Pacific Paddler December 2012 - (Page 23)

Surfski in HI the sport of Surfski to the Islands, a new breed of paddler was born. Although there were not many of them, these were the paddlers who took on any paddling challenge. They mostly Over 35 years ago with the introduction of came from the traditional six-man canoe and which proved also faster when mastered. were game to try the new, different 'tipper' craft Through the years the OC1, paddle boarding and Standup paddling boarding (SUP) have all popularity for the surfski staying with a small number… until now. had their turn at being the craft of choice with Sarah Stoker ing more core stability, so the learning curve The surfski is usually harder to master, need- is usually longer than the other craft. This was one of the main reasons beginners would lean towards the OC1 for that extra stability. Now with the introduction of more “forgiving” craft like the V8, along with a new generation of well skilled juniors coming through the ILH program, islands. the sport of Surfski paddling is taking off in the The greatest thing I see developing is the “coming together” of the all the paddle sports efit of the growing paddling community. and the cross learning between them for the benYou have a growing number of great role models here in the Islands excelling in all the difthe Olympic Games for Kayaking, and has won ferent craft like the Lauren Bartlett who went to Na Wahine O Ke Kai seven times, along with too wins to keep count. around and go to the kayak national championin K2, and K4 as well as second in the K1. He ships were he became a National Senior Champion is now training hard for a surfski race in Tahiti Trials in Oklahoma City next April. have been lucky enough to work with all four of this years winners: Sarah Stoker (MPI), Heather Foti (P), Nick Whitcomb (LaJ), and Tanner Gillespie (LaJ) and they are all fantastic role many OC1, relay and surfski world championships We recently had Kalei Kahookele head over before preparations for the World Kayak Team Kalei won the ILH Championships last year models for the new breed of growing talented multi-craft paddlers. Congratulations to these winners as well as every paddler who participated in the ILH program, everyone who enjoyed growing in skill, teamwork and building the surfski community. In this next year, we are looking to to the World Championships in the Va’a and become the Junior World Champion only to turn and is now an inspiration to this year’s winners. I grow the sport into the public school system as well, so we can tap into more talented juniors as give them the opportunities to take their sports further a field. My vision is to support the coaches of the local outrigger clubs and schools to provide the mentoring and pathway for their paddlers to see more opportunities that are available to them with their talents. Paddling outriggers, surfski, paddleboarding and SUP can all lead to so many opportunities if there is a team to help you see them and Tanner Gillespie know how to make them happen. I enjoy sitting down with my young paddlers and their parents they can achieve besides fitness and fun, from each couple of months and help them to see what college scholarships, competitions, national and international travel and even the Olympics. Surfski to support your outrigger team as well as grow in understanding of our ocean. paddling is a great way to improve your technique Shelley Oates-Wilding www. pacificpaddler.com - December 2012 23 http://www.pacificpaddler.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pacific Paddler December 2012

Contents
Na Wahine O Ke Kai
Molokai Hoe
Around the Island Race - Hong Kong
Pailolo Challenge
Gail Grabowsky
Surfski in the Islands
New York Outrigger after Sandy
After you cross the finish line
Calendar

Pacific Paddler December 2012