Have you ever had one of those weekends that you wish would just never end? Or, one that when it does, you want to turn around and do it all over again? When we were discussing the possibility of an ECORA Clinic to fill the Liberty Challenge weekend void, I don’t think any of us ever imagined anything like last weekend at Kent Island. Oh sure, we thought it would be great to have someone come to talk to us about stroke mechanics, OC6 and OC1 technique and steering. But, did we think we’d come away with a renewed energy for the sport and everything it stands for? I know I didn’t and was pleasantly surprised by the event.

Everyone kept asking me “how did you get Walter Guild to agree to come here for a weekend to do this?” My answer…I called him and asked him. Part of the benefit of running the event and having Walter stay in our home was the opportunity to "talk-story" about many things. I think he was somewhat surprised about the East Coast’s perception of Hawai'i’s finest paddlers. To themselves, they’re just guys who happen to do something well. To us, their pedestal awaits somewhere near a statue in New York Harbor!

In years past, why were there never opportunities to bring both sides together – to learn from the masters? The answer is a simple one…because we didn’t ask. This weekend we found that their love for the sport is the same. They have the same appreciation for the outstanding athlete as well as for the enthusiastic novice paddlers with whom we will build and perpetuate this sport along with the Hawaiian culture and traditions.

ECORA is going through transition – not surprising with the number of diverse individuals and various groups involved. However, the comfort for me as your newly elected President came in knowing it’s no different for us than it has been at some point for clubs and organizations in both Hawai'i and California.

Change is inevitable; it’s how we adapt to the change that is going to make the difference. Dig deep, build from within and together we’ll build a better, stronger ECORA.

Walter, we cannot say, "Mahalo!" enough. MAHALO, for making the sacrifice to travel long distance in such a short time; MAHALO for generously sharing your knowledge, your experience, and most of all, your Aloha. For all of this, we will be forever grateful.

Deb Hall, ECORA President