3 Life Lessons from Hawaiian Outrigger Canoeing

I first came to Maui twelve years ago and was instantly -- and enduringly -- impacted by the Spirit of Aloha. However, it wasn't until I returned home to the Valley Isle, after a three-year "tour of (winter) duty" in Canada, that I understood the tangible meaning of A.L.O.H.A. Not until I found Hawaiian Outrigger Canoeing...

Lesson 1: The Aloha Spirit

A simple Google search of "Aloha" or "Spirit of Aloha" will yield countless results. It can be quite overwhelming and confusing. I tend to go to more official sources when Iʻm exploring the Hawaiian culture, hence I'm referencing the Center for Labor Education & Research at

University of Hawai‘i - West O‘ahu which sites the meaning of ALOHA as written into State Law:

§ 5-7.5 "Aloha Spirit"...the following unuhi laulā loa (translation) may be used:

"Akahai", meaning kindness to be expressed with tenderness;

"Lōkahi", meaning unity, to be expressed with harmony;

"ʻOluʻolu" meaning agreeable, to be expressed with pleasantness;

"Haʻahaʻa", meaning humility, to be expressed with modesty;

"Ahonui", meaning patience, to be expressed with perseverance.

Accordingly, my life lessons from the waʻa (canoe) are:

A - be aware of tone and words when giving feedback; take to heart the receiver's heart

L - be clear on the order of priorities: Club, Crew, Self (as in life: God, Community, Self)

O - be considerate during a task (commend in public / condemn in private)

H - be appreciative of teammates and the importance of their roles

A - be steadfast; do not give up in a challenge; always be learning

Lesson 2: Serve Others by Improving Self

Stephen Covey called it "Sharpening the Saw" (Habit #7). Michael Jordan said, "Everybody has talent, but ability takes hard work." Anonymous infamously quipped, "Don't compare yourself to others. Compare yourself to the person from yesterday." What each of these, and many many more, modern-day philosophic anecdotes has in common is that improvement of self first is necessary to be a part of a winning team (it's sometimes the best way to serve others).

As a member of an outrigger canoe crew, we are taught that each seat (position) is just as important as another. And like in most all things in life, the boat will only be as good (go as fast) as it's "weakest link". Therefore, while there may be a tendency to call out another paddler for a missed stroke, it is best to focus on how I can dig deeper, improve my timing and achieve blend. If six paddlers work to improve their own skills, then they bring that much more to the crew - in service to the team.

Lesson 3: Paʻa Ka Waha (Close the Mouth)

Or, as Coach would say, "Shut up and Paddle!" While this common saying in the canoe community is most often said with the intention of literal interpretation, it is also used to motivate crew members to keep paddling, work together and not lose focus or give up. This Hawaiian phrase is also used by kūpuna (elders) and kumu (teachers) imploring keiki (children) to pay attention, listen and learn (by not talking).

When we are not talking, our ears and minds are (hopefully) open to receiving...information, understanding, and love. And by doing so, we can also display to those around us that we genuinely care. It is also a way to stay present in the moment; to pay attention, be mindful, stay focused.

"IMUA!" (Forward)

Paddling OC1, OC2 and OC6 -- regatta, long distance, voyaging, recreational -- has quite literally changed my life. Some of the best humans in the world are my closest friends, my ʻohana (family). Physically Iʻm in the best shape of my life (my nickname is "Shanimal"). Spiritually Iʻm connected to the beautiful mana (energy) of Maui. And, with pure humility, the waʻa has taught (continues to teach) me some of lifeʻs best lessons. Iʻm looking forward to continuing the education... IMUA!