2026 vENTURA OUTRIGGER CHALLENGE
wE pADDLE TOGETHER
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Rooted in the traditions of Hawaiʻi, outrigger canoeing is more than competition — it is a living practice that honors the ocean, strengthens community, and perpetuates ancestral knowledge passed from generation to generation. In this spirit, this year’s event will feature cultural experiences that celebrate the waʻa (canoe), the kai (sea), and the enduring legacy of the paddling community.
As the sun sets, we invite you to gather shoreside and enjoy the music of the Kalama Brothers, brought to you through collaboration with the Ventura Port District, whose melodies and stories carry forward the spirit of aloha, bringing us together in reflection, gratitude, and celebration. Stay the night and take advantage of our discounted hotel options below.
Join us as we honor the origins of our sport, deepen our connection to its cultural roots, and share in a day that uplifts both competition and community.
We are deeply honored to celebrate 37 years of paddling in Ventura, and extend our heartfelt mahalo to our partner agencies, sponsors, local vendors, volunteers, and the greater Ventura community whose continued support makes this event possible.
As the sun sets, we invite you to gather shoreside and enjoy the music of the Kalama Brothers, brought to you through collaboration with the Ventura Port District, whose melodies and stories carry forward the spirit of aloha, bringing us together in reflection, gratitude, and celebration. Stay the night and take advantage of our discounted hotel options below.
Join us as we honor the origins of our sport, deepen our connection to its cultural roots, and share in a day that uplifts both competition and community.
We are deeply honored to celebrate 37 years of paddling in Ventura, and extend our heartfelt mahalo to our partner agencies, sponsors, local vendors, volunteers, and the greater Ventura community whose continued support makes this event possible.
Video by Shoot Cut Deliver
Schedule of EventsSaturday, June 13, 2026
Subject to change. 7:00 AM Registration, coffee and breakfast vendors open, Merchandise, vendors, silent auction, and raffle tents open 7:20 AM Race blessing and Keiki Race orientation 7:45 AM Keiki Race starts 8:00 AM Novice, Junior, and Short Course steersperson meeting 8:30 AM Novice, Junior, and Short Course Race starts 9:00 AM Open Steersperson meeting 10:00 AM Women and COED Long Course Race 11:00 AM Lunch Opens 11:30 AM Beer Garden Opens - Sponsored by Poseidon Brewing Company 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM Lei Making - Come and make your own lei - Demonstration by Hokuloa assisted by the Hālau Hula O Pualanina`auali`ioha and Ventura Outrigger Canoe Club 11:45 AM - 12:00 PM Hula Dance Demonstration led by Hālau Hula O Pualanina`auali`ioha 12:00 PM Men’s Long Course Race starts 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM Ukulele music on the beach by Anacapa Ukulele 2:30 PM Awards Ceremony: Awards will be provided to first, second, and third place 3:00 PM Raffle prizes and Silent Auction winners announced immediately following awards 4:30 PM Beer Garden Closes 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Presenting the music of the Kalama Brothers at the Ventura Harbor Village Greens, presented in collaboration with the Ventura Port District RACE MERCHANDISEVisit our onsite merch tent to commemorate your race day in style with our exclusive Ventura Outrigger Challenge jerseys, designed in collaboration with Hammers + Legends. Limited quantities available – once they're gone, they're gone!
Also check out the variety of cozy wear options, hat and stickers! All pre-orders will be available for pick-up at the merch tent on race day. 
Hotel DiscountsThe Holiday Inn Express and Four Points have offered discounted hotel rates for our event.
Please click on the hotel name to access the discounted rates: Canoe/Rig ParkingParking is available overnight Friday evening before the race and Saturday evening after the race! We request that canoes/rigs be out by noon on Sunday.
Silent Auction7:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Please support Hokuloa Outrigger Canoe Club by bidding in our silent auction the day of the race. Winners of the silent auction will be posted at 3:00 PM and must pick-up their items before 4:00 PM. Square (credit cards) and cash, will be accepted. Mahalo to Our DonorsDe Your support helps Hokuloa Outrigger Canoe Club provide our local Ventura community with access to competitive outrigger canoe paddling. Andria's Seafood Restaurant & Market Aquarium of the Pacific Benchmark Eatery Bennett Family/Genuine Restaurant Concepts Brophy Bros. Clam Bar & Restaurant Debbie Ward Dr. Grayson Pomeroy, D.C. Farmer Boy Fly The Ama George Thompson Diamond Co. The Granada Theater Grassroots Yoga Hammers and Legends Harbor Cove Café In-N-Out Burger Institution Ale Company Island Packers Jeff & Annette Carivau Leashless Brewing LMNT Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden Lure Fish House Massage Bloom MOXI The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation Olivas Links Ona Shiroyama Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier Pasadena Playhouse Petersen Automotive Museum SAN Nutrition Corporation Santa Barbara Zoo Sarah Donahoe Sauna Studio Sexy Brand Sister Asian Eastery Slowtide Suzanne Bell The Huntington Tamarind Thai Cuisine Tatiana Szerwinski Topa Topa Brewing Company Toppers Pizza Place Trader Joe’s Trois Le Fou Winery Ventura Music Hall Ventura Swimwear Thank You to Our CommunityA huge thank you to our local community for the support that makes our Ventura Outrigger Challenge fundraising event successful each year - helping Hokuloa Outrigger Canoe Club provide our Ventura community with access to competitive paddling.
A very special thank you to the Ventura Port District for collaborating on bringing the Kalama Brothers to our event in celebration of Asian Pacific Islander Month in May. Ventura Police Cadets for managing our parking. Harbor Cove Cafe for opening early and staying open late for race participants. Julie-Tumamait-Stenslie for providing the race blessing for the event and sharing her cultural Chumash traditions. The U.S. Coast Guard, CA State Lifeguards and Ventura Harbor Patrol for ensuring our safety as we enjoy the ocean. Southern California Outrigger Race Association for their commitment to perpetuating the sport of outrigger canoe racing both regionally in Southern California and worldwide, and to further maintain the rich Pacific island culture and traditions that are rooted in the sport. All of the paddlers who joined us in competition and all they do to protect our ocean. And last but not least, the Hokuloa race committee leads and board members that pulled off a fantastic event: Andrew Berner, Louise Bretz, Adam Cadena, Brigitte Duran, Mario Flores, Leah Friedman, Stacie Galang, Kelli O'Harrow, Sophie Leahy, Steve Matthews, Yvonne Menard, Ron Powers, Gloria Rupio, Ona Shiroyama, Tatiana Szerwinski, Suzanne Vanvakaris, Patricia Volger, Aimee Ward, and Rick Weaver. |
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