Beach Walk #477 – Duke Kahanamoku Race

Posted on August 20, 2007 
Filed Under Guests, Hawaiiana, Video Podcasts, Water Sports

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Duke is one of the many beloved Hawaiians who's spirit lives on with us and is celebrated every August with numerous water sports, all of which he excelled in. It was a beautiful, windy day, and our seven mile course from Kailua out around Mokolea Rock then back around Flat Island was challenging with 10-15 knot winds and 6-100 foot seas. Several canoes huli's (flipped over) and to their credit, the women righted them quickly and raced on.

It was the first time I have ever steered a race, and the first time I have ever steered in such daunting conditions! My crew was awesome - their confidence in me really helped me focus on the race and even enjoy myself some out there! We finished 4th out of 7 on the Women over-50 division. And 17th out of 29! I have a lot of learning to do and really look forward to it.

We raced under the Puakea Foundation, which was formed to support and honor Uncle Bobby Puakea, one of the rare remaining Hawaiians who knows how to go into the koa forest, select the right tree for a canoe, and over the course of several years, turn that tree into an 40-foot long traditional Polynesian outrigger canoe.

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Hawaiian Word:
Huli: to turn over, as in to huli a canoe or huli huli chicken, that is spin-roasted on a hot fire

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10 Responses to “Beach Walk #477 – Duke Kahanamoku Race”



  1. JFSD on August 20th, 2007 9:22 am

    Wow, wow, wow! This is so fun to watch. Those outriggers are HUGE, re: 400-lbs!

    Are the terms Outrigger and Canoe synonymous?



  2. TheFemGeek on August 20th, 2007 5:08 pm

    That looked awesome. I think I may have to try that in the near future. Great episode.



  3. Mindy on August 20th, 2007 5:46 pm

    Congrats! Looks like you had too much fun. I haven't seen you smile so much in a video thus far. I know the feeling you have when you hit the beach after a race like that. (Big Swells) So exciting. Wish i was there to see your steering debut.



  4. Rox on August 20th, 2007 9:52 pm

    @ JFSD: 400 lbs (empty - don't forget to add out okole's!) and 40' long. In Hawai'i canoe is pretty much the same as outrigger but I wouldn't say so for the rest of the world.

    @TheFemGeek: It is awesome and pls call if you get here. We'll arrange to take you out. :-)

    @Mindy: Your guardian angel was with me! Mahalo and I have so much to learn from you! Please come on over will ya??? I am stunned we finished in the middle of the pack. I can't get "17th out of 29" out of my head.



  5. Shaina in Santa Fe on August 21st, 2007 4:20 am

    Kudo's to Shane for excellent camera work! I particularly enjoyed the cut from close shot to long view when the canoe was heading out. Overall, a great visual experience, and a pleasure to share in the adventure. Congratulations, Roxy...



  6. Judy on August 22nd, 2007 6:47 am

    Way cool and congratulations Rox! Shane, love the surfers crossing the window, excellent!

    JD



  7. Shane, a.k.a SecretCameraman on August 22nd, 2007 8:41 am

    @Shaina & everyone: Mahalo Nui. Very much appreciate knowing which parts you enjoyed.

    After 470+ episodes, it can be challenging to keep the shooting and editing creative and fresh.

    It's great having the feedback.

    And Congratulations to Rox and her "crew of old ladies" as they came in 17th out of 29 crews and beat a lot of women decades younger than themselves.



  8. Kekoa on August 22nd, 2007 4:21 pm

    Congratulations, Rox! 17!

    Seeing a video like this makes me want to visit Hawai'i even more. Looks like you had so much fun. Much aloha.



  9. Mad Gringo on August 23rd, 2007 2:57 am

    Great episode -

    I love it when the canoes come back to shore - the way that the race staff runs out, the hugs and big bright smiles - plus you received leis!

    Beautiful stuff.



  10. Beach Walk #497 - Na Wahine O Ke Kai on September 21st, 2007 12:33 am

    [...] Beach Walks Paddling Episodes Here: #477 - Duke Kahanamoku Race #464 - Summer Fun on the Water #369R - Wish We Were There #37 - Let's [...]



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