Coach Allen Abad started paddling in the mid 1960's with the Leeward Kai Canoe Club, founders - Henry and Edith Van Gieson. The club consisted of many families, the Pachecos, Mahoes, Lasconias, Lizares, Nahaleas, Hanohanos, Abads, Rapozas and more. This brought together a family oriented club where all families came together to paddle and help the club.

     Coach Allen left Hawaii to serve in the Navy in 1968, served his four years and in 1972 moved to San Diego. There he met Jim Ako and other local people from Hawaii. In 1976 the first canoe club started. It started recreational, all the brothers enjoying what they miss back home and later on became Kai Elua Outrigger Canoe Club. In 1982 Coach Allen became a part of the Budweiser Outrigger Team in San Diego.

     Now residing in Arizona coach Allen started (TAZ) Team Arizona Outrigger Canoe Club in 2004.

Allen Abad wants to send a special thanks to all that has helped and taught him about paddling:
     Henry Van Gieson - Leeward Kai C.C from Nanakuli
     Rona Ka'aekuhiwi - Nakeiki O ka mo'i C.C. from Wainae
     Jimmy Ako - Kai Elua C.C. from San Diego
     Robert Abad -Youngest brother - Nakeki O ka mo'I C.C.

     The following traditions should be respected and followed at all times.

  • Tying Ti leaves to the canoe brings good luck.
  • Don't step over the boats at any time; walk around the canoe.
  • Refer to the canoe parts by their Hawaiian names.
  • Each canoe should be treated with respect.
  • Do not sit in the boat on dry land (except if instructed), as the canoe is considered sacred and
    a part of you.
  • Do not swear or argue around the canoe. This brings bad luck and slows the canoe.
  • Before each race the team gathers to give blessing and prayer of hope and thanks.
  • After each race the teammates greet each other and congratulate them on the race.
  • When the canoe is on dry land, the nose of the canoe should point to the water. The early
    Hawaiians did this out of respect for the canoe and its spirit.

     In every sport or job there is a special language. Words are used in this specialty like no other. For example, Navy terms. This also works for paddling the Hawaiian canoe.

     If Na Ho`okele (steerers) use the same language for commands universally, there will be little or no confusion on the part of the paddlers. These commands can and should be used to familiarize the crew with the language. The same language used consistently also gives Ho`okele (steerer) control of the canoe and used to the idea of giving commands.

UNE = pronounced OO-NAY. To “lever.”
This is the action MUA (stroker & sometimes others) takes to help HO`OKELE (steerer) turn the bow of the canoe going around the turn flag. This can be ANY movement of the paddle, from a J-stroke to paddling toward the hull. I have heard this term mis-pronounced UNI = OO-NEE. This word is not in the Hawaiian dictionary.

KAHI = pronounced, KAH-HEE. To “cut.”
Holds the paddle still, blade “cutting” in the same line as the canoe. No “action” taken.

PAHI = pronounced PAH-HEE. Edge, the blade or knife edge.

These are commands that can be used by Ho`okele in the canoe.

`E `E! = pronounced ay ay (this is hard to describe..... actually a very short “`e”). Get in the canoe!

HO`OMAKAUKAU! = pronounced Hoh oh MAH cow cow. Get ready or get set!
This can be whatever you think “get set” means. Paddle across the gunwales, or poised to plant the blade in the water or whatever.

KAU! = pronounced kah oo. Place (or plant) the blade!

If it's training:
HOE = pronounced ho aee. Paddle! And off you go.

If it's racing:
HUKI!!!!!!!!!! = pronounced hoo key. Pull, GET INTO IT!

Many of these terms have other meaning as well as allegorical meanings or Kaona (the hidden meaning) other than used here.

Some kinds of Hawaiian Canoes:

wa`a: generic term for canoe
heihei: a race of any kind including a canoe race
`au wa`a: a fleet of canoes
`auwa`a `a ho`apipi: two canoes hastily joined to form or to use as a double canoe
wa`a kaulua: another term for double canoe
kaukahi: a single canoe with an outrigger
kialoa: a long, light, and swift canoe used for racing & display. This term may also refer to a beautiful woman and her shape. Queen Ka`ahumanu was referred to as “Kialoa” in her youth.
Ko`okahi: OC1
Ko`olua: OC2
Ko`oha: OC4
Ko`eono: OC6
Wa`a `Apulu: an old, worn-out canoe. Also an old person. You see, the old time Hawaiians DID have a real sense of humor.