Once again when the subject of the States race came up, we talked again about the lack of a level playing field because of the differences in koa canoes. In our case, we are using a borrowed older boat from Hui Lanikila as our own koa is in need for major renovation. In contrast, the bigger clubs like OCC, Lanikai, Healani and others have more than one and generally will race in a renovated, state of the art koa. So when our crews paddle out to the line, already we are at a disadvantage which we have to overcome. Fair or not that's just the way it is.
What to do? Well, we can be patient, fundraise, and wait for the day when we have a beautiful almost new boat such as Leeward Kai's. The other option and one favored by Nappy is to make the States race a real test of who has the best crew with everyone paddling in fiberglass boats of the same design just as we do at World Sprints. The beauty and tradition of the koa canoe remains during regatta season but at some point, we should turn the focus on the best crews without the handicap on some of paddling slower, older canoes. The old guard approach is that this idea is pretty much heresy and not even to be considered. However just as the 'Eono Hoe race this year, the time really has come to look at ways to improve our sport and not get mired in the past. Controversial? You bet! Opposition? Out there!! Comments??
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