Paddle Forward To Giveback: The 5th Annual OluKai Ho'olaule'a

This past weekend, we celebrated extended family and Hawaiian culture at our 5th annual Ho’olaule’a on May 11-12 in Maui, Hawaii. Event participants and festival goers gathered Saturday and Sunday for what has become one of the most celebrated festival and elite standup paddle competitions (SUP) in the world. With the largest gathering in its history, the event featured canoe sailing, surfing, ancient Hawaiian games, luau, hula, and a history making live music concert.

Competing for equal gender prize money of $15,000, SUP and OC1/OC2 (outrigger canoe 1 man/outrigger canoe 2 man) racers traveled from 10 countries and 15 mainland US states to compete in the Maliko Downwind run, one of the largest SUP races in the world which spans 8 miles of legendary open ocean and finishes with a 300 yard beach sprint.

 

 

 

The top 3 winners in men’s SUP included Connor Baxter taking 1st place and Dave Kalama and Kai Lenny taking 2nd and 3rd respectively. Taking 1st place in women’s SUP was Andrea Moller, followed by Talia Gangini in 2nd and Devin Blish in 3rd. In men’s OC1/OC2, Kai Bartlett finished 1st, Manny Kulukulualani 2nd, and the team of Dave Kalama and Junya McGurn finished 3rd. The top 3 in the women’s OC1/OC2 race were Lauren Spalding in 1st, Andrea Moller in 2nd and Dane Ward in 3rd.

For full results of the SUP race, go to http://live.pseresults.com/e/27#/.
For full results of the OC1/OC2 races, go to http://live.pseresults.com/e/28#/

In celebration of the competition and our giveback partners, we presented a musical history-making concert Saturday night featuring six of Hawaii’s top musical recording artists on one stage, for a Hawaiian Kanakapili style back yard jam; a style of Hawaiian music produced in an impromptu jam session. Paula Fuga, Kimie Miner, Justin Young, Ekolu Kalama and Hawaii’s hottest female recording artist and longtime OluKai brand partner, Anuhea, along with Billboard’s #1 Reggae artist, Mishka, played several of their original hits as well as special selections, traditional and modern, in various configurations with each other.

Consistent with our commitment to always giving back through our 'Ohana Giveback program, OluKai made monetary donations in excess of $20,000 to the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association, Maui Cultural Lands, Lae Ula o Kai Canoe Club, Uhane O Waa Kaulua, Paia Youth and Cultural Center and Zenshin Daiko. And continuing with our hands-on approach to giving back, OluKai employees who qualified for travel to Ho’olaule’a by contributing a minimum of 20 hours of local service leading up to the event, wrapped up the weekend at the Maui Cultural Lands Giveback Day. Upwards of 100 local volunteers and OluKai staff traveled to Honokowai Valley, a cultural heritage preservation site to contribute efforts towards reforestation and archeological stabilization projects.

Through this one-of-a-kind festival experience, we want to thank everyone who helps support the event from special guests from major and specialty retailers including REI, Zappos, and Sport Chalet; professional paddlers driving the sport of SUP; cultural icons like Archie Kalepa; six renowned Hawaiian musicians; OluKai staff, and over 2,000 passionate locals and festivalgoers. Aloha.

Visit OluKai's facebook for a complete set of event photography.

5th Annual Ho'olaule'a Race Results

DAY 1 SUP RACE RESULTS: http://live.pseresults.com/e/27#/
DAY 2 OC1 & OC2 RACE RESULTS: http://live.pseresults.com/e/28#/

Men's SUP Elite

1. Connor Baxter - 00:50:04
2. Dave Kalama - 00:51:39
3. Kai Lenny - 00:52:35
4. Slater Trout - 00:52:54
5. Scott Gamble - 00:53:19
6. Grags Croniea - 00:53:26

Women's SUP Elite

1. Andrea Muller - 01:02:15
2. Talia Gangini - 01:05:30
3. Devin Blish - 01:05:38
4. Karla Gilbert - 01:06:39
5. Kathy Shipman - 01:08:45
6. Mariko Strickland - 01:09:49

Men's OC1 Elite

1. Kai Bartlett  - 00:48:05
2. Manny Kulukululani - 00:48:25
3. Alfred Van Gieson  - 00:49:20
4. Jacob Abegtia - 00:49:35
5. Georges Cronsteadt - 00:49:53
6. Scott Gamble - 00:50:22

Women's OC1 Elite 

1. Lauren Spalding - 00:52:50
2. Andrea Mollet - 00:53:03
3. Dane Ward - 00:56:27
4. Jane McKee - 00:59:00
5. Fiona Van Ammers - 01:05:22
6. Marge Kawaiaea - 01:06:33

OluKai A Big Part of Punta Sayulita Classic Giveback Program

As official Giveback sponsor of the 4th annual Punta Sayulita Classic, we celebrated the conclusion of a highly successful event this past weekend. With multiple giveback events throughout the weekend, we fulfilled our goal of inspiring event goers to giveback too.

The event took place in the quaint village of Sayulita, Mexico, featuring 250 of the best surfers and stand-up-paddlers in the world participating in the SUP Surf and Longboard contests as well as SUP Elite, and Offshore Distance and Fun races where several father-daughter teams participated paddling together. Over 3,000 people attended throughout the weekend with beautiful sunny skies and consistent 3-5 foot swells creating fun, yet challenging waves for all. International reggae recording star Mishka performed to a lively beach crowd and the event culminated with a very special awards dinner for family and friends.

Our company wide, hands-on participation included participating in the Punta Sayulita Classic’s Friday “Foundation Day” where it partnered with various organizations including local, ecological and community-oriented private school, Costa Verde International School (CVIS) in educating youth on the plastic recycling process and why its so important.

 

We also collaborated on additional activities including: a surf clinic for special needs and underprivileged children under the supervision of renowned longboard surfer, Jimmy Gamboa and members of his TheraSURF organization; a community-wide beach cleanup managed by former pro surfer James Pribram of the Eco-Warrier Foundation and members from Project Save Our Surf; and a children’s interactive Reef Day art camp with local artist Treva Dea of Sayulita Art Camps. All events were free and open to the public. In addition, we donated shoes and tee-shirts to locals and event participants.

“The Punta Sayulita Classic is a special event for many reasons but one in particular stands out for us,” says Kerry Konrady, OluKai’s marketing director. “There is truly such a massive focus on giveback, and everyone, including the athletes, event organizers and attendees band together to make a difference. We are inspired by the ‘Ohana of the event.” 100% sponsorship dollars went to area Reef Check and to the Punta Sayulita Foundation’s children development programs.

 For more information about the event visit: http://puntasayulitasurfclassic.com

OluKai Presents Anuhea - Spring Tour 2013

Contest Is Now Closed. Thank you to everyone who participated.

Contest ends on February 28, 2013 at 11:59pm PST. Winner will be selected and contacted on March 1, 2013. Limit One (1) entry per person, per address. Contest open to US residents only.

To purchase tickets click here: Buy Tickets!

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.