Who is the best steersman of all time ?
I would have to put Nainoa Thompson, into the mix, JIM and JON have won Molokai and I respect them very much, but to watch Uncle Nainoa steer is a work of art.
Paddle with Strength, PONO and ALOHA
#2 Tue, 05/29/2007 - 11:35am
Kisi Haine!!! She is truly amazing and no doubt one of the reasons that OCC women have been in the top 5 every year in the channel.
#3 Tue, 05/29/2007 - 2:37pm
How about: Tom Conner who maybe has the most Molokai wins, Kala Kukea, or Nappy,
#4 Tue, 05/29/2007 - 2:51pm
Mindy Clark is my pick. Mindy has steered Offshore Canoe Club to 10 wins in the Molokai Channel, more than anyone else, man or woman. She not only has the physical steering skills needed to get the job done, but anyone who has paddled in a canoe captained by her should be able to attest to the awesome way that she has about her... She motivates her crews and pushes in a way that you want to get things done for her.
On top of all that, she is humble in her accomplishments and most willing to teach others what she knows.
#5 Tue, 05/29/2007 - 3:28pm
There's an article about Tom Connor in Rambo's Locker, among many other informative pieces. He must have been the oldest victorious Molo steersman when he steered Fa'a'a (To The Top) those times. Lewis Laughlin was also on those crews, I think. The '94 crew set a then course record, which remains one of the fastest times evah.
#6 Tue, 05/29/2007 - 4:18pm
What do you mean ? Most successful in Molokai Hoe, most experienced, best technique, best water knowledge, best all around, etc.etc.
There are a lot of paddlers that are highly respected and successful, some also as steersmen.
Actually everybody that does paddle belongs to this group.
There is no such thing as "best of all times".
#8 Tue, 05/29/2007 - 11:24pm
Kimo Makua, Alika Apo, Nicky Beck, Sword Murakami, Uncle Blue, Dukie Kuahulu, Nappy. In their day, these guys never had the advantages we have today with the canoes we race and the technical inovations (weather bouys and meteorologist). These guys could read the ocean and knew how to get the most out of their crews. Unfortunately most of you never had the opportunity to paddle with or against these guys let alone know who they were. They were all outstanding watermen first, steersman second but most of all they shared their love for our sport with several generations of paddlers.
#11 Wed, 05/30/2007 - 6:51pm
Ocean
Again I say Jr. he reads the swell better than anyone Period, and Mindy Clark as well (Offshore Cali, 10 wins in Molokai).
#13 Wed, 05/30/2007 - 8:47pm
News from the Hamilton Island regatta in Australia - Kai Bartlett won the 16km OC1 race convincingly followed by Karel, then Greg Long of Australia. The race was 8km into 20 knots of wind then surfing back with it to the finish.
Also trying to track down Alfred VG just to say a big thanks for your hospitality on Molokai. My wife and I really appreciated it. If you ever come down under drop me a line. By the way, that solo race was a killer!
Regards
Adrian Hybner
#16 Thu, 05/31/2007 - 9:06pm
How come no one said Todd Bradley? He even wrote a book how to steer...
#18 Sat, 07/07/2007 - 6:57pm
Jim's Top Five Molos History
1. Tommy Connor
2. Nappy
3.Jim Foti
4.Jr.
5.Scotty "Duke" Freitas
#21 Sun, 07/08/2007 - 1:15pm
One thing I like is great performance over time. That's why I wouldn't rank a young steersman as high as someone who has done it successfully for 40 - 50 years. That's hard to beat.
Best actively competing steersmen: Jim Foti.
Best overall record: Tommy Connors.
#28 Wed, 09/12/2007 - 10:14am
Jr. will go down as one of the best if not the best steersman of all time yes, one of the best paddlers though, no. I think there are a lot better paddlers out there. Jr. just owns everyone and there mom in the surf. Flat water there are a bunch of guys who can and do beat him.
#30 Wed, 09/12/2007 - 3:25pm
jr won the solo when he was 18 years old and then won it another 5 times after that with all the competition there. point taken, he is unreal in the surf but i dont completely rule him out in the flats - he's won before and is generally in the top bunch.
i would be interested to hear who you think is one of the best paddlers of all time? im having trouble thinking of someone who has the track record jr does but i would genuinely love to learn more and hear other opinions.....
#31 Wed, 09/12/2007 - 3:39pm
At least two... Don´t think he steered the 2000 crew but I dont know for certain. If so Jim Foti plus Jr. would make for the top 6 tandom of all times.
#34 Wed, 09/12/2007 - 4:35pm
Kai Bartlett is the best all-around paddler of the oc-1 era. Surf, flats, and pure six-man power,Kai has it all. At Lanikai back in the day, we'd have a "tractor pull", one paddler plus one non-paddling steersman in the six. Usually, a huge guy would win, one of the 6'6" 225 lb. types. Kai's novice B year, he outpowered all the big boys, incredible power for an average size guy.
#35 Wed, 09/12/2007 - 4:38pm
Ray Shipman... most of you might not know who he is but hes been around for longer than Ive been alive and has crossed the molokai channel at least 25 times solo and an equal number times steering first and second crews for lanakila california... a true legend in the sport!!
#36 Wed, 09/12/2007 - 5:13pm
Im going with my heros Jim and John Foti . Those two have switched off steers duties on there way to a resume not many can touch .Having those guys is a great asset for Lanikai and Kailua .Jim and Jon should be first vote Hall of Famers and they probably played a major role in the development of Karel Jr as a teenager .Ultimately Karel wiil go down as the best of all time although Tahiti might beg to differ ? Lewis Laughlin Is another that I would speak of in that context . Show some love for your all time seat six !!!!
Submitted by paddlepimp on