C4 Waterman: Designs from the Core

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“The whole philosophy behind C4 was created based on the lifestyle of the waterman. C4 stands for core four, the core four values of the waterman: balance, endurance, strength and tradition. The most important part of the philosophy in C4 Waterman is tradition. There’s a lot of people that we want to share that culture, our meaning of what we are, and Keone is perfect as opposed to just doing something on a shirt. There’s actually a deeper meaning to that, and that’s what this company is about,” said Todd Bradley, a founder of C4 Waterman, Inc.

With his cultural grounding in the art of kākau uhi, or traditional tattoo, Keone Nunes infuses symbols that represent these waterman values into the designs created onto C4 Waterman apparel.

“I first partnered with them probably four years ago. That’s kind of evolved over a course of time where we would sit down, we’d talk about products, we would talk about designs that would be appropriate, said Keone Nunes.

“As it evolved, and we started to build this brand into something more than just a stand up company, but a cultural icon of what the true waterman in the Hawaiian culture is. It’s important for me to give back. What a better way than through the Polynesian Voyaging Society (PVS) and Hōkūleʻa,” said Todd.

And Archie Kalepa, one of C4’s founders, is intimately involved in this experience as crewmember onboard, appropriately serving as safety officer and rescue swimmer on his legs of the voyage. From participating as crew to a clear alignment with the mission of bettering the planet from a grounding in tradition, C4 is truly committed to supporting this voyage.

“How can we help to raise money to support this mission of the importance of our oceans, and our clean oceans and the environment and things like that. But yet also have people have a garment that shows that they are a part of a cultural experience that is happening here. And that’s what I came up with, this idea of doing the apparel,” said Todd.

“When Todd talked to me about doing something in the lines of supporting Hōkūleʻa, I was very excited. It made me think of things that would be appropriate for voyaging. The star compass incorporates elements that I have designed for other parts of the rash guard, and other parts of the apparel that’s going to be offered,” said Keone.

Other design elements also reference the well-known oceanic channels that connect our home such as Kealaikahiki, ʻAlenuihāhā, and Nā Kai ʻEwalu – all of which are paths traveled by watermen of Hawaiʻi. These individual patterns create a complete composition in the apparel that tells a story reflective of Hawaiʻi’s traditions as wayfinders.

“What I really hope is that they gain an understanding and respect for not only the artistic element of what’s being offered. But I would want them to think about how it relates to the Worldwide Voyage, how it relates to Hōkūleʻa, how it relates to the voyagers that have come way before us and look at it and really understand that they are wearing something that will support the continuation of a tradition that has lasted thousands of years. That’s my hope,” said Keone.

Be a part of this exclusive opportunity only available online or at C4 Waterman’s newest location on Ward Avenue in Honolulu. Aloha!

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