The following submission was made as an entry to win a OC1 from an amazingly generous donor, who wanted to see the canoe truly enjoyed, rather than turn a profit. Entrants were asked to submit an essay answering the following:
- Part 1: “Describe how paddling has changed your life.”
- Part 2: “How do you plan to use this canoe, and perhaps someday pass it along?”
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Marc (Hapa) Hammer, California
Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Marc (Hapa) Hammer. I have been in the past an avid outrigger paddler for many years, to the extent of being a President to a local San Diego Outrigger Canoe Club for over 5 years.
The paddling community has been near and dear to me, but because of numerous surgeries, neck, both elbows, shoulder and more recently a pacemaker it has slowed me down. Been talking to a dear friend of mine and he’s been trying to get me back on the water for some hydro therapy.
As a paddler I have been very fortunate to have paddles with some awesome folks from all over the US. I have been able to paddle with clubs in California, Arizona, Washington St, Texas, New York, Hawaii, Japan and Somoa. If you paddle you understand the felling to be asked by others to paddle with them and there clubs. If you paddle you get the feelings
I do not consider myself as a Kumu, but have been honored to be able to pass on some of my knowledge of paddling, steering, reading water, parts of canoe and the parts of the paddle. I have been blessed teaching a few choose individuals on how to steer and then watch them excel. But mostly blessed of the feelings of peace with ones self as it pertains to paddling.
In conclusion of this I hope you consider me for this awesome gift. To be able to use this canoe as a form of rehabilitation and reconnecting with the ocean and community. Also to be able to keep the Mana of the gift giver alive with every paddle stoke.
Allow me to say Mahalo for even considering me for this.
Mahalo, Marc (Hapa) Hammer
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