Akau Hana Outrigger Canoe Club

The sport of outrigger canoeing has been practiced for over 5000 years. Polynesians navigated the South Pacific in canoes almost 1000 years before Columbus landed in America. Today, Pacific Islanders still use canoes for inter-island transport. For the Polynesian culture, outrigger canoes are more than just a means of transportation. It is the primary means by which teamwork, sharing and a sense of extended family (ohana) are communicated to one another all centered on the core value of performance through cooperation.

Outrigger canoe racing is popular in Australia, Canada, Cook Islands, England, Europe, Fiji, Hawai’i, Japan, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Tonga, Samoa and the United States. In the U.S., there are clubs in Arizona, California, Florida, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, Texas and Washington.

Modern clubs were founded in Hawai’i during the early 1900’s. The sport faltered during the World Wars, but came back strong to become one of the most popular activities in Oceania.

In 1959, Toots Minville, a pioneer of outrigger canoe racing started the Newport Beach to Catalina race, thereby introducing the sport to Southern California. The sport came to Northern California in 1978, with the founding of the Northern California Outrigger Canoe Association. Today, there are 20 clubs throughout the greater San Francisco Bay Area, with hundreds of clubs worldwide. It is one of the very few sports where children through seniors of all shapes, sizes and physical capabilities can excel. Outrigger canoe paddling is the official state sport of Hawai’i.



Practice Schedule: Sunday 9:00 AM: Open to all members and newcomers Monday 5:30 PM: Women's race practice (members only) Wednesday 8:45 AM: Recreational paddle crew (members only) Wednesday 5:30 PM: Coed and novice practice (members only) Thursday 4:00 PM: Recreational paddle crew (members only) Thursday 5:30 PM: Men's race practice (members only) Saturday 9:00 AM: Men's and women's race practices (members only) Newcomers are invited to paddle with us on Sundays at 9:00 AM. We will ask you to fill out a liability waiver, and we will provide you with a paddle, instruction, and a fun day. You are welcome to paddle with us two or three times before deciding whether to become a member. A voluntary $1-$5 contribution for your first paddle is appreciated but not required. Location: Meet at Santa Cruz Harbor on Lake Avenue at the equipment shed (next to Dock N), on the Crow's Nest side of the harbor. Practice and drills commence at the boat-launch ramp using the colorful 6-person outrigger canoes Maka Nui and Makani Akua and the club's one- and two-person canoes. Suggested Wear: Footwear that is lightweight and can be worn in the water, such as thongs and reef shoes. In the winter, wear neoprene booties. Comfortable clothing that allows movement: shorts, tee shirt or rash guard, and a sun hat or visor on warm days; on colder days, slightly warmer clothing such as a long sleeve rash guard, wool or synthetic beanie, and windbreaker. (We warm up quickly as we paddle!) In the winter, layer with fleece, neoprene, nylon, and other synthetics. Wool is fine, but synthetics are lighter, warmer, and retain less water. Even if you wear a wetsuit, carry along an extra water-and-windproof outer layer. Wear no cotton! Wen wet, it stops being an insulator, and instead becomes a heat conductor. A strap for your glasses or sunglasses. A bottle of water. Sunscreen. Don't hesitate to email us with questions at info@akauhana.org. Paddle Safety Information All Akau Hana members should periodically review these lists of safety tips.

Community Outreach Workers: Akau Hana has on going, year round need for planners and helpers interested in making our community a better, healthier, culturally non-biased environment for our children and ourselves. We plan and deliver a variety of programs all year long. Recreational Paddling Newcomers of all physical abilities and cultural backgrounds are welcome to join our recreational paddling programs. These include keiki (children) crews; kapuna (seniors), mom’s crew and other age based crews, as well as specially organized crews for the physically challenged or persons in recovery. Recreational paddlers may paddle from one to three times or more per week, depending upon scheduling. Age- and ability-appropriate “fun” races are scheduled depending upon interest. Recreational Paddlers Certification Information: To paddle the small (OC 1 & OC2) canoes To steer an OC6 canoe Competitive Racing Program For those members interested in racing, Akau Hana belongs to the Northern California Outrigger Canoe Association (NCOCA), which sponsors a variety of long and short distance races year round. These races include OC-1 and OC-6 competitions. Racers at this level are expected to cross train vigorously, as well as practice 2 or 3 times per week or as directed by their coach. OC/6-Sprint: Jun.-Jul. Long Distance (+-12 miles): May and Aug.-Oct. OC/1: Feb.-Sept. Race divisions are typically as follows, by female, male and co-ed: Under 12,14,16 and 19 years Novice, first and second year Open: ages 20-35 but open to any age Master: age 35-45 Senior Master: age 45-55 Kapuna: age 55 and up Membership Rates One-time initiation fee to join Akau Hana OCC: $50.00 Yearly adult recreational paddlers: $130.00 Yearly racing paddlers: $185.00 Yearly college recreational paddlers: $65.00 Yearly college racing paddlers: $92.50 Yearly recreational or racing 6 to 18-year olds: $75.00 Membership fees are due January 1 or when a member starts paddling for that season. If a person joins Akau Hana OCC later in the season, then the yearly membership fees are prorated as follows: August 1: 75% of yearly member rate September 1: 50% of yearly member rate October 1: 25% of yearly rate November 1: 20% of yearly rate December 1: 10% of yearly rate

The sport of outrigger canoeing has been practiced for over 5000 years. Polynesians navigated the South Pacific in canoes almost 1000 years before Columbus landed in America. Today, Pacific Islanders still use canoes for inter-island transport. For the Polynesian culture, outrigger canoes are more than just a means of transportation. It is the primary means by which teamwork, sharing and a sense of extended family (ohana) are communicated to one another all centered on the core value of performance through cooperation. Outrigger canoe racing is popular in Australia, Canada, Cook Islands, England, Europe, Fiji, Hawai’i, Japan, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Tonga, Samoa and the United States. In the U.S., there are clubs in Arizona, California, Florida, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, Texas and Washington. Modern clubs were founded in Hawai’i during the early 1900’s. The sport faltered during the World Wars, but came back strong to become one of the most popular activities in Oceania. In 1959, Toots Minville, a pioneer of outrigger canoe racing started the Newport Beach to Catalina race, thereby introducing the sport to Southern California. The sport came to Northern California in 1978, with the founding of the Northern California Outrigger Canoe Association. Today, there are 20 clubs throughout the greater San Francisco Bay Area, with hundreds of clubs worldwide. It is one of the very few sports where children through seniors of all shapes, sizes and physical capabilities can excel. Outrigger canoe paddling is the official state sport of Hawai’i.	Club and Canoe Names Akau Hana: North Bay Kananimauloa: Eternal Happiness Maka Nui: Big Friend Makani Akua: Wind Spirit Kumulipo: Mystery; Source of Life Huaka'i: Journey Parts of the Canoe Wa’a: Canoe Ho’e: Paddle Ama: Outrigger float Iako: Beams that hold the ama Manu: Bow or stern endpiece Gunnels: Side frame