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2009 OceanFest "It's a wrap" |
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Aloha! I wanted to take a moment and offer a heartfelt mahalo for all of your support of this year's Duke's OceanFest. No question it's become the best week of summer in Waikiki and a perfect tribute to the memory of Duke Kahanamoku.
Having taken time to reflect, I felt this year's Dukes OceanFest was teh best one yet, especially considering the economic challenges our sponsors, participants and volunteers have had to confront in 2009.
Nevertheless, perserverance and hard work won out and I am thankful for how everyone continued to maintain their faith in what has developed into the premier ocean sports festival in Waikiki. The entire week was one thrill after another, but there are a few highlights worth singling out.
First, we were delighted to welcome two new event sponsors who added the luster of professional longboard surfing to our week of events. The "Toes on the Nose Rabbit Kekai Pro Longboard Classic" moved its event this year from Costa Rica to Waikiki, carrying on the legacy of one of Hawaii's beloved watermen and legendary beach boys. Additionally, the "Gidget Women's Pro Open" brought many of the world's best women longboarders to Waikiki.
Kudos to the Hawaii Paddleboard Championship for not just staging another exciting "Duke's Race" from Hawaii Kai to Waikiki, but for encouraging physically challenged paddleboarders to compete. Duke would be so proud. What an inspiration!
The Duke's Waikiki Ocean Mile Swim surpassed expectations by drawing 319 competitors for a morning sprint off Waikiki Beach. Swimming catapulted Duke Kahanamoku onto the world stage, so it was gratifying to see such a strong turnout for an event that goes to the core of Hawaii's sports legacy. A big mahalo goes to Chris Colgate, a dedicated waterman who gives way more than he's ever given credit for, both to this event and to Duke's OceanFest as a whole.
Finally, Duke's OceanFest garnered some great exposure on the Internet courtesy of the live streaming video that Oceanic Time Warner Cable aired at www.dukefoundation.org. The streaming video received more than 260,000 hits during the three days of surfing competition, with many online visitors coming from the mainland and internationally. We are excited about the potential this offers for taking the events of Duke's OceanFest, the beauty of Waikiki, and the legacy of Duke Kahanamoku to the rest of the world.
As is always the case, all of our efforts support the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation (ODKF) and its good work for Hawaii's scholar-athletes in water sports and volleyball. The sponsorships, the t-shirts and luau tickets sold, and the work of volunteers - everything in some way or another benefits ODKF and the outstanding young men and women of Hawaii it is committed to serve.
Plans are already underway for the 9th Annual Duke's OceanFest, August 22-28, 2010. Mark your calendar and plan to join us as we gather again in Waikiki to celebrate the greatness of Duke Kahanamoku and Hawaii Nei.
A Hui Hou!
Jim Fulton
Duke's OceanFest Committee President
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OceanFest Video by Betty Depolito |
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OceanFest 2009 
New Schedule
OceanFest 2009 News Release
Jamba Juice OceanFest Promotion