Canoeing is one of the many, few sports, that
is well known in Hawaii, but people don't really understand the true meaning
behind canoeing, history and culture.Hawaii's beaches and sights are a joy to see. To
watch, hula under the moonlight,to smell the salty ocean breeze rushing through
your face. Hearing the peaceful medleys of the Hawaiian chants and seeing all
the canoe races. Sitting and watching the all competitions in Hawaii, the
surfing contest, Merrie Monarch Hula, Kamehameha song contest, and the canoeing
racing.
The sport of canoeing just didn't appear
20 years ago, it started from the early Hawaiians. This creative versatile
invention was created .Two thousand years ago an ingenious way to get food
and such for their families. Catching fish, was one of many things that were
caught by the using the canoe. The Ka 'Ele (hull) which stored the sea
creatures that were caught. The Ka 'Ele was in a shape of a banana, so the
Hawaiians could sit in the canoe and also keep fishing gear close to the hand.
Thinking of using the banana like shape to form the base of the canoe was very
smart. Knowing that they wanted but not knowing how to build it was the tricky
part in the early Hawaiians process to build the canoe.The canoe had to be
designed around the ocean conditions. The waves would be about three- four feet at the most. The least would be one- two feet. Not knowing the wave patterns on the island, is tricky to build a canoe around. The Hawaiians were smart because they used whatever resources they had to figure out the wave patterns. Knowing the Hawaiians they wanted to caught fish and they
created an invention to caught in a easier way than swimming out.
Making many different parts became a big part of making the canoe work. The weight and size of the canoe played a impacted
on the canoe. Weighting about 400 pounds and over 39 feet long. The design played a major role in how the canoe moves and travels. The extra banana like shaped or the "ama" was for balance. The two ends of the canoe was used as a compass to see were they heading to. North, south, east, or west. The canoe size depends on how many men are in the canoe. One men, two men, four men, and six
men are some of the groups. Most canoes that were made were 6 men because 6 is better than one right? The paddle that came along with the canoe was also important. The paddle was used for pushing the water back so the canoe can move easily through the ocean.
Knowing the design and how the
canoe it's made helps you realize that the canoe was made with a purpose.
Canoeing back then is completely different form today. Still keeping the
tradition alive but working with the ocean conditions.
Ohau Hawaiian
Canoeing Racing Association (OHCRA) is keeping the Hawaiian tradition alive by
having 3,000 paddlers racing in big competitions. Hui Wa'a consist of 2,000
paddlers.
Both paddling teams involves training, commitment and
determination.
In toady's society some canoe clubs like Hui Wa'a use the
old traditionally one which is the Koa wood. Others clubs such as OHCRA
fiber glass which is used in kayaking.
The thing that makes fiberglass not look traditional is the glossy coat it has. It makes the canoe look fake. The fiber glass canoe was invented
in 1954. More people use Koa wood in Hawaii because there is a abundant here.
In the mainland people tend to use fiber glass because of the lack of Koa wood
there.
Back, two
thousand years ago when the early Hawaiians started to build and create the
canoe. They took into consideration the ocean conditions and what materials they
had. The canoe represents more than just the Hawaiian history, culture, and
people. It shows what the Hawaiians had to do the survive.
Seeing all the
big canoe races being held in Hawaii but not knowing the history and culture
behind the sport. Just remember when coming to Hawaii, there's more to it
than just the beaches and wonderful views. There are competitions that mean
everything to the people of Hawaii and hopefully it means something to
you.
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