OluKai Official Giveback Sponsors: 4TH ANNUAL PUNTA SAYULITA CLASSIC

In keeping with our ‘Ohana commitment to family and our active approach to giving back, we are proud to be the official Giveback Sponsor for the 4th Annual Punta Sayulita Classic. Presented by the Riviera Nayarit Tourism Board, the competition is regarded as one of the premiere international surfing and stand-up paddle (SUP) destination events in North America. The event will also feature a very special benefit concert by international reggae recording star Mishka.

As the official Giveback Sponsor, we will be supporting the several activities kicking-off the event through hands-on participation as a company; a surf clinic for special needs and underprivileged children under the supervision of renowned longboard surfer, Jimmy Gamboa and members of his TheraSURF organization, plus other participating professionals and instructors from local Sayulita surf schools; a community-wide beach cleanup managed by former pro surfer James Pribram of the Eco-Warrier Foundation and members from Project Save Our Surf; a children’s interactive Reef Day art camp with local artist Treva Dea of Sayulita Art Camps. All these events are free and open to the public. In addition, we will also donate shoes and tee-shirts to locals and event participants.

“The Sayulita Classic is a unique opportunity to support the core industry as well as make a positive difference in the local community,” says Kerry Konrady, director of marketing. “As the Official Giveback Partner, this is not a 'your logo here' sponsorship, we are taking an active approach to giving back, rolling up our sleeves to make a meaningful difference. It is with this spirit we run our OluKai Ho'olaule'a in Maui each May."

Attracting thousands of spectators, the Punta Sayulita Classic features one of the deepest international fields of professional athletes and amateurs competing in longboard and stand-up paddle (“SUP”) surfing. The event will take place in the beautiful surfside village of Sayulita, Mexico, 40 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta. Unique to the Punta Sayulita Classic and unlike other international competitions, competitors are not competing for prize money. The primary goal of the event is to raise awareness for environmental protection and respect for the world’s oceans and wildlife. Additionally, the event raises funds for the Reef Check Foundation’s area Eco-Diver Program as well as the Punta Sayulita Foundation’s children’s educational and sports development programs. Founded and organized by the Punta Sayulita resort community, the competition is made possible by the generous support of the event’s sponsors, professional athletes, the Sayulita community and the event volunteers.

According to Event Director Kevin Roberts, “By far this will be the deepest and most talented field at the Punta Sayulita Classic. Every year the field grows with talent and we are so appreciative of the pros carving out time from their competition schedules to come compete in the event and help raise awareness and money for the Reef Check and Punta Sayulita Foundations.” The event lineup includes surfing legend Gerry Lopez; defending SUP surf champ Zane Schweitzer; defending SUP Men’s Elite and Distance champion Connor Baxter; 2-time defending women’s SUP elite race champion Candice Appleby; Mexican SUP National champion Fernando Stalla; 2-time defending men’s longboard champion Darren Eudaly; women’s defending longboard champion Karina Ozunka; as well as past champions, Chuck Patterson, Slater Trout, Sean Poynter, Mary Osborne, Patricio Gonzalez and many more.

For more information and for the event calendar, visit http://puntasayulitasurfclassic.com/details/

OluKai’s Narrative Talk Story Presented Through Archie Kalepa at TEDxMaui 2013

In an ongoing effort to support thought-provoking discourse while strengthening regional innovation in Hawai’i, OluKai presented its second TEDxMaui, the independently produced version of the globally renowned TED conference committed to “ideas worth spreading,” on January 13, 2013 in Kahului, Maui. Archie Kalepa, mentor to OluKai, big-wave surfer and innovative waterman, was on hand to speak about his experiences and knowledge of the ocean and passion that surrounds him.

Archie Kalepa Shown with Hand Carved Alaia Board

The TEDxMaui event was the perfect platform to support the innovative ideas and opinions of those associated with the Hawaiian culture. OluKai continues to support the event as it aligns with the brand’s commitment to sharing its Talk Story, an online series of short videos and photography meant to inspire and connect across cultures, and conferences such as TEDxMaui encourage global thinking and positive action. OluKai recognizes the importance of connecting global luminaries and sharing progressive ideas with Hawaiian leaders as it relates to local cultural issues.

Packed Crowd during Presentations

OluKai believes that everyone, no matter where they are can live Aloha. Sharing its passion and love for the ocean and cultures around it, Archie Kalepa (one of Hawaii’s great ocean sports pioneers) is the perfect mentor, visionary, and continued inspiration for the brand.

The entire collection of 2013 TedxMaui presentors videos will be available on www.olukai.com soon.

About TED | TEDx  

TEDx was created in the spirit of TED's mission, "ideas worth spreading." The program is designed to give communities, organizations and individuals the opportunity to stimulate dialogue through TED-like experiences at the local level. At TEDx events, a screening of TEDTalks videos -- or a combination of live presenters and TEDTalks videos -- sparks deep conversation and connections. TEDx events are fully planned and coordinated independently, on a community-by-community basis. To learn more, visit http://www.ted.com/pages/about_tedx. For more information about TEDxMaui, visit www.tedxmaui.com and ‘Like’ them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TEDxMaui.

For additional photos please visit OluKai's Facebook.

*Photos courtesy of TEDxMaui & Jessica Pearl.

Ongoing Commitment To Progression: OluKai Presents TEDxMaui 2013

In an ongoing effort to support thought-provoking discourse while strengthening regional innovation in Hawai’i, OluKai will present the second TEDxMaui, the independently produced version of the globally renowned TED conference committed to “ideas worth spreading,” on January 13, 2013, in Kahului, Maui. 

A live broadcast of the TEDxMaui event will be accessible through www.olukai.com with opening ceremonies beginning at 9:00 a.m. Hawaiian Standard Time / 11:00 a.m. Pacific Standard Time. People across the country and beyond can also follow TEDxMaui live on Twitter at @tedxmaui and participate in live conversation by using the #TEDxMaui2013 hashtag.
 
Similar to the mission of OluKai’s Talk Story series (an original collection of short videos and photography curated to inspire and connect people across cultures), the day-long conference will encourage global thinking and positive action with luminary speakers such as Archie Kalepa, mentor to OluKai, big-wave surfer and innovative waterman recently inducted to the Hawaii Watermen’s Hall of Fame; Alex Grey, visionary medical illustrator from Harvard Medical School whose art has been featured in Time, Newsweek, on the Discovery Channel and albums of Tool, Beastie Boys and Nirvana; Quayle Hodek, renewable energy expert named one of the ‘7 Hottest CEO’s’ by Treehugger.com and one of Red Herring’s ‘Top 25 Entrepreneurs Under 35;’ Jenelle Peterson, an inspired teacher who has taught in classrooms from Compton to Maui; and Kim Rosen, MFA, author of Saved by a Poem: The Transformative Power of Words whose work has been featured in media such as O Magazine and The New Yorker. 

“OluKai is the founding partner of TEDxMaui and we are honored to continue in helping create an enduring platform for inspired thinking,” said Kerry Konrady, Director of Marketing for OluKai.
 
OluKai’s giveback philosophy is part of brand’s DNA and marked by a continual commitment to partnering with organizations actively pursuing Mauka- and Makai-initiatives (protecting the land and ocean) including Maui Cultural Lands, The Hawaiian Lifeguard Association and Junior Lifeguard Program, and Team OluKai/Kamakani Eleu, which is part of the Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Association. OluKai has built a legacy of support with relevant, meaningful and high-quality events across the country such as Outside Lands, the OluKai Love & Roots Tour with Anuhea and Mishka, TEDxMaui and their employee-produced Ho’olaule’a annual celebration (with elite SUP and OC1 races) on Maui. Additionally, the brand has stepped in with hands-on efforts for pressing needs such as participating in a recent cross-country drive to deliver supplies to people in New York affected by Hurricane Sandy along with their annual Giveback Day, during which the company closes its doors and joins a local cause – such as Project Save Our Surf and Inside The Outdoors for wetlands and ocean conservation and StandUp for Kids to raise awareness and supplies for homeless and street kids in Orange County, CA.


About TED | TEDx 
TEDx was created in the spirit of TED's mission, "ideas worth spreading." The program is designed to give communities, organizations and individuals the opportunity to stimulate dialogue through TED-like experiences at the local level. 

At TEDx events, a screening of TEDTalks videos -- or a combination of live presenters and TEDTalks videos -- sparks deep conversation and connections. TEDx events are fully planned and coordinated independently, on a community-by-community basis. To learn more, visit http://www.ted.com/pages/about_tedx.

For more information about TEDxMaui, visit www.tedxmaui.com and ‘Like’ them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TEDxMaui.

Mahalo From OluKai

OluKai would like to sincerely thank everyone that supported the Cyber Monday Sandy Relief efforts. Because of you, we were able to exceed our goal and donate all proceeds from that day to those in and around New York that were affected by the storm.

 In addition, Project Save our Surf successfully completed their journey across the nation to deliver over $100,000 in supplies to people in need. Overall we could not have done this without your support. Mahalo!

OluKai Gives Back To Hurricane Sandy Relief

Partners With Project Save Our Surf,  Delivering $100,000 In Supplies To People Affected

With a long-standing commitment to giving back, OluKai has announced a partnership with Project Save Our Surf to provide relief to people who have been affected by Hurricane Sandy in New York City. OluKai has donated about 700 pairs of closed toed shoes (valued at over $85,000) as well as financial support to stores and retail shops to which OluKai is connected that have suffered structural damage (minimum of $15,000) from the storm. Ambassadors from Project Save Our Surf will begin driving across the United Stated today, from Santa Monica to New York, where they will work with the New York Surfrider Foundation to set up several relief outposts for people to come to and receive the supplies they need (such as clothing, shoes, baby items, water, non-perishable foods, school supplies, toiletries, pillows, blankets, towels, batteries, pet food, cleaning supplies, shovels and generators). The drive will be completed in three days.

"Everyone at OluKai has been deeply moved by the aftermath of Sandy,” said Cara Hockersmith, OluKai Project Lead for Sandy Relief Efforts. “We are grateful to be able to take local action with our partners Project Save Our Surf and New York Surfrider.”

OluKai’s giveback philosophy is a deep part of the brand’s DNA and marked by a continual commitment to partnering with organizations actively pursuing Mauka- and Makai-initiatives (protecting the land and ocean). Additionally, OluKai has built a legacy of support with meaningful events such as their annual Giveback Day, during which the company closes its doors and joins a local cause – such as Project Save Our Surf and Inside The Outdoors for wetlands and ocean conservation and StandUp for Kids to raise awareness and supplies for homeless and street kids in Orange County, CA.

About Project Save Our Surf 
Project Save our Surf is dedicated to the conservation of our oceans and freshwater alike. With surfers, celebrities, friends, families and businesses in unison they educate the public to reverse the trend of environmental pollution and create a plastic-free world. http://projectsaveoursurf.org/index.php. Project Save our Surf has four beneficiaries, one of them being Inside the Outdoors.

3rd Annual OluKai 'Ohana Giveback Day

On September 26, 2012, as part of a deep and long-standing commitment to giving back, OluKai closed the doors to their offices in Orange County for their 3rd Annual Giveback Day. Because of a shared dedication to ocean conservation along with hands-on environmental educational programs, OluKai partnered with Project Save Our Surf and Inside The Outdoors to locally give back by removing non-native plants and re-planting native plants at Upper Newport Back Bay, which is considered one of the most precious natural resources in Southern California. Forty volunteers from OluKai joined 20 others from Project Save Our Surf and Inside The Outdoors for the day-long event.

"Our Annual Giveback Day is a tradition for us to gather as a family and volunteer our time locally with organizations who share our giveback ethic," said Kerry Konrady, Director of Marketing at OluKai. "It was an honor to combine our efforts with two organizations we respect and together make positive change happen in our backyard."

  

In 2011, OluKai partnered with specialty retailers and together cleaned up over 300 pounds of trash from six different beaches in Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties for their Giveback Day. In 2010, OluKai held a Life Supply Drive to benefit StandUp for Kids, an organization that helps homeless and street kids every day in cities across the United States.

OluKai’s Annual Giveback Day is part their giveback philosophy, which is marked by a continual commitment to partnering with organizations actively pursuing Mauka- and Makai-initiatives (protecting the land and ocean) including Maui Cultural Lands, The Hawaiian Lifeguard Association and Junior Lifeguard Program, and Team OluKai/Kamakani Eleu, which is part of the Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Association. Additionally, OluKai has built a legacy of support with relevant, meaningful and high-quality events across the country such as Outside Lands, the OluKai Love & Roots Tour with Anuhea and Mishka, TEDxMaui and their sole-sponsored Ho’olaule’a annual celebration (with elite SUP and OC1 races) on Maui.

About Project Save Our Surf

Project Save our Surf is dedicated to the conservation of our oceans and freshwater alike. With surfers, celebrities, friends, families and businesses in unison they educate the public to reverse the trend of environmental pollution and create a plastic-free world. http://projectsaveoursurf.org/index.php. Project Save our Surf has four beneficiaries, one of them being Inside the Outdoors.

About Inside The Outdoors

Inside the Outdoors is a unique and hands-on environmental education program administered by the Orange County Department of Education. Their mission is to empower students, teachers, parents, and the community to explore natural areas and expand their knowledge, understanding, and stewardship of the environment. http://ito.ocde.us/Home.htm

 

 

                  

Archie Kalepa Inducted into the Waterman Hall of Fame

Surrounded by the waterman community some 500 strong, Archie Kalepa – our own beloved mentor, advisor and inspiration – was inducted, along with seven other athletes, into the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation’s Hawaii Waterman Hall of Fame.

This recognition is the highest award one can receive for achievements in the water sport community. So when he found out he was selected, he didn't tell anyone except his wife Alicia for nearly a month. "I didn't believe it could happen to me," Kalepa says. "To be included with Duke Kahanamoku....I'm so honored. And to be inducted with my good friends Brian [Keaulana] and Mike [Tongg] makes it very, very special. This is like the [pro football] Hall of Fame, but it's for those who have the same passion and love for the ocean."

They gathered on Oahu on August 23 to honor Kalepa’s accomplishments – from helping to pioneer tow-in, big-wave surfing and the use of jet skis in ocean rescue (Kalepa is a longtime Maui county ocean safety captain) to driving the popularity of SUP with both innovation, as co-founder of C4 Waterman, and exploration: Kalepa was the first person to paddle the Molokai to Oahu race on a standup board and made the first SUP descent of the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon.

They also gathered to honor his commitment to Hawaiian culture, and in particular the connections to the past, to each other and to the ocean, and what Kahanamoku himself referred to as the “Creed of Aloha.”

"In Hawaii, we greet friends, loved ones or strangers with Aloha, which means love.  Aloha is the key word to the universal spirit of real hospitality, which makes Hawaii renowned as the world's
center of understanding and fellowship. Try meeting or leaving people with Aloha. You'll
be surprised by their reaction. I believe it and it is my creed. Aloha to you."

Duke Kahanamoku's Creed of Aloha 

Kalepa said no one thought crossing the Kaiwi Channel on a SUP was possible when he set out to do it in 2004. "And now look,” he says, “there was nearly 300 paddlers who did it the last race. I see SUP as a continuation of what Duke did when he as bringing surfing to the world: he wanted to share something that could be enjoyed by many.” 

   

Kalepa joins past Hawai'i Waterman Hall of Fame honorees Duke Kahanamoku, Eddie Aikau, Wally Froiseth, Fred Hemmings, Buffalo Keaulana, Rabbit Kekai, Keo Nakama, Nappy Napoleon, Rell Sunn, Peter Cole, Ethel Kukea, Aileen Soule, and Nainoa Thompson - each an embodiment of Kahanamoku’s creed, each a testament to the Hawaiian waterman tradition.

Accepting his honor, he turned to the community and he asked that no matter what ocean or beach, or part of the world we may find ourselves, to share Duke’s spirit and greet everyone with “Aloha.”