Aloha! Race went well. Lots of good surf. I heard a juniors crew almost didn't get a chance to race. Shame on you officials who are trying to stop these kids. No wonder kids don't participate because they don't feel encouraged to do any races. We limit them by saying they are too young and they can't do it. Well 3 junior crews entered and finished; Lanikai, Outrigger, and Keola O Ke Kai. Outrigger junior crew beat half of the playing field. The two remaining Lanikai and Keola junior crews, had a magnificent 3 mile battle between each other and passed a few open crews towards the finish only finishing a few seconds a part. All three junior crews did pretty damn well. And they deserve the most attention. If we ever want to see a culture shift we need to put more of our attention to these kids. As adults we should be lining up and cheering them in to the finish, having leis ready for them. (Just an idea to stoke the kids out)This will only encourage younger kids to want to be in that position. Thus having a huge field of young competitors.
Id like to give a big MAHALO to those coaches out there who pushed these kids to believe in themselves to complete this race. Big mahalo to those who believe and encourage these kids to push forward. I'm sure these junior crews are excited to compete in the Molokai Hoe, and be the leaders who will pave the way for the future of this culture and sport.
Pacific Paddler, sorry for the confusion, Big mahalo to those officials who were in favor of allowing the kids to race, shame on the officials opposing. Big mahalo Hui Lanakila for opening a junior division this year.
Great Job to the 3 Jrs. Crews who enter Ochra.com results show they did great! Keep up the great work all the way to Hoe. Our future is our Jr, we teach them young like Tahiti teaches their kids will help us bring the Hoe title back home where it belongs
So pathetic you officials who try blocking the participation of our youth. You should be there to ensure and encourage their participation. What possible reason could you have?
Back in 1976 and 77 - my crew Paddled the Molokai Channel my Crews age range was 16-18 yrs - during that time we had to qualify in the prior Races like the Dukes and Waikiki to Pokai Bay as well as the Queen Liliuokalani Races. I truly believe that if the Young Men/Women can prove themselves prior to the Channel Race and come in the middle of the Pack or better- Why Not? Please keep in mind that All Safety concerns need to be addressed. Strong Swimmer, Boat Oriented, etc. I do believe that All Crews should have to do Qualifying times per these Races to enter the Channel, however that is just my opinion on a Safety aspect. I see crews out there that really should not be out there trying to complete their Bucket List and when they get in trouble do not know what to do. Dad Center was a good example with some of these crews that Huli off Hanauma Bay. Coaches and Club Officials have a responsibility to Train their Paddlers in All Aspects of Paddling including righting and towing a canoe that is disabled.
Had a great day on the Water this weekend and looking forward to next weekend. Molokai Nui Ahina. Be Safe All and Paddle hard.
Just wondering, how is it an 18 y/o / under 18 y/o who has been paddling the open ocean and training in conditions similar to Moloka'i not be able to paddle distance races. But when a crew say from Canada or Europe come to Hawaii, who have never been in conditions that would test them for the channel, heaven forbid they are unable to race.
The cross channel races (Moloka'i Hoe, Na Wahine, and Pailolo Challenge) all get their insurance through HCRA. It is this policy that prohibits participants under 18 years old. We are not a bunch of race cronies sitting around thinking about ways to keep kids out. Quite simply, It is not our decision. Our only choice would be to go out and find out own insurance policy that would cover the event and participants under 18 years old. The Queen Lili'uokalani Races get their own insurance for their races. They also allow participants under 18. At this time it is cost prohibitive for the Pailolo Challenge to get our policy (I cannot speak about NW and MH).
The Pailolo Challenge committee was asked by the HCC keiki coach to consider allowing a crew of Hawaiian Canoe Club paddlers to paddle in the Pailolo Challenge this year. Keep in mind that over 100 HCC keiki paddle to Moloka'i, Lana'i, and Kaho'olawe during HCC's Kamali'i Summer Enrichment Program (HCC has separate insurance to cover those trips). So, these keiki are capable of paddling across open ocean channels---they prove it every summer. However, because of our insurance policy we couldn't let them race in Pailolo.
Because of my involvement with the HCRA board and the Pailolo Challenge I know that insurance is a HUGE issue. HCRA board members and race organizers spend 100s of hours dealing with issuance companies about waivers, policies, premiums, reports, coverage, escort boats, official boats, fundraisers, blah blah blah. Every year, I think we finally have a good system or have all the bases covers and BOOM---there's a new wrinkle. I share this only to let everyone know that people do work very hard to keep paddling safe and accessible for Hawai'i paddlers. I'm not saying the system is perfect, but it is definitely something that is constantly being worked on.
Great info, I can understand policies that are out of your/our hands. Keep up the great work, but if it is at all possible to include the juniors, and keiki please let it be. The more keiki/juniors can participate the faster Hawaii will get.
Maybe ask the paddling community for help and suggestions? I know that there are tons of brilliant paddlers out there that may have an idea or 10.
Is it HCRA that puts the policies in place??? or their Insurance providers?
P.S. Thank you to the race directors of Pailolo challenge, the party was just about as fun as the Surf!!
Great weekend of racing Hawaii! see you all in the Kaiwi
I have to agree with pushing our juniors. I'm training in Tahiti right now and being someone who has been in the top 10 for Molokai Hoe, and after watching and actually getting in one of the canoes with them, I can honestly say that there are junior crews here in Tahiti that would have no problem making top 10 if they came. Shell's crew this year will have a handful of guys not even 21 yet. Tahiti has been putting lots of time and effort into their kids over the years, and it shows cause these kids are on another level. I just got destroyed yesterday in a v1 downrun by 13 year olds
Just wonderful to hear the good news that Jr. paddlers did race Henry's Race. Wonder what's so hard about shopping around for insurance that would cover the kids? There's must be insurance companies out there willing to insure jr. paddlers? It's shortsighted and false economy to exclude kids from the races, so that they don't develop and learn the skills necessary to win, in order to obtain a low bid quote.
Also, just found out that this Saturday's high school kayak race has been cancelled. Now this is the second race in a row that has been cancelled and the kids are getting shafted again. If this were any other sport, this would not be allowed to happen. And this was supposed to be the 25th year anniversary of this unique event, that until last year, only existed in Hawaii. Now S. Africa has develop an almost similar program for their jr. kayakers. Maybe the flat waters of Kaneohe Bay at MCBH, Iroquois Pt. or even Lake Wilson might be even better than Keehi Lagoon or the Ala Wai?
Just heard that Borabora juniors coming for Molokai are predicted to come top 10 overall. Whatever they place, should be a good opportunity to see how our juniors compare to Tahiti, then maybe we can make adjustments from there
Team Primo on fire
#1 Sun, 09/15/2013 - 5:25pm
Aloha! Race went well. Lots of good surf. I heard a juniors crew almost didn't get a chance to race. Shame on you officials who are trying to stop these kids. No wonder kids don't participate because they don't feel encouraged to do any races. We limit them by saying they are too young and they can't do it. Well 3 junior crews entered and finished; Lanikai, Outrigger, and Keola O Ke Kai. Outrigger junior crew beat half of the playing field. The two remaining Lanikai and Keola junior crews, had a magnificent 3 mile battle between each other and passed a few open crews towards the finish only finishing a few seconds a part. All three junior crews did pretty damn well. And they deserve the most attention. If we ever want to see a culture shift we need to put more of our attention to these kids. As adults we should be lining up and cheering them in to the finish, having leis ready for them. (Just an idea to stoke the kids out)This will only encourage younger kids to want to be in that position. Thus having a huge field of young competitors.
Id like to give a big MAHALO to those coaches out there who pushed these kids to believe in themselves to complete this race. Big mahalo to those who believe and encourage these kids to push forward. I'm sure these junior crews are excited to compete in the Molokai Hoe, and be the leaders who will pave the way for the future of this culture and sport.
#2 Sun, 09/15/2013 - 5:31pm
Shurlock If the kids did race why the shame on the Officials? I say thank you officials for letting the kids race...
#3 Sun, 09/15/2013 - 7:07pm
that's awesome Kapuni. the paddling world needs more coaches like yourself. glad the kids got to race!!
#4 Sun, 09/15/2013 - 7:39pm
Pacific Paddler, sorry for the confusion, Big mahalo to those officials who were in favor of allowing the kids to race, shame on the officials opposing. Big mahalo Hui Lanakila for opening a junior division this year.
#5 Sun, 09/15/2013 - 7:55pm
Great Job to the 3 Jrs. Crews who enter Ochra.com results show they did great! Keep up the great work all the way to Hoe. Our future is our Jr, we teach them young like Tahiti teaches their kids will help us bring the Hoe title back home where it belongs
#6 Sun, 09/15/2013 - 9:11pm
So pathetic you officials who try blocking the participation of our youth. You should be there to ensure and encourage their participation. What possible reason could you have?
#7 Mon, 09/16/2013 - 5:29am
Some photos here:
http://www.staradvertiser.com/multimedia/photo_galleries/20130915_Henry_...
#8 Mon, 09/16/2013 - 6:00am
Also noticed no Kai Bartlett in Primo crew. Anyone know the story, or are they just blending more guys into the program?
#9 Mon, 09/16/2013 - 6:09am
Kai's in France. They should be even faster when he gets back! Was a great battle yesterday!
#10 Mon, 09/16/2013 - 7:14am
Back in 1976 and 77 - my crew Paddled the Molokai Channel my Crews age range was 16-18 yrs - during that time we had to qualify in the prior Races like the Dukes and Waikiki to Pokai Bay as well as the Queen Liliuokalani Races. I truly believe that if the Young Men/Women can prove themselves prior to the Channel Race and come in the middle of the Pack or better- Why Not? Please keep in mind that All Safety concerns need to be addressed. Strong Swimmer, Boat Oriented, etc. I do believe that All Crews should have to do Qualifying times per these Races to enter the Channel, however that is just my opinion on a Safety aspect. I see crews out there that really should not be out there trying to complete their Bucket List and when they get in trouble do not know what to do. Dad Center was a good example with some of these crews that Huli off Hanauma Bay. Coaches and Club Officials have a responsibility to Train their Paddlers in All Aspects of Paddling including righting and towing a canoe that is disabled.
Had a great day on the Water this weekend and looking forward to next weekend. Molokai Nui Ahina. Be Safe All and Paddle hard.
#11 Tue, 09/17/2013 - 7:32am
Just wondering, how is it an 18 y/o / under 18 y/o who has been paddling the open ocean and training in conditions similar to Moloka'i not be able to paddle distance races. But when a crew say from Canada or Europe come to Hawaii, who have never been in conditions that would test them for the channel, heaven forbid they are unable to race.
#12 Tue, 09/17/2013 - 8:08am
The cross channel races (Moloka'i Hoe, Na Wahine, and Pailolo Challenge) all get their insurance through HCRA. It is this policy that prohibits participants under 18 years old. We are not a bunch of race cronies sitting around thinking about ways to keep kids out. Quite simply, It is not our decision. Our only choice would be to go out and find out own insurance policy that would cover the event and participants under 18 years old. The Queen Lili'uokalani Races get their own insurance for their races. They also allow participants under 18. At this time it is cost prohibitive for the Pailolo Challenge to get our policy (I cannot speak about NW and MH).
The Pailolo Challenge committee was asked by the HCC keiki coach to consider allowing a crew of Hawaiian Canoe Club paddlers to paddle in the Pailolo Challenge this year. Keep in mind that over 100 HCC keiki paddle to Moloka'i, Lana'i, and Kaho'olawe during HCC's Kamali'i Summer Enrichment Program (HCC has separate insurance to cover those trips). So, these keiki are capable of paddling across open ocean channels---they prove it every summer. However, because of our insurance policy we couldn't let them race in Pailolo.
Because of my involvement with the HCRA board and the Pailolo Challenge I know that insurance is a HUGE issue. HCRA board members and race organizers spend 100s of hours dealing with issuance companies about waivers, policies, premiums, reports, coverage, escort boats, official boats, fundraisers, blah blah blah. Every year, I think we finally have a good system or have all the bases covers and BOOM---there's a new wrinkle. I share this only to let everyone know that people do work very hard to keep paddling safe and accessible for Hawai'i paddlers. I'm not saying the system is perfect, but it is definitely something that is constantly being worked on.
#13 Wed, 09/18/2013 - 8:46am
@Manakai
Great info, I can understand policies that are out of your/our hands. Keep up the great work, but if it is at all possible to include the juniors, and keiki please let it be. The more keiki/juniors can participate the faster Hawaii will get.
Maybe ask the paddling community for help and suggestions? I know that there are tons of brilliant paddlers out there that may have an idea or 10.
Is it HCRA that puts the policies in place??? or their Insurance providers?
P.S. Thank you to the race directors of Pailolo challenge, the party was just about as fun as the Surf!!
Great weekend of racing Hawaii! see you all in the Kaiwi
#14 Wed, 09/18/2013 - 10:04am
I have to agree with pushing our juniors. I'm training in Tahiti right now and being someone who has been in the top 10 for Molokai Hoe, and after watching and actually getting in one of the canoes with them, I can honestly say that there are junior crews here in Tahiti that would have no problem making top 10 if they came. Shell's crew this year will have a handful of guys not even 21 yet. Tahiti has been putting lots of time and effort into their kids over the years, and it shows cause these kids are on another level. I just got destroyed yesterday in a v1 downrun by 13 year olds
#15 Thu, 09/19/2013 - 6:55pm
Just wonderful to hear the good news that Jr. paddlers did race Henry's Race. Wonder what's so hard about shopping around for insurance that would cover the kids? There's must be insurance companies out there willing to insure jr. paddlers? It's shortsighted and false economy to exclude kids from the races, so that they don't develop and learn the skills necessary to win, in order to obtain a low bid quote.
Also, just found out that this Saturday's high school kayak race has been cancelled. Now this is the second race in a row that has been cancelled and the kids are getting shafted again. If this were any other sport, this would not be allowed to happen. And this was supposed to be the 25th year anniversary of this unique event, that until last year, only existed in Hawaii. Now S. Africa has develop an almost similar program for their jr. kayakers. Maybe the flat waters of Kaneohe Bay at MCBH, Iroquois Pt. or even Lake Wilson might be even better than Keehi Lagoon or the Ala Wai?
#16 Fri, 09/20/2013 - 1:59am
Just heard that Borabora juniors coming for Molokai are predicted to come top 10 overall. Whatever they place, should be a good opportunity to see how our juniors compare to Tahiti, then maybe we can make adjustments from there
#17 Fri, 09/20/2013 - 9:20pm