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Director’s Eddy S
The
everal of the ACA’s Board of Directors and members took part in a recent trip to Hawaii
to reconnect with a paddling culture that has flourished for many generations. The ACA’s mission embraces education, stewardship, recreation and competition, all of which can be found in the Hawaiian culture. Our goal was to demonstrate, as ACA ambassa-
dors, how closely our mission ties in with the cul- ture and way of life in Hawaii. The canoe has been the center of Pacific culture and history for hun- dreds, and possibly even thousands, of years and while the canoe has been relevant to the ACA for only 133 years, it is our founding symbol and a pil- lar of this organization (see the declaration at www.
americancanoe.org/partnerships). We as paddlers will always share a similar bond—the canoe, water and paddling are a part of our life and history. To solidify the ACA’s common beliefs, paddling
ideals and history, we signed a declaration of partnership with the Polynesian Voyaging Society whose voyaging canoes, the Hōkūle‘a and Hikianalia, have helped bridge the historic and cultural significance of the canoe in the island way of life. The Hōkūle‘a, Hikianalia and their respective
crews, including one ACA intern, will embark on a three-year, worldwide voyage endeavoring to stop at 60 ports, including multiple stops on the U.S. mainland east coast, to share the history and culture of the canoe, raise awareness for marine sanctuaries, stewardship, and train the next generation of navigators. ACA members and directors took part in
several ceremonies including a blessing of the canoes and the planting of Koa trees (canoe trees). On the Hawaiian islands there are no Koa trees of size to continue the traditional canoe building practice; hopefully, the next few generations will be able to use native Koa trees to continue the canoe building traditions. To follow the voyage, go to
instagram.com/acapaddlesports.
Wade Blackwood, ACA, Executive Director Canoe-Kayak-Raft-SUP- Rescue
54 ADVENTURE KAYAK | SUMMER/FALL 2013
Kirk Havens, Neil Hannahs, Wade Blackwood, Anne Maleady, Nainoa Thompson and Billy Richards at partnership plaque presentation Hilo, Hawaii.
Planting of Koa trees. ACA intern Zane on the Hōkūle‘a.
Ceremony of the blessing of the canoes.
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