Johnny Puakea: History + Innovation. Internationally Renowned Paddling Coach, 3rd Generation Hawaiian Canoe Builder and Founder of Puakea Designs.
Johnny Puakea. Growing up in Hawaii working on historic Hawaiian koa canoes with his father and grandfather, to racing and coaching internationally at the highest levels; Johnny has melded historic Hawaiian canoe culture with modern design and methodology. The result is Johnny’s company, Puakea Designs, which produces some of the fastest and most innovative outrigger canoes on the market while he coaches and mentors some of the best paddlers in the world.
Time: 0:46
Technique
Time: 1:24
Molokai
Time: 0:34
What Is Winning?
Time: 1:09
Brand
0:00 – “Excited to know your Hawaii backstory.”
7:37 – Lifelong passion sparked by childhood dance training.
12:03 – Rebuilding canoe, starting a canoe club, & returning to surfing.
17:54 – Excited for free travel to Olympic festival.
24:15 – Coached and learned from top European paddling coaches.
25:42 – Quick coaching success with great team results.
32:20 – Feel and efficiency are crucial in paddling technique.
40:17 – Learning from experience leads to eventual success.
48:21 – Paddling, racing, camping, and fishing adventure with friends.
56:07 – Annual outrigger festival featuring traditional canoes.
59:04 – Enthusiastic endorsement for Puakea Designs paddles.
1:06:52 -Transitioning from intuition to computerized boat design.
1:09:22 – Trimming boat length for improved speed.
1:16:05 – From Coke canoes to carbon fiber excellence.
1:22:23 – Excited about design, family involvement, and breakfast discussion.
1:24:09 – Meditation, mindset shift, slowing down, and letting go.