Dawn Outrigger Paddle

It was dark as we launched our outrigger canoe, hoping we would not bump into any whales with our first sets of strokes. The tiny crescent moon failed to light our way. Each stroke of our paddle through the dark water sparkled phosphorescence, adding to the eeriness of the dark. Our blue and white ama (outrigger float) was sparking with each slap of the dark waves. Unusual for predawn, this morning presented wind and waves, causing us to point upwind and upswell as we warmed up our still sleeping muscles.

As dawn began to lighten the sky, Haleakala Crater, House of the Sun, was opening her back door to the glowing sun behind it. We had to stop and savor the enchanting moment. The invigorating paddle and dawning of a new day awakened my body and rejuvenated spirit. After beginning with a push into the swell and breeze, when we turned around to head home, we were grateful for a quick, easy glide as the wind and the waves pushed us along the shore.

Our team of employees has 3 months to prepare for the annual Restaurant and Hotel Employee Outrigger Canoe Race. My muscles will need that time to adapt to the new exercise pattern of paddling canoe. My lungs will need to build for the quick 1/4 mile sprint, a race which will be over in moments.