Posted on: Thursday, November 4, 2004
Renowned paddler in critical condition
By Dayton Morinaga
Advertiser Staff Writer
For perhaps the first time in his life, Leighton Look is seeking help instead of giving it.
Advertiser library photo "He's so well-known, not just in this club," said Kalama Heine, head coach of Hui Lanakila Canoe Club. "For something like this to happen to him ... it's been difficult to deal with for a lot of people."
Look, 48, has been with Hui Lanakila since its creation in 1977. Over the years, he has served as president, head coach, assistant coach and standout steersman.
He steered Hui Lanakila's masters crew to a second-place finish in the 40-and-older division of the Moloka'i Hoe only a few days before the accident.
"He steered the whole way," teammate Ron Cotteen said. "I remember watching him during the race and being amazed."
Primarily under Look's guidance, Hui Lanakila has transformed from a small club to a state power in recent years.
• The "Friends of Leighton Look" donation account has been established at First Hawaiian Bank. Donations will be accepted at any branch.
• On Dec. 4, the Kanaka I Kai Ka organization will stage a fund-raising race. All proceeds from the race will be donated to the Look family. For entry information, visit kanakaikaika.com. • During another Kanaka I Kai Ka race on Dec. 18, the Island Paddler shop will set up a donation booth at Kailua Beach Park. • On Jan. 16, the Hui Lanakila Canoe Club will hold a fund-raising auction at Don Ho's Island Grill. The event is scheduled to run from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Teammate Jim Hewitt added: "Leighton's role is to be the glue of this club. If not for him, a lot of paddlers wouldn't be in this club."
Hui Lanakila's koa canoe was created by Look, and is named "Tarita" after his daughter.
Look and his brother, Les, own and operate Makana Alii paddles. Many of the state's thousands of paddlers own paddles constructed by Look.
Les Look said: "It's going to be a long battle. Costs are going to be astronomical, but Leighton is a fighter."
The family is requesting that visits be restricted to family and close friends.
Teammate Mel Pu'u said he visited Look this week. "He was a little grumpy, so I took that as a good sign," he said. "His mind is still strong."
Raven Aipa, one of Hui Lanakila's elite paddlers, perhaps put it best: "Leighton is Hui Lanakila."
Reach Dayton Morinaga at dmorinaga@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-8101.
Look, a popular and influential figure in the paddling world, is in the critical care unit at Kuakini Medical Center after a diving accident three weeks ago. A severe case of the bends has left him paralyzed from the neck down.
Leighton Look, who has been with Hui Lanakila Canoe Club since 1977, was paralyzed after a diving accident three weeks ago.
"He's coached the men, he's coached the women, he's been the president; he's had his hand in everything for this club," said Hui Lanakila assistant coach Jon Coito.
Ways to help coach Look
