Molokai Thoughts and Respect

Several observations and questions about this year’s Molokai-

1) I would love a write up or accounting of or from Pure Light’s (I would not call them disabled) crew. How did they manage changes? What mental hurdles did they experience? What are their overall thoughts? What is their next goal? Do Molokai again?

2) An interesting insight I observed was when the builder/or rep of Broad Reach paddles gave a paddle (I am guessing for free or to try out) to Georges Cronsteadt - Super Aito Winner and supreme Tahitian paddler on Molokai. He just walked up to George and with hand gestures said please take and walked away.

If that happened to me, I would probably put my hand on the T-top and see how that feels, check weight and balance, and feel thickness of shaft, and angle on the Broad Reach double bend and do a practice swing

Georges does none of that. The first thing he does is grab carbon blade on both sides and flexes it aggressively to judge flex and then puts paddle down. I am not judging and have no idea if he liked it or not, but it gives insight into how an average paddler and maybe a paddler from “West” approaches a paddle vs Tahitian. I suppose with the speed and power they apply allow the paddle to generate the force/speed as well.

It also leads me to think about how maybe we are approaching things in a complete wrong way. For in Tahiti every paddler uses double bend, mostly wood-for 6 man, has a very, very forward hit, and more upright stance. This is started from youth and is engrained. It also I am guessing allows paddlers in Tahiti to go from team to team easier, since technique is more similar from crew to crew. Just a guess.

In Hawaii many times technique takes a back seat to fun and looking at the Keiki Regattas I get real concerned about the technique we force youth do deal with in order to push a 400 pound Koa canoe when you are 14 or younger. It is near impossible for those great technique habits to be developed by the youth.

3)I am amazed that Lanikai took some negative posts anywhere. I guess jealousy brings out some ugly things. Well I noticed and observed the paddlers from the top crew helping rig their (3rd crews) Koa boat and helping everyone on the beach. I think that speaks volumes and those who like pictures to prove things- Here you go.

Submitted by Kona J on Wed, 10/22/2008 - 8:02am.