Despite unexpected high surf conditions the week before, the day could not have been more beautiful and the waves just big enough to give the eager paddlers three miles of rides and glides they’ll never forget!
Maui’s N. shore, Paia Bay Cultural and Youth Center was the place to be, April 2, 2011. ( Next OluKai Ohana Fun Paddle - April 30th, 2011 ) In preparation for The Third Annual OluKai Ohana Ho’olaule’a and new division, The Ohana Fun Paddle, this pre-practice paddle was a first, and I was thrilled to be co-hosting the event. Matthew Murasko, OluKai’s Hawaii Ambassador, gathered his safety team of two PWCs ( thanks to Rodney and Darrel ) and was greeting and registering our first arrivals before 8 AM with coffee, juice, snacks and lots of enthusiasm. I pulled together my main waterman, Milton, Randy, Jeremy, Michael, John, Tommy, Joshua and also, Nitsan from Naish; who wore bright green rash guards kindly donated by Rodney Kilborn; Mormaii.
Our paddlers ranged in age from late teens to 70 years young…special acknowledgment to Sharina Husted who just gave birth to a new baby daughter 29 days ago and had never done a downwind paddle before! Paddlers consisted of local Mauians to visitors from Canada, California and England.
With a total of 26 paddlers, 22 of them were about to earn their stripes. For those who have only dreamed of paddling out of the world famous Maliko Gulch, this was their first, courageous step towards that goal and a chance to to be with experienced friends to guide them. The winds were ramping up towards our 9 AM start and by 9:15, we had the perfect direction clocking in at about 15 – 18 mph.
The first challenge was a gentle shore break that was easily managed with the strong help of our PWCs and fine waterman. This was a part of learning: timing the sets, hopping up to your knees if need, and paddling hard. Then to hold your course and learn how to navigate with stronger winds pushing at your side was a new experience for many. Since this was not a race, it was easy to take one’s time and get more comfortable with a new spot and new conditions. Everyone one was so encouraging and helpful to one another.
Sharina's Adventure
Sharina Asato Husted of Wailuku who just had a baby 4 weeks ago shared,
”Yesterday was my first downwind paddle experience! After falling the first 4 times while attempting to stand, I was pretty bummed and vowed to never do this again if I somehow made it to the finish.
After the 1st mile paddling on my knees, one of the guards, Tommy offered to switch boards with me and I got up on my first try!! The rest is history! I had so much fun and am hooked!! I am incredibly grateful to you and your team for this awesome experience!
“Wow, Tommy, what a guy!! I was so amazed at how nice everyone was and the wonderful community of people that you have gathered together!”
Way to go Sharina!
At the finish, the lower lifeguard tower at Kanaha Beach Park, the first arrived in about 35 minutes and the group of the last paddlers at the 60 minute mark. This was a huge accomplishment for those who’ve never done a down winder before. The camaraderie and that feeling of doing something so exciting and sharing it with a bunch of new down winder friends was obvious. I looked around and remembered what it felt like on my first run. It felt great and I felt powerful and pumped up! Several people told me that this experience changed their life and gave them so much more confidence. They were hooked.
The Fab 5!
A special Mahalo goes to Paia Youth & Cultural Center for hosting us. Carl Rozycki for our professional videographer of InVision Maui Productions, Joshua Kjorven for the cool water shots, and to Rodney Kilborn for providing our PWCs and expertise, our awesome waterman mentioned above, Pete Thompson, Simone Reddingius for being my right hand good buddy, Matthew Murasko from OluKai.
Great job everyone! We hope you can join us on the next OluKai Ohana Practice Fun Paddle, April 30th, 2011!
Thanks for your continued support and frienship everyone, Suzie Cooney.
When: Saturday, April 30th, 2011
Where: Maui – N. Shore Paia Youth and Cultural Center
Online Registration Now Open for the May 14-15 OluKai Ho’olaule’a
OluKai prepares to welcome paddlers, families and enthusiasts to Kanaha Beach Park, Maui, for the 3rd Annual OluKai Ho’olaule’a
Maui, HI (March, 23 2011) – Registration is now open for the OluKai Ho’olaule’a, a celebration of the ocean and cultures that surround it at http://www.olukai.com/hoolaulea. The event will be held at the Lae ‘Ula O Kai Canoe Club at Kanaha Beach Park, Maui, May 14-15, 2011.
Elite watermen, waterwomen and paddling enthusiasts of all ages will have the opportunity to race the legendary Maliko downwind run on Maui’s North shore, an eight-mile stretch from Maliko Gulch to Kanaha Beach Park.
A $15,000 prize purse will be shared equally between the Elite men’s and women’s divisions of the Stand Up Paddle (SUP) and OC1 races, while recreational paddlers will compete in age groups for trophies and prizes. The SUP race will start at 12:00PM on Saturday, May 14. The OC1 race will start at 12:00PM on Sunday, May 15.
Space is limited, register online by May 4 to receive a Premium Race Package including luau dinner, technical race jersey, and a pair of OluKai sandals. Online registration closes May 10.
Not a serious paddler? Ocean enthusiasts of all skill levels are invited to register for the ‘Ohana Fun Paddle. This 3-mile non-competitive, non-timed paddle starts at 9:00AM on Saturday May 14, and runs downwind from Paia Bay to Kanaha Beach Park. All human-powered ocean craft are allowed, and a portion of proceeds goes to the OluKai ‘Ohana Giveback Program benefiting Maui Cultural Lands and Hawaii’s Junior Lifeguard Program.
# # #
About OluKai:
Founded in 2005, OluKai was conceived from a desire for a premium ocean lifestyle brand with a distinctively different point of view and deep values. We are committed to building a unique and better class of products that blend ocean heritage with modern performance. The spirit of Aloha inspired the creation of the Ohana Giveback Program as our commitment to our Hawaiian family.
Come do a practice run with me on April 2nd and let’s get ready for the OluKai Ho’olaule’a
Saturday, April 2, 2011 Maui’s N. Shore! 9 am Start Non-Competitive Fun Paddle
It’s that time of year to catch some Maui N. shore fun and all kinds of paddle action; SUP, one mans, prone, kayak. In preparation for the Thrid Annual OluKai Ohana Ho’olaule’a, you’re invited to a FREE paddle from Paia Youth Center Paia Bay to the Kanaha Lifeguard tower. Join me and OluKai and lots of fine folks for the 9 AM start of 3 miles of paddle power. All levels welcome, no divisions, no age groups. This is a non-competitive fun paddle to get you fired up!
No preregistration required. Coffee at the start and refreshments provided at the finish! See you there.
3rd Annual OluKai Ho’olaule’a Maui / May 14-15, 2011
Music, luau, ancient Hawaiian Games, Hawaiian sailing Canoe rides, OC4 and OC6 Paddling canoes. $15,000 in Gender Equal Prize Money. http://www.olukai.com/Hoolaulea.aspx
3 Mile Short CourseFun Paddle - Non-timed, recreational paddle, no age groups, paddle by yourself or tandem, paddle what you like SUP, Oc1, Oc2, paddleboard or kayak.
Begin Paia Youth Center, Paia Bay to beach finish at Kanaha Lifeguard tower.
8 mile Downwind Race. Maliko Bay to Kanaha Beach with 300 yard beach run finish. Timed race. Age Groups and Elite paddlers race for $7500 in Gender Equal Prize Purse.
A celebration of the ocean and the cultures that surround it.
May 15-16, 2010 – Kanaha Beach Park, Maui
Ho’olaule’a Schedule of Events
Saturday May 15, 2010 9am – 6pm
9am to 10:30am
-
SUP Race check-in at Maliko Gulch
10:30am
-
Pule, opening blessing at Maliko Gulch
11:00am
-
8 mile SUP Downwind Race, Maliko To Lae ‘Ula O Kai Canoe Club
10am to 3pm
-
Free sailing canoe rides on Team OluKai’s sailing canoe Kamakakoa
10am to 3pm
-
Free Hawaiian games hosted by Maui Cultural Lands
3pm to 6pm
-
SUP awards, luau dinner, hula performances, and free live music from John Cruz at Lae ‘Ula O Kai Canoe club
Sunday, May 16, 2010 9am – 4pm
9am to 10:30am
-
OC1 Race check-in at Maliko Gulch
10:30am
-
Pule, opening blessing at Maliko Gulch
11:00am
-
8 mile OC1 Downwind Race, Maliko to Lae ‘Ula O Kai Canoe Club
10am to 3pm
-
Free sailing canoe rides on Team OluKai’s sailing canoe Kamakakoa
10am to 3pm
-
Free Hawaiian games hosted by Maui Cultural Lands
3pm to 4pm
-
OC1 awards
Competition
Stand Up Paddle Race Information
Race date -
Saturday May 15, 2010
Start time -
11:00 am
Entry fee -
Elite racer $100
Recreational racer $50
Race start -
Water start outside of Maliko Bay
Race finish -
Beach run finish at Kanaha Beach in front of Lae ‘Ula O Kai Canoe Club
Race length -
8 miles
Check-in -
9am to 10:30am at Maliko Gulch parking area
- All racers recommended to arrive at least 1 hour before race begins.
- Photo identification required for check-in.
Elite Competitor- You identify yourself as an experienced and competitive waterman or waterwoman. Elite competitors qualify for prize money. No age group requirements. No board length or rudder restrictions.
Elite Competitor- You identify yourself as an experienced and competitive waterman or waterwoman. Elite competitors qualify for prize money. No age group requirements. No board length or rudder restrictions.
Elite SUP Prize Money (gender equal)
Elite SUP Male
Elite SUP Female
1st
$1,500
2nd
$750
3rd
$600
4th
$375
5th
$300
6th
$225
1st
$1,500
2nd
$750
3rd
$600
4th
$375
5th
$300
6th
$225
Recreational SUP Open- You are novice to advanced waterman or waterwoman. Recreational competitors compete in age groups for trophy and gift awards. No prize money. No board length or rudder restrictions.
Recreational SUP Age Groups
Recreation SUP Open Male
Recreation SUP Open Female
Under 18
18-29
30-39
40-49
50+
Under 18
18-29
30-39
40-49
50+
Recreational SUP under 14’ fixed fin – You are novice to advanced waterman or waterwoman. Recreational competitors compete in age groups for trophy and gift awards. No prize money. Board length must be 14 feet or under with a fixed fin system (no steerable rudder).
Recreational SUP under 14’ Age Groups
SUP under 14’ fixed fin Male
SUP under 14’ fixed fin Female
Under 18
18-29
30-39
40-49
50+
Under 18
18-29
30-39
40-49
50+
OC1 Race Information
Race date -
Sunday May 16, 2009
Start time -
11:00 am
Entry fee -
Elite racer $100
Recreational racer $50
Race start -
Water start outside of Maliko Bay
Race finish -
180 degree buoy turn to water finish at Kanaha Beach in front of Lae ‘Ula O Kai Canoe Club
Race length -
8 miles
Check-in -
9am to 10:30am at Maliko Gulch parking area
- All racers recommended to arrive at least 1 hour before race begins.
- Photo identification required for check-in.
Race Registration -
There are three ways to register:
1. Register Online
2. Download PDF and fax to OluKai at (949) 315-3420 (949) 315-3420 (949) 315-3420 (949) 315-3420
3. Register at Neil Pryde, Maui
(400 Hana Hwy Kahului, HI 96732, (808)-877-7443 (808)-877-7443 (808)-877-7443 (808)-877-7443 )
Elite OC1 competitor- You identify yourself as an experienced and competitive waterman or waterwoman. Elite competitors qualify for prize money. No age group requirements.
Elite OC-1 Prize Money (gender equal)
Elite OC1 Male
Elite OC1 Female
1st
$1,500
2nd
$750
3rd
$600
4th
$375
5th
$300
6th
$225
1st
$1,500
2nd
$750
3rd
$600
4th
$375
5th
$300
6th
$225
Recreational OC1 Competitor- You are novice to advanced waterman or waterwoman. Recreational competitors compete in age groups for trophy and gift awards. No prize money.
Recreational OC1 Age Groups
Recreational OC1 Male
Recreational OC1 Female
Under 18
18-29
30-39
40-49
50+
Under 18
18-29
30-39
40-49
50+
Tradition
Celebrate Hawaiian culture with free Hawaiian games & sailing canoe rides.
Hawaiian games hosted by Maui Cultural Lands:
Ulu Maika (a form of lawn bowling)
Moa Pahe’e (a form of dart sliding)
Konane (a form of checkers)
Hukihuki (tug of war)
Sailing Canoe rides hosted by 2008 & 2009 Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Champions “Team OluKai” in their renowned vessel Kamakakoa.
”Ohana
Luau dinner, hula performances, and live music for the whole family.
Luau dinner served from 3pm to 6pm on Saturday May 15. Luau dinner cost is included in race registration fee, or $10 for non-competitors. Purchase Luau tickets at the event. Limited availability, first come first served.
Hula performance from Hula Halau Alapa’i I Maluuluolele.
Free live music all afternoon, Saturday May 15, with special musical guest John Cruz!
Givng Back Part of the proceeds raised benefit the OluKai ‘Ohana Giveback Program: beneficiaries include the Hawaiian Junior Lifeguard Program, and Maui Cultural Lands.
OluKai does so much to support our community. Hope you can stop by for the festivities and fun!
Despite unexpected high surf conditions the week before, the day could not have been more beautiful and the waves just big enough to give the 
eager paddlers three miles of rides and glides they’ll never forget!
Thanks for your continued support and frienship everyone, Suzie Cooney.
Register online for the exciting Thrid Annual OluKai Ohana Ho’olaule’a, before May 4th and get a free pair of OluKai Premium Footwear Slippers!
