frequently asked questions
We know that starting something new usually comes with a lot of questions. If the FAQs below don't answer your questions, drop us an email or stop by a scheduled practice.
Where is Hokuloa Outrigger Canoe Club located?
Harbor Cove Beach in Ventura, CA. View map.
Where do I park?
There is a Parking Lot at Harbor Cove Beach. You can also park along Spinnaker Drive - just pay attention to signs. Do not park in the Island Packers parking lot across from our beach parking lot.
What should I bring to practice?
If you are new to paddling, we recommend that you bring the following items:
When do you practice?
During the main season (Mar–Sept), we practice three times per week. Please refer to Home Page section for days and times.
How do I know if a practice has been canceled or there's been a schedule change?
Schedule changes are typically reflected on the calendar available on our home page. Active club members will also receive updates via email and can opt-in for mobile/text updates as well.
Subscribe to mobile updates by sending a text with the word “@hokuloa1” to 81010
You can opt out of the messages at anytime by replying "unsubscribe @hokuloa1"
Text alerts include important information such as canceled practices due to weather, schedule changes, and event reminders.
How much does it cost to join Hokuloa Outrigger Canoe Club?
As we are a non-profit, member run club, we require all members to pay dues. Dues permit the club member use of club-owned canoes (OC1, OC2, OC6), paddles and racing equipment. Annual dues cover insurance, purchase and maintenance of this equipment and race registration fees.
Dues may vary from year to year and are established by the Board of Directors.
Please refer to Membership Page for membership pricing.
Full dues must be paid to race ANY SCORA race. Dues are the same whether you race or not. Dues cover the period of the season until March of the next year. Dues are not prorated and are not refundable.
Do I need to know how to swim?
Paddling is a water sport. Much of the activity will take place in the open ocean. If you are uncomfortable in the water, you may (will) be asked to wear a life vest.
Can I try it out before joining the club?
Yes, you can come out and try paddling (for up to 4 weeks consecutively) to see if this is something that you’d be interested in doing.
When does the novice season begin?
Novice practices begin in mid-March. During our off-season (October–February) you can also join the team as a novice, or first time paddler, to get a feel for the sport before the racing season begins. As a novice paddler joining the team during the racing season, you will learn the basics of outrigger canoe paddling and be coached on technique and how to best train for racing.
Do you have paddles I can borrow?
Yes, we have club paddles that you can borrow for practices and races. We ask club members to take care of the paddles by rinsing and returning them to the storage area after use.
Do novice paddlers race against experienced paddlers?
There are separate races for the novices in the Iron and Sprint portions of the racing seasons (see SCORA race schedule). The novice races are usually a fraction of the distance of the open races, and will give you a chance to build your endurance and mental strength, while competing against paddlers of similar experience. This is a fun period, and a great chance to get on the podium, although the competition is still fierce.
The novice paddlers train and race separately until the coaches integrate the novice into the veteran paddling crews. During 9-man season, there are no novice distinctions, and all paddlers race together.
Do I have to race?
Racing is optional, but it is what we train for during the season. Coaches set the racing crew line up based on each paddler's athletic ability, experience and how they blend with other crew members. If you are interested in recreational paddling, you can join us during our off-season (October - February) or paddle with Ventura Outrigger Canoe Club.
Where is Hokuloa Outrigger Canoe Club located?
Harbor Cove Beach in Ventura, CA. View map.
Where do I park?
There is a Parking Lot at Harbor Cove Beach. You can also park along Spinnaker Drive - just pay attention to signs. Do not park in the Island Packers parking lot across from our beach parking lot.
What should I bring to practice?
If you are new to paddling, we recommend that you bring the following items:
- Water
- Sunscreen
- Beachwear/Sportswear and Hat (be ready for a workout that will include a splash or two)
- Dry Change of Clothes (for after)
- Towel
When do you practice?
During the main season (Mar–Sept), we practice three times per week. Please refer to Home Page section for days and times.
How do I know if a practice has been canceled or there's been a schedule change?
Schedule changes are typically reflected on the calendar available on our home page. Active club members will also receive updates via email and can opt-in for mobile/text updates as well.
Subscribe to mobile updates by sending a text with the word “@hokuloa1” to 81010
You can opt out of the messages at anytime by replying "unsubscribe @hokuloa1"
Text alerts include important information such as canceled practices due to weather, schedule changes, and event reminders.
How much does it cost to join Hokuloa Outrigger Canoe Club?
As we are a non-profit, member run club, we require all members to pay dues. Dues permit the club member use of club-owned canoes (OC1, OC2, OC6), paddles and racing equipment. Annual dues cover insurance, purchase and maintenance of this equipment and race registration fees.
Dues may vary from year to year and are established by the Board of Directors.
Please refer to Membership Page for membership pricing.
Full dues must be paid to race ANY SCORA race. Dues are the same whether you race or not. Dues cover the period of the season until March of the next year. Dues are not prorated and are not refundable.
Do I need to know how to swim?
Paddling is a water sport. Much of the activity will take place in the open ocean. If you are uncomfortable in the water, you may (will) be asked to wear a life vest.
Can I try it out before joining the club?
Yes, you can come out and try paddling (for up to 4 weeks consecutively) to see if this is something that you’d be interested in doing.
When does the novice season begin?
Novice practices begin in mid-March. During our off-season (October–February) you can also join the team as a novice, or first time paddler, to get a feel for the sport before the racing season begins. As a novice paddler joining the team during the racing season, you will learn the basics of outrigger canoe paddling and be coached on technique and how to best train for racing.
Do you have paddles I can borrow?
Yes, we have club paddles that you can borrow for practices and races. We ask club members to take care of the paddles by rinsing and returning them to the storage area after use.
Do novice paddlers race against experienced paddlers?
There are separate races for the novices in the Iron and Sprint portions of the racing seasons (see SCORA race schedule). The novice races are usually a fraction of the distance of the open races, and will give you a chance to build your endurance and mental strength, while competing against paddlers of similar experience. This is a fun period, and a great chance to get on the podium, although the competition is still fierce.
The novice paddlers train and race separately until the coaches integrate the novice into the veteran paddling crews. During 9-man season, there are no novice distinctions, and all paddlers race together.
Do I have to race?
Racing is optional, but it is what we train for during the season. Coaches set the racing crew line up based on each paddler's athletic ability, experience and how they blend with other crew members. If you are interested in recreational paddling, you can join us during our off-season (October - February) or paddle with Ventura Outrigger Canoe Club.