Coach's Comments

Aloha,

This is Coach Kimo

Here are two things I’d like to talk about in this newsletter –
1. Basic info for beginner paddlers, 2. Advance info for advance paddlers

Basic info /

1. Open paddling for friends and family of competitive paddlers and our church congregation
2. Open paddling for any community agencies and organizations outside of our canoe club
3. Once a month “Brunch on the Beach” potluck, held on the 2nd Saturday of each month
4. Coach Kimo / Coach Ken conduct beginners classes every Saturday; covering canoe safety, water safety and personal safety
5. Beginners should have ability to swim or tread water
6. Waivers & release forms signed
7. Children under 8 yr.s must be accompanied by an adult in canoe
8. Water safety life vests available for adults and children
9. First aid kits are always available
10. Suggested donation of $5 per person/per month (covering equip cost)

Advance info /

1. There are two paddling programs available – beginners & advance
2. Beginners canoes rotate up and down the beach every 10-15 minutes
3. Canoes stay safely inside bay area and close to shoreline, especially with beginning paddlers
4. Always have experienced strokers and steersmen for each crew
5. Steersmen will follow coach’s instructions for canoe safety and personal safety
6. “Huli” training will be conducted once a month
7. Advance paddling is available for open ocean and longer distance workouts
8. For example; “Around the island” paddling - which will only be authorized by Coach Kimo or Coach Ken
9. All paddlers must attend at least one “huli” training class before paddling open ocean
10. Advance paddling technique clinics are held once a month



I know these are basic instructions we’ve all heard before, but I always like to remind ourselves of the great responsibility we have. Anything can happen on the beach and/or in the water. Safety is our primary concern at all times. Please watch each others back – don’t just recreate without being pro-active. Help our coach’s on the beach by reporting any suspicious activity, especially with our children always in the water.

These days, our beach at Sand Island has become more and more populated with a lot of different activities from other clubs, fishermen, jet-ski families, commercial and community organizations. This call’s for an additional awareness on all our parts. We can all share this space together safely, which means working together in the spirit of cooperation and fellowship.

Please keep in mind that God has given us this place to steward it well, as an example of His love for all people. Help keep our area clean and safe.

As always, I’m open for your suggestions and comments. Thank you for being a part of our Rec Ohana.

God bless you,

Coach Kimo