Kahu Kekoa offers blessings over the canoes—including the newly named ‘Elepaio.
“They’re living beings, almost, that have been with us for generations and generations.“ — Walter Guild
preciation for what it takes to keep them maintained.” Each spring, as the Koa canoes are refinished and readied for the season, the Club invites younger pad- dlers—especially the keiki—to take part in the process, lending a hand with sanding and prep work. “We've had a tradition of that for a number of years,” Guild adds. “We like anybody who's interested to be there, observe, ask questions…get their hands on it and actually partic- ipate in some of the work.” The spirit of craftsmanship and aloha that Gose brings to OCC lives on—not just in the canoes them- selves, but in the hands and hearts of those who con- tinue to care for them. And as that legacy is carried forward, it’s now mirrored by a renewed wave of energy in the Club’s paddling program. “Our numbers are up,” Guild shares. “Our divisions have swelled to the point where we’ve got lots of people interested. This particular [canoe] blessing is import- ant because—when everybody sees how many people are there—it’s going to signal just how significant our footprint is at this point.” With a rising generation eager to learn, paddle, and perpetuate the Club’s traditions, the Koa canoes are not only preserved—they’re powering a vibrant future. ■
by the Club, Clemens is spending the summer learning and working under renowned canoe builders Bobby and Johnny Puakea. “They're trying to perpetuate the art form be- ing passed on to the next generation,” Clemens says. “I'm fortunate to be one of the people in this position.” The commitment to keeping this knowledge alive doesn’t stop with Clemens. At Outrigger, efforts are also focused on cultivating that same sense of stewardship and appreciation within the Club’s younger membership. “We really want them to appreciate what they've got there,” says Guild. “In the long run, we want to make sure that everybody who utilizes those boats helps carry them, trailer them, paddle them, and has an ap-
JULY / AUGUST 2025 | AMA 19 JULY / AUGUST 2025 |
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