Coach's Comments

Hi Everyone,

This is Coach..I've got a couple things to share with you. Regarding last Saturday, this Saturday and iRec schedule for off season paddling.

First of all, Lita and I are coordinating an effort with Rho, ex-Rec alumni paddler ("When are we going around the ISLAND???") who is living and working on Maui now. She has a good friend working here at Hawaii Prince Hotel (next to Ilikai) looking for about six (6) workers on the day before Thanksgiving to prepare and cook 500 TURKEYS. Yikes! Did I say, "500"??? WOW!

Anyway, the hotel is willing to donate some money to the club if we help out...SO, I'm asking if any of you could spare some time on Nov. 25th (morning & afternoon shifts are optional). I didn't make any commitment to the hotel yet, I wanted to get feedback from all of you first. We need 6 people minimum...more people the better! Okay? So, please let me know or contact Lita. I think we can have a lot of fun with this fundraiser!

Regarding last Saturday, 10\24 - it was a BLESSING TO MY HEART! We had paddle maintenance day at our canoe site. We sanded and varnished all of our Rec training paddles, plus some personal paddles that belonged to our members. Let's see if I can remember everyone who showed-up...Ulu, Anela & Ku, Robert F. & Troy, Randy N., JoAnn & Lynn Bailey, Travis brought his mom (Aunty Myrna), Coach Ken & Denise, Jimmy Aka & Everett came after work...and last but not least, Lita and the kids. Thanks to all of you for your hard work and effort...God bless you! (We ate good too! Ono food all around.)

Next Saturday, 10\31 (Halloween), we will be finishing the paddles we couldn't get too. We have one or two more coats of varnish to put on all the paddles for the final round.

Also, Rec was asked by Charlie T. to do some small yard work on the back side parking lot - to clear a small area to store some canoes. I asked Ku and Randy to bring their yard tools so, be prepared for that too.

I will bring the WOK again, (I won't forget the EGGS this time). So, if you want to volunteer a small dish, pls bring it along when you show up. We can always use the company and it's always nice to see everyone even if we are not paddling right now.

Does anyone want to wear a Halloween costume?? (I'll come dressed as "Coach Ken")

Lastly, speaking of paddling, Charlie T. also told me that iRec will have access to two (2) canoes over the "down" season for the next four months. There will be five canoes left on the beach for competitive and rec paddlers until next March, 2010. We can use "Mamala" or "Iolani"...during which time they'll be taken-apart for repair work on the i'ako's and polishing. I want Rec to help with that maintenance work too. Because, the sooner we can get the canoes polished and i'ako's varnished, the quicker we paddle.

Here's the "iREC PADDLING" schedule I was thinking about for the next four months:

* 2nd and 4th SATURDAYS of EACH MONTH (twice a month)

* 9:AM - 11:AM (Canoes leave the beach 9:30 sharp)

* Once the canoes are gone, that's it...No Rotation!

* 60-90 minute paddling workouts

* No Beginner's Paddling

* Only "alumni" Rec Paddlers allowed to paddle

("alumni" means - if you've already signed 2009 waiver's)

* I bring the paddle bag and canoe dolly (no tables, no set-up)

Okay, that's quite a lot of information for now. Oh, by the way, if you want to find out what the final cost for the repair on the "Niuhi" and also how much was contributed to the collection fund ... just show up on Saturday and we'll tell you then. You'll be amazed! God is Good!

God bless you all,

Coach Kimo

808-479-7871