HONOLULU (KHON2) – As Na Wahine O Ke Kai marks its return, Team Bradley is no stranger to the competition, and hard work is always on its agenda.
The Na Wahine O Ke Kai is an annual paddling competition, where competitors race through the Ka’iwi Channel to make it to the finish line.
With a golden win in Na Wahine O Ke Kai’s 2024 championship, Team Bradley looks to be in the lead again this year as they prepare for yet another marvelous experience.
Steers person, Lori Nakamura, talks about the drive to be hungry and always wanting to work hard for those around you, especially when waves of mystery accompany the Ka’iwi Channel throughout the ride.
“Na Wahine is so special for us, like everybody sheds a tear or cries or has a moment during the race,” Nakamura said. “It’s because we truly love each other, and appreciate each other and the amount of sacrifice that goes into what we do.”
Nakamura takes on the responsibility as the steering person, guiding her team to the right direction and navigating ocean currents to produce the best efforts she can for her team’s success.
Enjoying the process and journey are two things Nakamura strives to provide for her team, and she believes that hard work and dedication to their end goal are two of the most critical aspects for Team Bradley.
They work when they’re tired and push through when they feel it’s tough. Team Bradley is the epitome of hard work and dedication, chasing the dream they aspire to achieve.
“Yes, Na Wahine is the end goal,” she continues. “But, it’s about all the little things that happened throughout the season, the progress we made, and the good times that we’ve had.”
Her words show that winning is great, but it is the early morning practices, the shared laughs, and the grind nobody else sees that make the journey unforgettable. Those small moments become the real prize.
“We go in there with a sense of humility,” Nakamura stated. “It’s about the journey, the process that we go through every year.”
That humility keeps the crew grounded. The ocean demands respect, and Team Bradley knows it. Staying humble is how they remain ready for whatever the channel may bring.
“We always want to be coached, we always want to be better,” she continues. “I think it’s the sense of wanting to be better for each other.”
That mindset shows their commitment to each other. It is not about ego. It is about pushing so the whole crew rises together. That is the heartbeat of Team Bradley: We> Me mentality.
As the competition nears, Team Bradley pursues success relentlessly as they conquer the channel together.
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This Sunday, on Sept. 28, at 7:30 a.m., be sure to tune in and watch the competition LIVE on KHII, Khon2.com, KHON+, and KHON YouTube.
For further information on the event, visit their website here.