KAI BARTLETT
Adventreprenuer. Champion. Survivor.
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2023 Hawai'i Waterman Hall of Fame Inductee
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2000 Molokai Relay (w/Karel Tresnak Jr., record time)
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2000 Molokai Hoe Champion - Lanikai Canoe Club
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2002 Molokai Solo (record time)
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2002 Molokai Relay w/Aaron Napoleon (record time)
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2003 Molokai Relay w/Aaron Napoleon
The reason we are all here! There would be no Kai Wa'a without the man himself, and to know OC1 is to know Kai. A highly decorated paddler, and well-respected canoe designer with decades of experience. Kai loves spending time with his family, fishing, and when he isn't paddling he is most likely designing something new in the shop.
GET TO KNOW KAI
AGE: 48
HOMETOWN: Kailua, HI
DAY JOB: Professional Adventureprenuer.
WHEN YOU'RE NOT PADDLING YOU'RE: Doing yard work, designing something, enjoying time at home with the family.
FAVORITE RUN: Kailua to Kualoa and Keanae to DT Flemings Beach.
FAVORITE RACE: Maui's North Shore Challenge, both courses are epic.
DREAM PADDLING RUN/ADVENTURE: Honolua Bay to Kaena Pt. Lanai. Doing the Island chain here in Hawaii (Big Island to Kauai)
BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED: It's hard to say because thru my life I've had so many great people trying to guide me in the right direction. Most cases it was the direction of hard work pays off. If you want it, work for it and it will come. Be humble (that's hard when you are young, but you get wiser with age).
YOUR ADVICE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF PADDLERS: Work hard, don't be lazy. You'll regret lazy later in life. If you become successful, be humble. This will make you a happier person. Water time in the open ocean is key. Don't keep to protected waters, you'll miss 80% of the puzzle if you do.
SPONSORS: Maui Jim, Makana Ali'i