Kai Bartlett + Kai Wa’a Canoes. World Champion. Passion for Adventure, Community and Family.
Kai Bartlett is a multiple time world champion outrigger paddler, an elite boat builder, master craftsman and an Adventrepreneur.
Kai started paddling late by today’s measure and quickly found his way to the very top by way of hard work and passion resulting in numerous World Championship wins; on canoes that he designed and built under his brand, Kai Wa’a.
In 2023 Kai was inducted into the Hawaiian Waterman Hall of Fame in recognition for his incredible achievements.
Bigger than any challenge on the Kaiwi Channel, for the last three years Kai has been navigating his biggest battle… with Multiple Myeloma. With grit, tenacity and the love and support of his family, and the entire paddling community, Kai is back on the water and yes, he’s aiming to get some wins back on the board. Let’s go!
0:00 – Kai excels in designing, racing, and winning boats.
7:05 – Glad to see you back, strong fighter.
10:51 – Education plan unclear; boat building at 21.
17:54 – Riding bumps is like surfing with professionals.
23:59 – Tough love coaching for performance improvement.
30:55 – Expertise in designing, shaping, and racing boats.
36:26 – Explain your quick success and training process.
38:19 – Kids mimic parents: athletic, disciplined lifestyles.
44:27 – Designed Vega surfski with Pat Dolan collaboration.
47:19 – Discussion on boats, evolution, history, racing, availability.
53:36 – Outsiders find Hawaii’s surf extraordinary, locals don’t.
59:15 – Molokai’s race: enduring significance and world competition.
1:07:37 – Transitioned to third-party production, easing operations.
1:11:49 – Top paddlers represent your brand community.
1:13:06 – Training hard for unsponsored sports competitions consistently.
1:22:04 – Confident you’ll succeed; you’ll be back.
1:24:10 – Thank you for inspiring and leading others.