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.

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



What do Broad Reach paddles look like?


#1 Wed, 10/22/2008 - 8:12am


I don't have pics of Scotty Hendrick's paddles but here's his website --

www.broadreachhawaii.com

Maybe he can email you something...


#2 Wed, 10/22/2008 - 8:51am


Here's a thread jpi92109 made about a BroadReach paddle with a picture of it attached. Maybe jpi92109 can post more pics of the new one they got a while ago.

http://www.ocpaddler.com/node/4061


#3 Wed, 10/22/2008 - 11:05am


I borrowed my friend's broadreach steering blade across the kaiwi channel cause my foti steering blade snapped in half a week before the hoe. That's one heavy blade. All i kept thinking across the channel was " damn this blade is heavy " and " i'm sure glad this blade is built tough". Maybe if it was lighter i'd get one. I dunno.


#4 Wed, 10/22/2008 - 12:12pm


Hey KonaJ, i had exactly the same thoughts about "Pure Light" as you did, was looking for stories about it and what transpired and could find nothing, so i emailed Aka (not heard back yet) as this story needs to be told.

If nothing exists, i'll gather pics, interviews etc and do the story myself.

I'm really surprised the media did not do more with this.

If anyone has any leads or contacts please PM me.

Rambo


#5 Wed, 10/22/2008 - 12:21pm


Hi all, there was a story about them a few days before the molokai in the honolulu advertsier.
Terry


#6 Wed, 10/22/2008 - 1:11pm


oops.


#7 Wed, 10/22/2008 - 1:24pm


Yes i got that Terry thanks, but nothing since. I'm chasing some leads now.

Cheers Rambo


#8 Wed, 10/22/2008 - 1:39pm


Ok here's the Pure Light Website with some great pics and articles but nothing on the Hoe yet.
http://www.projectpurelight.com/news.html
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And from the Midweek news with a comprehensive report.
http://tinyurl.com/6ymfu3

star bulletin sport
http://tinyurl.com/55dsk6

More as i find them


#9 Wed, 10/22/2008 - 2:02pm


Rambo,

Here's mention of a Film being produced about them along with a picture (I believe) post race.

http://connections.pacificnetwork.tv/forum/topic/show?id=961137%3ATopic%...


#10 Wed, 10/22/2008 - 2:20pm


Hey thanks for that site E7M, i had not seen that before.

Cheers Rambo


#11 Wed, 10/22/2008 - 2:52pm


I just love this photo from the Pure Light site ... says it all!!!
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Image Hosted by ImageShack.us
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Cheers Rambo


#12 Wed, 10/22/2008 - 4:29pm


Here is some great video of the pure light racing team

http://pacificnetwork.tv/ocean.asp


#13 Mon, 10/27/2008 - 8:35am


You can see some great footage on them during the Molokai hoe special on oc-16..Check the local listings.


#14 Mon, 10/27/2008 - 9:01am


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