PROPOSAL
A small team of paddlers in one-man outrigger canoes and surf skis will navigate the entire Hawaiian Island Chain and talk story with community leaders from each island about the environmental and cultural issues they currently face. Their journey will weave together the beauty and intensity of the open ocean with inspiring testimony about critical efforts to protect nature and culture across the Hawaiian archipelago.
From the Big Island to Kauai (or possibly Ni’ihau, if permission is granted) they will cover over 300 miles of dynamic open ocean swell, propelled by the wind waves that batter the islands. They will camp in the dripping rainforests, on the pristine beaches, and paddle along the epic sea cliffs that make Hawaii the unique microcosm that it is.
Instead of rushing to do it as fast as possible, this team of paddlers will do it Aloha style, taking their time to absorb the energy of the ocean, fish for their meals, take in the grandeur of the islands, and listen to the wisdom of elders such as Nainoa Thompson and Sabra Kauka.
VISUAL EXIBIT OF OPEN OCEAN CONDITIONS:
THE TEAM: 4-6 paddlers: 2 outrigger canoes, 2 surf skis (+1 two man canoe) The selection of the team will be based on those watermen and women who exude Aloha and Mahalo, and who have the most empathy for the issues that Hawaii and it’s people now face.
Kai Bartlett is a legend in the Hawaiian outrigger community. He has won the Molokai World Championships 5 times, and has been building the canoes he paddles for over 17 years. His gentle spirit, prowess on the water and love for the islands make him the ideal leader for this team. His canoes: www.kaiwaa.com
Gabe Newton is an artist and Patagonia athlete who cares deeply about the world. His paddling career spans 25 years, and includes competing on the US Freestyle Kayak Team, numerous first descents, a feature in TGR’s film Nurpu, 2012 US Surfski Champion, and 13th in the Surfski World Series. The Malolo Project is his dream. His art: www.gabrielnewton.com
WEATHER WINDOW: June - early July for the best windswell
PATH: Hawai’i - Kaho’olawe (if permitted) - Maui - Lanai - Moloka’i - Oahu - Kauai - Ni’ihau (if permitted)
CONTACT:
Gabe Newton
510.910.0786
visual@gabrielnewton.com
PHOTO CREDITS: Lannie Boesiger 1,3; Bob Stawicki 2