As the paddles slice the water and propel an outrigger canoe onward in this video, it doesn’t take much imagination to feel like you’re there. You’re watching the Red Bull Wa’a, an outrigger team plying their trade off their native Hawaii to practice for Catalina Crossing, which takes place Sept. 10 and 11.
The Red Bull Wa’a may not be the best team in the world—they say that would be the Tahitians—but their commitment is impressive nonetheless, and their strength and skill is nothing short of spectacular. “We paddle for pride,” explains paddler Koa Spoon in the video. The Red Bull Wa’a practice after work, getting about 14 hours of ocean time in per week.
Outrigger canoes were central players in the story of Hawaii: It’s on these boats that Polynesians first crossed the ocean, ultimately arriving at the islands they called “Hawaiki,” or “place of the gods.” Today, competing in outrigger canoeing is one way for these modern Hawaiians to pass along their love of the islands and their history to the next generation.
Correction, Sept. 2, 2016: This post and headline originally said the team is preparing for the Red Bull Heavy Water event. It’s preparing for the Catalina Crossing.
