Hawaii is a fabulous treasure trove of nature. Due to its rugged terrains and cliffs amid howling winds and waves, the land started using outrigger canoes for fishing and transporting essentials. Over the years, this cultural and traditional part of Hawaiian life underwent several transformations in shape, design, and purpose, attracting everyone’s attention. It would be best if you caught boat racing in Hawaii, particularly canoe racing in the regatta season. The Hawaiian chiefs indulged in this as recreation and sport. Betting was also involved. In 1779, Captain Cook saw nearly 1,500 outrigger canoes on his arrival at the islands. During the era, the human population was around 175k to 225k, and the outrigger canoes were around 6-12k.
The feeling of witnessing canoe racing
Whether you plan to take full advantage of the regatta season as a viewer or participant, ensure to match the vibe of the spot with perfectly printed t-shirts embodying the boating spirit and accessories. Do you wonder where to find the right choices? Check Malibu Shirts once. Look for designs showcasing blueprints of a boat to local canoe club imagery. Wearing the appropriate attire for the occasion will help you maintain the sport’s ultimate spirit and display your love for adrenalin-pumping boat racing.
For Hawaiians, canoe paddling is a big family event. The canoe paddling clubs started to keep kids away from the roads and make them social. However, adults pursue it more as a play or fitness exercise. It is a matter of building perseverance and resilience for them. However, they make everything lighter with their friendly jokes around the tradition. The canoe paddlers can ramble about the canoe race even after a week of completing the race. The diehards can race for an hour or so. Many consider the ocean a church, and paddling is religion. So, it’s also spiritual for them beyond mental and physical involvement.
That means showing your admiration for this sport through your choice of clothing can only elevate your experience of race-watching. You can suddenly feel like a local and associate more with the beautiful world.
A little about canoe
The US mainland and Hawaii have over 100 canoe paddling clubs. About 35 countries are part of the outrigger paddling federation. They include Japan, Brazil, Sweden, etc. As mentioned, modern canoes and paddles are different than their erstwhile counterparts. Previously, only clubs could make paddles with 6 ft long and 2X2 planks on both sides. The paddles were made of oak wood materials weighing about three pounds. Newer versions are lighter, mostly measuring 16 ounces or so. Improved designs have also added to the speed of the boat. If you are a paddling enthusiast, you must have also realized the difference in paddling technique. The lighter equipment still involves your body, but integrating arm and body movement has become more crucial to moving forward.
Do you want to participate in canoe racing? Ask the local clubs for permission. Also, your paddling skills should be updated. If you wonder about mastering this talent, it takes almost one’s lifetime. But networking with the canoe racing community can significantly help you.
