Hokuloa has a competitive paddling program for youth who want to test their commitment, strength, endurance, and grit in an open ocean environment - with two divisions including Keiki (ages 10-14) and Juniors (ages 15-19).
KEIKI team: AGES 10-14
Our Keiki Program is designed to introduce participants to the fundamentals of outrigger canoe paddling while emphasizing safety, skill development, and sportsmanship. Under the guidance of experienced coaches, Keiki paddlers will learn proper paddling techniques, navigation skills, and teamwork dynamics essential for success both on and off the water.
Training Sessions: Keiki paddlers will participate in regular training sessions where they will learn and practice paddling techniques, water safety protocols, and teamwork exercises. Our coaches are dedicated to providing a supportive and encouraging environment for all participants to thrive.
Race Preparation: As part of the program, Keiki paddlers will have the opportunity to train for and compete in outrigger canoe races sanctioned by the Southern California Outrigger Racing Association (SCORA). Races vary in distance and conditions, offering a diverse range of challenges for participants to tackle. Community Involvement: Our Keiki Program emphasizes the importance of community involvement and stewardship of our marine environment. Participants will engage in beach clean-ups, conservation initiatives, and other community service projects to give back to the places we paddle. Team Building: Paddling an outrigger canoe is not only a physical endeavor but also a team sport that requires effective communication and camaraderie among crew members. Through teamwork-building exercises and group activities, Keiki paddlers will forge lasting friendships and develop valuable leadership skills. |
JuniorS team: AGES 15-19
Building on our Keiki program, Hokuloa has a competitive Juniors team for high school-age youth (ages 15-19) who want to test their commitment, strength, endurance, and grit in an open ocean environment. This includes any paddler who will not reach his/her 20th birthday in the calendar year of competition.
Coaching covers teamwork, commitment, ocean conditions, strength, and paddling technique. The program is designed for young people who want to commit to be part of a winning team.
The team paddles in six-person outrigger canoes that are designed to paddle in the open ocean. They are approximately 40 feet long and weigh from 150 to 400 pounds. Successful crews combine technique, strength, endurance, ocean knowledge, and teamwork to win.
Races range from 500-yard sprints to 10-mile non-stop courses. Hokuloa Junior paddlers will only do the long races if they have truly built the teams, skills, and endurance to be successful.
Coaching covers teamwork, commitment, ocean conditions, strength, and paddling technique. The program is designed for young people who want to commit to be part of a winning team.
The team paddles in six-person outrigger canoes that are designed to paddle in the open ocean. They are approximately 40 feet long and weigh from 150 to 400 pounds. Successful crews combine technique, strength, endurance, ocean knowledge, and teamwork to win.
Races range from 500-yard sprints to 10-mile non-stop courses. Hokuloa Junior paddlers will only do the long races if they have truly built the teams, skills, and endurance to be successful.
HOW TO JOIN
You must be 10 - 19 years of age and must be able to swim.
You will need transportation to and from practices and races (there are options to carpool).
You will need to sign a release waiver including parental or guardian signature if under 18.
Waivers will be available at the first practice.
FEES
Dues are $175 and cover all paddling and racing fees including jerseys. Scholarships are available.
EQUIPMENT
Other than water, board shorts and water-wicking shirts, little is needed. The club has paddles you can use. A towel and warm up clothing are needed—it can get cold and windy on Ventura’s beaches.
PRACTICE SCHEDULE
The season starts mid-March and ends in July. Practices will run on Monday and Wednesday afternoons from 5:15pm to 6:45pm.
These weekday practices are mandatory and prospective paddlers must be ready to commit to make it to practice on time. We put the needs of the whole club first, the team second, and the individual paddler third.
As the teams get stronger, they may join the senior paddlers for open ocean longer paddles on Saturdays from 8:00 - 11:00am.
QUESTIONS?
Email us at [email protected].
You will need transportation to and from practices and races (there are options to carpool).
You will need to sign a release waiver including parental or guardian signature if under 18.
Waivers will be available at the first practice.
FEES
Dues are $175 and cover all paddling and racing fees including jerseys. Scholarships are available.
EQUIPMENT
Other than water, board shorts and water-wicking shirts, little is needed. The club has paddles you can use. A towel and warm up clothing are needed—it can get cold and windy on Ventura’s beaches.
PRACTICE SCHEDULE
The season starts mid-March and ends in July. Practices will run on Monday and Wednesday afternoons from 5:15pm to 6:45pm.
These weekday practices are mandatory and prospective paddlers must be ready to commit to make it to practice on time. We put the needs of the whole club first, the team second, and the individual paddler third.
As the teams get stronger, they may join the senior paddlers for open ocean longer paddles on Saturdays from 8:00 - 11:00am.
QUESTIONS?
Email us at [email protected].