KEEPING safe on the seas is an important part of seafarers’ history and customs.
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For a geographical area comprising a chain of islands, water culture is at the forefront of everyday living.
On 1 November, the Port Stephens Outrigger Canoe Club hosted Kumu Pa’a Kawika Foster to bless their new Tahitian Matahina outrigger.
Blowing the conch shell to announce the start of the ceremony, Kumu Pa’a Kawika Foster performed the ritual.
Kawika Foster told News Of The Area he comes from a 51-generation unbroken lineage from the Hawaiian island of Molokai.
From his base in Lemon Tree Passage he is a traditional practitioner of Hawaiian culture.
As part of the ritual, Kawika Foster also blessed the Paddlers and Hoe’s (paddles) who attended on the day.
Ms Mandy Robinson from the Club told News Of The Area, “The blessing was very spiritual and emotional, as an Outrigger Club we honour and respect the traditions of outrigger canoeing throughout the Pacific.”
“In Polynesian cultures blessings and ceremonies are performed to ensure good fortune and the spirit of the canoe is strong and to provide safe passage to all who travel in the canoe.”
Designed and made in French Polynesian, Tahiti, the canoe is a racer and is new on the Australian racing scene.
Created by champion steerer, Ronnie Ebb, the name means Goddess Eyes in the Tahitian language.
The Canoe Club’s crew raced in the canoe at Swansea Belmont the weekend before its blessing, leading the field by more than 300 metres to its first win.
New members are welcome and those considering joining are invited to visit to try paddling at 8am on Sundays at Corlette Beach (near The Anchorage).
More information is also available via www.portstephensoutriggers.com
By Heather SHARP
Kumu Blessing club coach, Dean McGuinness and his paddle (right)