sure he knew it was my turn to jump into the deep end of the pool for the very first time. Knowing that I couldn't do it without him watching nearby,
The Sixties. Was it '1965, '66? Seven, may be eight years old. Central Y's pool by the Ala Moana Shopping Center.
Surfacing, no "puka-head," looking for my Dad's face of approval, and proudly calling out probably way too loud "Daddy, daddy, did you watch me?" Dad would usually grimace and shake his head that his son, a Japanese kid, would and could yell so uncharacteristically loud.
Oh well, I looked pure Japanese, but I was hapa-haole. He attributed my gregarious nature to my "haole side."
My dad passed away in 2000.
He never got a chance to greet me, nor I him on the beach after a Kailua to Waikiki, Hawai'i Kai to Nanakuli, or best of all a Moloka'i to O'ahu race.
I wish we had had that experience together. It would have felt real good. I think it would have made his heart smile.
I guess I start feeling these sweet and bygone memories when I make a water change, or see others plunging into the open arms of a welcoming indigo colored Pacific Ocean. Temporarily and totally submerged, enveloped in GOD's hand of protection.
The sweat, pain, and tears all gone and washed away in the blink of an eye. How wonderful knowing that my Heavenly Father is always watching, and loving me. Never leaving my side when I jump into something new or unknown.
Balled up for a moment in the comfort of a fetal position, knowing that when I open my eyes again and lunge for the surface for my first gasp of fresh air, I will see the approval on my Dad's face again in my mind's eye.
That I was able to jump into the deep water because I believed and loved Him, and that I know He believed and loved me too.
-Uncle Hut
Kinda' like one of those distant, happy, and growing hazier-by-the-year thought bubbles I had today.
Calling out to Dad to make sure he knew it was my turn to jump into the deep end of the pool for the very first time. Knowing that I couldn't do it without him watching nearby,
The Sixties. Was it '1965, '66? Seven, may be eight years old. Central Y's pool by the Ala Moana Shopping Center.
Surfacing, no "puka-head," looking for my Dad's face of approval, and proudly calling out probably way too loud "Daddy, daddy, did you watch me?" Dad would usually grimace and shake his head that his son, a Japanese kid, would and could yell so uncharacteristically loud.
Oh well, I looked pure Japanese, but I was hapa-haole. He attributed my gregarious nature to my "haole side."
My dad passed away in 2000.
He never got a chance to greet me, nor I him on the beach after a Kailua to Waikiki, Hawai'i Kai to Nanakuli, or best of all a Moloka'i to O'ahu race.
I wish we had had that experience together. It would have felt real good. I think it would have made his heart smile.
I guess I start feeling these sweet and bygone memories when I make a water change, or see others plunging into the open arms of a welcoming indigo colored Pacific Ocean. Temporarily and totally submerged, enveloped in GOD's hand of protection.
The sweat, pain, and tears all gone and washed away in the blink of an eye. How wonderful knowing that my Heavenly Father is always watching, and loving me. Never leaving my side when I jump into something new or unknown.
Balled up for a moment in the comfort of a fetal position, knowing that when I open my eyes again and lunge for the surface for my first gasp of fresh air, I will see the approval on my Dad's face again in my mind's eye.
That I was able to jump into the deep water because I believed and loved Him, and that I know He believed and loved me too.
-Uncle Hut
"E Lau Hoe Race Results And News Coverage"
Click on photo for race news coveragePADDLING
E LAU HOE WOMEN'S RACE
YESTERDAY'S RESULTS
MAUNALUA BAY TO NANAKULI BEACH (33 MILES)
Overall: 1, Team Bradley/Hawaiian (Noe Auger, Lauren Bartlett, Mahealani Batlik, Jennifer Binney, Theresa Felgate, Kelly Fey, Margie Kawaiaea, Cherisse Keli'i, Andrea Moller, Dane Ward), 4:31:46. 2, Team Wahoo's/Keahiakahoe, 4:33:27. 3, Hui Lanakila-1, 4:36:53. 4, Waikiki Beachboys-1, 4:41:35. 5, Namolokama, 4:54:10. 6, Hui Nalu Black, 4:57:56. 7, Outrigger 40s, 5:00:56. 8, Hui Lanakila-2, 5:00:57. 9, Lanikai-1, 5:04:39. 10, Keahiakahoe, 5:08:09. 11, Kailua Kanaktion, 5:09:03. 12, Niumalu, 5:09:36. 13, Kailua, 5:10:28. 14, Healani-1, 5:11:13. 15, Waikiki Beachboys-2, 5:11:51. 16, Outrigger-koa, 5:15:37. 17, Lokahi-1, 5:21:40. 18, Hui Lanakila-3, 5:24:10. 19, Manu O Ke Kai, 5:28:09. 20, Lanikai-3, 5:29:39. 21, Hui Nalu Yellow, 5:30:25. 22, Waikiki Yacht Club-1, 5:32:44. 23, Waikiki Surf Club, 5:33:43. 24, Lanikai-4, 5:34:10. 25, Waikiki Yacht Club-2, 5:35:52. 26, Waikiki Beachboys-3, 5:36:20. 27, Lanikai-2, 5:36:58. 28, Koa Kai, 5:39:22. 29, Kailua, 5:40:36. 30, Healani-2, 5:41:10. 31, Lokahi-2, 5:47:48. 32, Lanikai White, 5:48:31. 33, Lanikai-5, 5:48:52. 34, Na Keiki O Ka Mo'i, 5:52:19. 35, Outrigger, 5:53:46. 36, Honolulu Pearl, 5:56:58. 37, New Hope, 6:04:58. 38, Ka Mamalahoe, 6:12:44. 39, Waimanalo, 6:24:53. 40, Ka Mamalahoe-2, 6:25:54. 41, Lanikai Green, 6:45:21.
Masters-40-older: 1, Outrigger (Paula Crabb, Laurie Lawson, Kaili Chun, Karin Hansen, Lisa Irish, Kisi Haine, Genie Kincaid, Jenn Horner, Wendy Wickman, Tracy Bradley), 5:00:56. 2, Lanikai-4, 5:34:10. 50-older: 1, Kailua Kanaktion (Donna Meyer, Kathy Erwin, Vivian Griffin, Lois Wise, Patsy Vasquez, Carleen Ornellas, Patty Eames, Vanessa Weiss, Katy Bourne, Mary Jo Smiley Gumbert, Margie Goodno, Tenley Veda-Cotchey), 5:09:03. 2, Lanikai White, 5:48:31. 3, Ka Mamalahoe, 6:25:54. 4, Lanikai Green, 6:45:21.
Koa canoe-Open: 1, Outrigger (Erin Emberson, Julia Fiedler, Mary Smolenski, Tiare Salassa, Robin Beck, Keala Kilcoyne, Natalie Sokol, Debi Ing, Jenn Bossert, Jenn Raams), 5:15:37.
BIG BOY CHALLENGE IRON CANOE RACE
SATURDAY
At Kailua Boat Ramp
DISTANCE: 16 MILES (TO MAUNALUA BAY BOAT RAMP)
18—1, Keahiakahoe 23:05.7 (Kalei Kahookele, Daven Astrero, Rusty Goings, Justus Jenkins, Ricky Greenleaf, Braun Albino). 2, Hui Nalu 3 23:23.7.
Open—1, Kailua 20:80.0 (Kevin Thompson, Boyd Nobriga, Alan Goto, Cana Day, Nick Ho, Kekama Akana). 2, Lanikai 1 20:85.0. 3, Lanikai 2 21:13.7.
Masters 40 and over—1, Hui Nalu 1 21:85.2 (Nainoa Thompson, Bruce Blankenfield, Chris Baird, Matt Beals, Giovani Camuso, Kurt Cottrell). 2, Nui Nalu 2 22:50.0. 3, Lokahi 22:74.6.
Senior Masters 50 and over—1, Koa Kai 22:72.7 (Ben Ancheta, Reed Sumner, Bill King, Arthur Smith, Ron Secretario, Paul Amoy
Sunday, September 9, 2007
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