Kanaka Outrigger Canoe Club Members

Arthur Schwartz has always been drawn to the water. A former competitive kayaker with two consecutive wins in the “Bay-to-Bay” race, his passion for paddling naturally led him to outrigger canoeing. While walking at Liberty Station with his wife, Arthur repeatedly noticed the Kanaka Landing sign and the outrigger boats, sparking his curiosity. A chance encounter with Jim Beck set him on his journey, and he’s been part of the club for the past three years.

For Arthur, paddling is more than just a sport—it’s a feeling of freedom, of being truly alive. He thrives on the challenge, tracking every stroke with a metric-driven mindset. There’s nothing like the wind and waves in his face to remind him of the thrill of the moment. And when the workout is over, he relishes the satisfaction of giving it his all. But beyond the physicality, Arthur treasures the camaraderie. Morning coffee meetups with his fellow AM paddlers and the banter in the boat are just as rewarding as the races themselves.

Speaking of races, one of his most unforgettable moments was competing at ADR (Another Damn Race), where his crew faced a challenge—using a mismatched ama that led to not one but two hulis (capsizes). While the race didn’t go as planned, the memories and laughter from that day made it all worth it.

Arthur’s favorite spots in the canoe are seat 4, where he powers through with intensity, and seat 1, where he enjoys setting the boat’s pace. He has participated in several SCORA races and ADR events, constantly pushing himself to improve.

Arthur and his wife are avid global travelers off the water, often exploring the world in their Sprinter van and hiking through breathtaking landscapes. His love for adventure even has him contemplating life in New Zealand, a place he’d gladly return to. In addition to his passion for paddling and travel, he dedicates time to volunteering for a foster care organization in San Diego, giving back to the community in meaningful ways.

For Arthur, the best part of the club isn’t just the sport—it’s the people. Being surrounded by active, like-minded individuals in the “last quarter” of life brings him joy and a strong sense of community. His advice to new paddlers? Come out, have fun, learn from the experienced paddlers, and always stay encouraged.

I got into outrigger canoeing because I love being on the water and soaking in the beauty of this amazing city. Paddling gives me the perfect opportunity to stay active while connecting with others who share my passion—literally and figuratively since we're all in the same boat!

I joined the club last year, and from day one, I've enjoyed the camaraderie and teamwork. There's something special about moving together as a crew, taking in the stunning scenery of San Diego Bay, and feeling the rhythm of the paddle. One of my favorite paddling experiences so far was joining another club while watching the Parade of Lights—a truly unique way to enjoy the holiday season!

Regarding seating in the canoe, I respect that each seat plays an important role. I trust our steersman or steerswoman to place me where I can contribute best. While I haven't participated in any races yet, I'm looking forward to taking on that challenge in the future.

Outside of paddling, I enjoy traveling with my family, tackling remodeling projects, and numismatics (which, let's just say, drives my wife nuts!). A fun fact about me? After high school, I earned my private pilot's license for single-engine land planes. I'm also a big fan of comedy and never miss an episode of The Pete and Sebastian Podcast.

If I could paddle anywhere in the world, I'd choose New Zealand—it seems like an incredible place to explore from the water. But for now, I'm happy paddling right here with this fantastic group. This club has been welcoming from the start, making it easy to meet great people while enjoying the sport. My advice to new paddlers? Be open to feedback, especially from the steersperson—they're there to help! Stay consistent, and most importantly, enjoy being on the water.

I'm looking forward to many more paddles ahead!