Pwo navigator Bruce Blankenfeld became involved with the Polynesian Voyaging Society (PVS) in 1977 by volunteering on Hōkūle‘a training sails and with construction and repair of the wa‘a kaulua in drydock. Since then, he has voyaged thousands of miles throughout Polynesia, Micronesia, Vancouver, Alaska and Japan. Through extensive training and experience, while sailing more than 70,000 miles, he became a master navigator – using traditional, non-instrument methods. He led Hōkūle‘a’s recent, extensive renovation, and is currently the Voyaging Director for PVS’s Worldwide Voyage, as well as the Vice Chair of the PVS Board of Directors. Mr. Blankenfeld is a popular and inspiring lecturer on Polynesian navigating, voyaging and wayfinding. Mr. Blankenfeld is a fisherman who remains active in the paddling community as a paddler, coach and president of the Board of Directors of Hui Nalu Canoe Club. He is a long-time member and kayaker with the Hawai‘i Canoe & Kayak Team, and works fulltime as a stevedoring contractor for McCabe Hamilton and Renny.
