Do you think if you took the top 7 or 8 OC-1 paddlers from Hawaii, they could now win the Tahiti "Hawaiki Nui Va’a"?
I know about five years ago Lanikai won a leg and did well, but I would argue that over the last five years the level of paddling sophistication in Hawaii has increased greatly. On the other hand, it has improved in Tahiti as well. I think it is possible to win with a Hawaii team, but it would take a lot of committment and money. Maybe a crew is planning to compete in the next couple of years, and we just don't know about it. I would think that the top paddlers would give up a Molokai win for a victory in the Hawaiki Nui Va’a. Maybe I'm wrong. I would love to hear thoughts on this question.
Do you think if you took the top 7 or 8 OC-1 paddlers from Hawaii, they could now win the Tahiti "Hawaiki Nui Va’a"?
I know about five years ago Lanikai won a leg and did well, but I would argue that over the last five years the level of paddling sophistication in Hawaii has increased greatly. On the other hand, it has improved in Tahiti as well. I think it is possible to win with a Hawaii team, but it would take a lot of committment and money. Maybe a crew is planning to compete in the next couple of years, and we just don't know about it. I would think that the top paddlers would give up a Molokai win for a victory in the Hawaiki Nui Va’a. Maybe I'm wrong. I would love to hear thoughts on this question.
Mahalo
Submitted by Kona J on Wed, 01/11/2006 - 7:22am