It was nice to finally see a program on the Molokai race but it was disappointing to say the least. The program was an hour long and of that hour, only about 10 minutes was spent showing the race. It was like watching the Super Bowl only to have to sit through 2 hours of football history and seeing only a half hour of football. Maybe the name of the program should have been The History of the Molokai Hoe instead of the 2006 Molokai Hoe. Just my opinion.
Submitted by hawaiian_paddler on Tue, 11/28/2006 - 7:55pm
Hi Hawaiian Paddler:
Bummer, I missed it. Last year's coverage was dissappointing as well.
I still treasure my 2000-2001 VHS tape when it was under Bankoh.
It was a lot more informative and gave better coverage.
I don't know what I'm going to do when the tape breaks.
Aloha4aina
#1 Tue, 11/28/2006 - 8:00pm
It was dissappointing, considering the total of both races was about 5-6 hours on average with over 170 total teams. Neat-O graphics and stuff though.
We saw like 10 minutes of channel race time? I want my money back!
Wasn't the womens' race was like 2 months ago...
Go Hawaii Tourism Authoriy!
#2 Tue, 11/28/2006 - 8:06pm
it was definitely nice seeing paddling being broadcasted on tv. despite only a short amount of actual race footage the commentary was definitely insightful into the history, culture and strategies/techniques used in the sport we all partake in. i personally enjoyed the segment and got to watch the rebroadcast of it today when i played hooky from school. cant wait til the day where they broadcast every race. i hope canoe paddling passes the consideration of the olympic committee for the new sport in the summer olympics it would really up the level and integrity of paddlers everywhere, to be awarded and represent your country in a sport you truly have a passion for would be a reward within itself.
#3 Wed, 11/29/2006 - 8:43am
aloha4aina, go buy a dvd recorder. Their like 100 bucks. Coverts VHS to DVD. then you have it forever. No more stupid ass VHS tapes. Also good for those "other" movies people treasure........
pOoPoo
#4 Wed, 11/29/2006 - 10:05am
Woah there cameron so you get your liscense and you start skipping school. Can't beleive you cut class.
#5 Wed, 11/29/2006 - 8:29pm
Thanks PooPoo:
I have DVD players but none that can convert VHS tapes.
I'm so behind with technology! I don't even have an IPOD yet!
(How do those work anyway!!!)
Aloha4aina
#6 Thu, 11/30/2006 - 12:52pm
Dude, do you live in a cave? Haha. You gotta catch up my friend. PooPoo!!!
#7 Thu, 11/30/2006 - 1:58pm
too bad they messed up the results for the Na Wahine race... they reported Tahiti as 3rd, yet actual results had Waikiki BeachBoys 3rd and Tahiti 4th.
#8 Thu, 11/30/2006 - 2:29pm
Hey Poopoo:
I spend all my money on canoes, secret training programs, paddles, rash guards, race fees, witness protection program, diet remine, canoe storage, and club fees. How the HECK can I afford anything else!!!
Ha! Ha! (Just trying to be funny!)
Aloha4aina
#9 Thu, 11/30/2006 - 3:41pm
I think you guys are missing a key point here. The fact that the video was presented in a historical form as well as the action footage benefits all of us as paddlers. Alex of Xtreme sports who made the video asked each person he interviewed to answer his questions as though he knew nothing about outrigger. This may all be repeat stuff for us paddlers, but for the tens of thousands, perhaps millions of people who see the video (It is going to be shown on Primetime TV, on Hawaiian airlines flights and nationally) it presents the sport in a way that is exciting, explains what we do out there and shows the cultural and historical side, something that sadly is often forgotten in paddlling today. John Puakea pointed out that the remaining Hawaiian boat builders and coaches like himself will be gone all too soon, and for that matter, the last of the full blooded Hawaiians, so it is up to us to perpetuate the Hawaiian side of paddling and not let the idea of winning money or prestige overshadow the sport.
Which brings me to another point. If it weren't for sponsors like Bud Lite etc. there would be no race at all, at least not the way we know it. The lay-person who knows nothing about paddling can watch the video and get a feel for the incredible rush we as paddlers experience, and understand where the sport came from as well. That person could be a future sponsor. The fact that the video incorporates Hawaiian culture also may open up the race for money from Hawaiian cultural grants.
Let's face it guys, both the men's and women's races were basically hot, flat and uneventfull. Read:boring. Alex took a basically non eventful race and made it interesting, educational, and culturally significant. We have to remember that these videos are not necessarily produced just so paddlers can see themselves, that is what photos are for from the great photographers like Ropati, Joss and Leton. A televison show like this can only benefit individual clubs throughout the country and paddlers alike for future sponsors.
Unfortunately the organizers have to pay for media coverage of our State sport. Unlike other countries like Australia and Tahiti who get national tv exposure at no cost to the organizers. We need to get our State government to understand the need to perpetuate the Hawaiian culture via the media.
Also, as far as the fact the show being aired 2 months after the women's race, that is up to the tv stations.
Finally, this is the first time in the history of this race that a show has been produced exclusively on paddling and the Hawaiian culture, so that paddlers in California and other states who spend thousands of dollars to participate in the race can enjoy it too.
#10 Thu, 11/30/2006 - 6:40pm
I have to agree 100% with Ainokea, It appears quite a few of us seem to forget where this sport started. It is taught to the kids, but somehow gets lost in the "gotta win the race" as we get older. I thought the film was the best ever done. It was done in a way that every person, paddler or not could gain some insight, knowledge and much needed reminders of this part of the culture. Every other footage I have ever seen on this race has been boring and the same old stuff..After a while all the canoes and paddlers look the same. If you want to see yourself on T.V. hire your own video guy. I LOVED seeing the part of the show showing the water changes. I loved how it combined both the men and women together. Last years show SUCKED and this one was filled with history and interesting facts. RIGHT on to whoever shot it and produced it. I would buy a copy for sure. My hats are off to both the men and women organizers who thought outside the box. When do we ever see anything except for a 2 second mention on the news about a regatta, or distance race? Yes, there were alot of commericals..but so what fast forward!!
No disrespect to anyone, but if you watched that show and didnt feel a since of pride, Hawaiian or not...then something is really wrong with you and maybe you need to ask yourself why you paddle.
Yes, racing is fun, but how cool after all my years of paddling,,I learned something new! Big mahalos go out to the people who made the special.
#11 Thu, 11/30/2006 - 7:04pm
Novice C..If it wasnt for the HTA and other sponsors I am sure the entry fee's would have been way more then we paid. 5-6 hours of BORING paddling..Flat water, no wind! Oh yeah, that would have made a great show! I feel sorry for you that all you walked away from after seeing the show was wanting your money back..SAD! Did you not LEARN anything new about the culture? The Koa canoe? etc etc etc?
#12 Thu, 11/30/2006 - 7:08pm
Ainokea, I don't understand that part about John Puakea being the last Hawaiian Coach/Boat Builder. Did he mean ethnic Hawaiian or just someone from Hawai'i. As far as I can tell there's abunch of young Hawaiians in the sport; Manny and Kea for example. I'm sure they'll be coaching someday if not already. As far as Koa boat building goes, the old masters are getting old(Bob Puakea, for one). Hopefully something is being done to perpetuete that tradition.
#13 Thu, 11/30/2006 - 7:18pm
Sorry about the confusion. Yes, John was saying that the Hawaiians themselves will someday be gone but they can live on by teaching the young folks how to build a koa canoe and learn about the culture. I believe that is the basis of his Puakea Foundation. And yes, Manny, Kea and all the rest of the incredible local boys (and girls)that keep the sport going are key.
#14 Fri, 12/01/2006 - 12:35pm
Aloha, I think what the email was saying , was the last of the Old school koa canoe builders are getting older. If you noticed on the show, they highlighted John's dad, and spoke about how he is passing his knowledge on to the younger kids. John said, his dad was in his glory now, since he retired, he spends his time teaching the kids about the koa canoe. Very few "old school" Hawaiian canoe buliders are left. Uncle Kirk on Molokai and a few others. It was a segment that highlighted the koa canoe. My humble opinion...Men like John's dad are far and few between. he is doing what he does to keep that part of the Hawaiiian culture alive and passing it on. It had nothing to do with the coaches!
#15 Fri, 12/01/2006 - 12:41pm
Here in Seattle, we never got to see that one, hence the confusion. I once had the privelage of watching Uncle Bobby Puakea fix a crack in the Mokulua the night before the Nanakuli regatta one time-it was a full chicken skin moment-The Man's a Genius.
#16 Fri, 12/01/2006 - 1:10pm
The show will be shown nationally. So you will get to see it. Check with hawaiian xtreme sports TV (I dont know their web-site address, but google the name). That is going to be great for all those who live on the mainland to get to FINALLY see the Molokai events on TV! It will also be awesome for your club, sponsers, friends and family to finally get a chance to see what these events represent and what you do!! To have this show broadcast nationally will benifit the sport, our culture, Hawaii and all involved. The show was well done and perfect for everyone. The guy who produced it, I think his name is Alex, did a great job putting it all together and explaining bascially to the world, what paddling is about. How it started, where it is now. Nothing but good can come from it..I hope he or the organizers sell the DVD to those of us who got to race. I hope everything is good in Seattle. A HUI HOU Jim.
#17 Fri, 12/01/2006 - 2:23pm
As the producer of the program in this discussion forum, it is very interesting to read the comments.
First of all we would like to apologize for the error in reporting Team Tahiti coming in ahead of Beachboys during the Na Wahine! We have fixed the mistake and a more complete and accurate program can be watched:
- Friday 12/01 - 6 PM on OC-16
- Saturday night on K5 - please check the listings
- Sunday at 8PM on KHNL Channel 8.
I would like to clarify that as a TV program producer, our main goal is to make a story interesting and 'watchable' by the general public as well . These year's races presented the perfect opportunity to highlight the histroy and culture of canoe paddling, as the channel was flat and there was absolutely no amazing action going on. If it was blowing 20 knots you can all bet that we would have focused the program on the adventure, adrenaline and action of the sport.
We have received conflicting reviews of the program as can be seen above, and any and all input is appreciated by us.
In our opinion there are two kinds of hats that can be worn when watching the program:
So we are happy to receive feedback, good or bad. Please don't hesitate to email us with suggestions info@HawaiianX.com
We would also like to let you paddlers know that through our National / Local TV series and distribution network, this program will be seen by (maybe that will help the sport and sponsorship participation?):
- Hawaii: 150,000 + actual viewers.
- National: 6,000,000 actual viewers.
- In-Flight Hawaiian Airlines: 250,000+ actual viewers
- International: we are still working on distribution as the program was just finished.
For you who are familiar with our TV series, you probably know that action and outdoor sports is our focus. We are sorry that we can't please everyone, maybe when we have radical channel conditions the focus will be more on the sport / competitive aspect.
Thanks and Aloha,
Alex
PS: Sorry, I can't help it but to address one issue that I came accross while producing this program: ... from interviewing a whole lot of different paddlers, it seems that some could use the historical refreshment course and realize that this a cultural and not a professional sport or career (unless you are a boat builder or canoe related retailer). You are helping to perpetuate one of the last widely practiced Hawaiian sports and through these races, this culture is being spread around the world.
#18 Fri, 12/01/2006 - 4:14pm
What HawaiianX said is so true. I agree most of us could use a little "refresher" on the cultural aspect of our sport.
Sadly here in the United states we dont get paid to paddle, unlike other counties where they get paid while training etc..At any-rate, the key is to reach as many people and sponsers as possiable. To have fun, learn, respect, and pass it on to the kids. We are who they are looking up to, if we as adults arent respecting and learning more about our culture, how is the culture suppose to survive?
I have seen and watch HawaiianX, love your stuff and I agree had it been different conditions, maybe there would have been more action. I think in the end what you produced was far better then anything else we could have hoped for. I have been paddling for 20 years, after watching the show I learned something new and am sure others did. I felt pride.
#19 Fri, 12/01/2006 - 4:42pm
Braddah thomas, I just checked out the hawaiian extreme web site-the tow in surfing was phenomenal!Mahalo,Jim
#20 Sat, 12/02/2006 - 3:35am
HawaiianX -- thankyou for your comments. The show was very enjoyable and I hope that it leads into more coverage of outrigger paddling events. The historical aspect was a good reminder for all of us and will make it easier for the average viewer to appreciate.
A few thoughts I had:
Now that the foundation has been set, perhaps future shows could be made interesting by following a few teams and seeing it from their perspective. Several people have commented about how the hot flat conditions would have made it boring to follow the canoes. I disagree. Sure if you just show canoes on flat water with no perspective it will be boring, but what if you could get the perspective of the paddlers. The show touched on the drama between Hui Lanakila and Team Bradley as they battled past Diamond Head to the closest finish yet in the Na Wahine, but I think more could have been done with that and other battles. My canoe finished smack in the middle of the pack, yet we passed a handful of other boats across the channel and had 5-6 other boats around us as we came together at Diamond Head. It was exciting! The question is whether this excitement will translate on TV. Why do people watch golf, or even baseball for that matter? I think part of it has to do with rooting for "your team." If races were followed live, or close to it, then perhaps the sport could gain a following as people got to know who the main players were. Then when they all come together for the Molokai crossing along with several "unknown" teams from around the world, fans would be itching to see how their team would fare.
Just a thought...
#21 Sat, 12/02/2006 - 11:03am
I guess I started something by posting this comment and it was in no way meant to put down the efforts of HawaiianX and the producers. I guess I was expecting to see a more action oriented program and that's why I was personally disappointed. I can understand where people are saying it gives more exposure to the sport/culture of Hawaiian outrigger paddling and there's absolutely nothng wrong with that. My analogy to the Super Bowl was that if I were to turn on the TV expecting to see a championship football game only to find that most of the program was about the history of football, I would've been disappointed. If the program had been titled the History of the Super Bowl, then that's what I would've epected, a look into the sport of football. Just my way of making a point. Sorry if people took this the wrong way. I remember when Channel 2 KHON used to broadcast the race in the fashion that the Hawaiki Nui is done in Tahiti. The Hawaiki Nui broadcasts are in my opinion very exciting even if they are racing in "flat" unexciting waters. It gives you the sense as if you were actually at the race watching the competitors. You can see the strategy of the crews as they make their way through the course. I guess to a non-paddler this format would be very boring, but have you ever understood why a hundred thousand people would sit in the stands to watch a bunch of cars driver in circles at a NASCAR race? The people who follow the race would tell you it's very exciting and it's watched by millions of viewers even though most people would consider it brain dead to watch cars drive in circles. My apologies to the producers of the program if I came across in the wrong way.
#22 Sat, 12/02/2006 - 12:41pm
I worked on a number of KHON's shows covering the Na Wahine race so this is a subject dear to my heart. :) I worked as a cameraman, writer and editor. Every year we had a discussion similar to this one about how we should cover the race; should it be just straight race coverage,should we do background stories on some of the crews, and which crews...the top contenders or just the average crew of paddlers,and how much culture/history should we cover? part of the reason we had these meetings was after the previous years shows we would hear complaints and comments about how come we didn't show more of one of the subjects I listed above. After a while we quit trying to please everyone and did the best with what the budget allowed. Which, in large part, is what determines the direction the show will take. When KHON first started covering the Molokai races Bank of Hawaii sponsored the whole thing and there was a huge budget. Lots of travel to the neighbor islands to do background stories, plenty of cameras on boats and on shore, a camera with a gyrozoom, a helicopter to cover it from beginning to end ( that was a huge expense). It was first class. Then BoH started cutting back on the budget and there more constraints on the production. The coverage became more bare bones. Less neighbor island stuff, less cameras, no helicopter etc. Then they finally pulled out all together. I think that year Mike Tongg paid for almost the whole show out of his pocket.
Anyway, the point is you can't please everyone and it's an expensive undertaking. There are any number of approaches you can take to covering a race like Molokai and all of them are legitimate. Personally, the approach I always favored was something like what Rachel suggested; you need to give the viewer a reason to care about the people they are watching. To the non paddler a canoe race can be a little repetitive.
I saw some of the OC 16 coverage and thought it was well done. Good camera work, nice graphics, professional narration, good editting. I was in and out of the room so I can't comment on the flow of it but I was stoked to see that somebody had taken the effort to cover it professionally. It seems that they tried to cover a lot of ground in one hour. Maybe if they get more sponsorship money next year they can cover the 2 races individually.
#23 Sat, 12/02/2006 - 3:34pm
I just watched the show again, it was great. I really appreciated what verylowtide just said as well..maybe those of you with comments can now understand several things. The superbowl is about 2 teams NOT 100. The nascar analogy made by one of the other people is silly. You have action and it is contained into a smaller area verus the channel. It comes down to $$$$$$. I liked what Thomas said, you want to see yourself, hire your own video crew. Alex did a unreal job and everyone I have spoken to have LOVED it. When watching a show like this, you have to take off your paddlers hat and think "marketing"..How will this show help generate the kind of money like in the early days when local companies came in with big budgets. You cant please everyone and my feeling is, it showed the "SPORT" in a well rounded way. Had he interviewed and profiled certain teams, other teams who didnt get interviewed would have been pissed off. The people he picked, were good and well known and respected. No teams were profiled and honestly they shouldnt. Why waste the time and money to focus on a few.
It isnt about the "few" it is about the entire event. To do a show like some of you want would take a ton of money. Maybe the way he did this show it will generate others to want to step up and support the events.
I loved how Hannie spoke from her heart, Mike, and Karel and Uncle Billy. Very well done Alex..Very well done event organizers. I plan to have my novice crew watch it again, we all need to remember it isnt about "us" it is about the culture and the sport. I thought last years show was the worst EVER done. The shots were terriable, the commentary was terriable, overall it was not even close to the quality of this years show.
GREAT job Alex, You and the organizers did an incrediable show and I am proud to have been a paddler in the event.
#24 Sun, 12/03/2006 - 12:40pm
I kinda liked that nascar analogy, whoever made it. 'Splains how lotsa peoples might watch a seeminly boring event. That would be kuehl if 9millions oeopoles watchd paddlin.
#25 Sun, 12/03/2006 - 5:54pm