Among the hundreds of paddlers at ADR Saturday, November 5, one will stand out, both for his sheer stature and because he will be on hand to bless a new children’s book capturing his story: “A Special Kind of Family.”
This lavishly illustrated story of Hawaii wisdom keeper “Uncle” Kimokeo Kapahulehua, produced by ARE Outrigger World, nurtures the spirit of "family" ('ohana), using the outrigger paddling community as its focus. It will inspire young readers to appreciate the connective spirit of family and the shared companionship in this growing sport.
Own Your Own Copy of “A Special Kind of Family”
ADR attendees are encouraged to purchase their book beforehand (Amazon or Barnes & Noble online) and bring it to the race for signing, or to look for the ARE Outrigger World booth, where signed copies will be sold (or signed in person).
“This is one more way we are trying to help grow our sport,” says ARE Outrigger World director Joey Alvarez, “while honoring Kimokeo for all he has done.”
A long-time caretaker of the paddling culture, Kimokeo has been at ADR to bless previous races and to paddle with the same unbridled energy he has had for 50 years! “No one has Kimokeo’s energy!” says ADR race director John Burns. “It will be a blessing to have him here.”
Helping Future Generations
A portion of the book proceeds will go to the Kimokeo Foundation, which helps spread the Hawaiian cultural legacy, so it lasts for generations. Likewise, “A Special Kind of Family” is intended to encourage future generations of paddlers to participate in, and perpetuate, this sport.
Join us at ADR, in Parker, Arizona, for a thrilling day of paddling, food and festivities, plus an exciting raffle, in which ARE Outrigger World, a race sponsor, will donate a rudderless ARE Tahiti V1 Marara outrigger canoe for ADR’s fund-raising efforts. Get your tickets at https://tinyurl.com/adrraffle2022.
