Cali Paddler

The stroker be like, “seat one out… one back in!”

4 years ago we had a chance to learn who inspired Kai. And what drove him to create such innovative designs.

But what I remember the most was the sounds of kids in the background. In the meeting before we started to record how one jumped in his lap and sat making faces into the camera. His wife Kealani Bartlett waving behind him to say hi.

And how in the first few minutes of the video how he talks about he is glad to do the video to get the word out about his new canoe, as it will help him spend more time with family.

We reached out to him, to shine a light on his story. But really he shined a light on everyone he seemed to meet. Full of aloha. Designing canoes to create joy. What a treasure.

Thank you for reminding all of us paddlers that despite being a legend on the water, one can still be humble, kind, and willing to take an hour out of their day for some random guy an ocean away to talk story.

A hui hou braddah Kai. We will be pulling sides for you every chance we get.
Kai Bartlett Kai Wa'a Strong