FAQ
What shape do I need to be in to participate with the club?
You need to be physically able to sit in the canoe and hold a paddle. You also need to be physically able to stroke with that paddle. Being able to swim and tread water is helpful otherwise you are required to wear a life vest at all times in the canoe. You must have the physical strength to get back in the canoe from the water with the aid of a rope ladder if needed.
What equipment do I need to participate weekly?
We provide a loaner paddle to beginners until they buy their own paddle. Bring a water bottle or wear a camelback water pack. Water shoes are helpful because of the rocky boat ramp and shore. Wear clothes that can get wet and be comfortable like quick-dry shirts and board shorts.
Bring a towel and change of clothes to change into after practice.
Is there a minimum weekly participation requirement to maintain my membership in the club?
No. Come when you can. It does not have an impact on your membership.
Are there many women in the club?
We currently have five women in the club and are looking for more.
Do I have to participate in races to workout with the club?
No. We split the crews into race workout crews and conditioning crews during the race season. Everyone is placed in conditioning crews when race season ends. Race workout crews practice longer and harder than conditioning crews.
Are there additiional race fees beyond the annual membership?
Yes. Every member is required to pay their own race fee at every race in which they participate. In 2022, this amounts to $15 per person except for 9 man races. Plus, everyone chips in $20 each for the canoe trailer tow driver for gas, and as a reward for towing the boats.
Whitey Harrison and Paopao are nine-man races with fees of $15 per person for a nine-man crew. Both races require an escort boat for carrying 3 paddlers for changes. The escort boat usually costs $250 – $350 and is split among the nine paddlers. Plus, everyone chips in $20 each for the canoe trailer tow driver for gas, and as a reward for towing the boats.
Catalina Crossing’s nine-man race fees are $600 per nine-man crew. This race requires an escort boat for carrying 3 paddlers for changes. The escort boat usually costs $250 – $350 and is split among the nine paddlers. Plus, everyone chips in $20 each for the canoe trailer tow driver for gas, and as a reward for towing the boats.
Does the club workout only during race season?
No. We split the crews into race workout crews and conditioning crews during the race season. Everyone is placed in conditioning crews when race season ends. Race workout crews practice longer and harder than conditioning crews.
How early should I show up for practice each week on the different days?
Yes. When you begin to paddle with us you will need to sign a Kanaka waiver which releases our club from liability in case you are injured while paddling with us. You will be required to sign a SCORA waiver when you join our club.
What is SCORA?
Southern California Outrigger Racing Association (SCORA) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit public benefit corporation dedicated to the perpetuation 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. Their website is: https://www.scora.org
When you join Kanaka OCC, you are required to create an account with SCORA specifying that you are a member of our club. You will be assigned a SCORA member ID number which is used for all race registrations. You are also required to fill out and electronically sign the SCORA waiver before you are allowed to race.
Where can I find additional instructional videos on how to paddle?
There is a myriad of paddling videos teaching all aspects of paddling. We are constantly studying and gleaning paddling technique tips to make us better paddlers. Well-known coaches and paddlers like Johnny Puakea, Danny Chang, and Tupu King make Youtube videos that are very instructive. The coach of Kanaka (Tro Murphey) has created many videos on our technique as well as videos with important tips on paddling. You can find these videos on Youtube. Just search for the PaddleNinjaSan channel and view the most recent videos describing our stroke technique.
Where can I purchase equipment (paddle, gloves, etc.) in San Diego?
West Coast Paddle Sports on 4360 Morena Blvd, San Diego, CA 92117 is a good place to buy paddling gear. Tell them you are with Kanaka and they should give you a discount on anything you buy.
Do the club members stay overnight the night before for the races out of town?
Yes. A lot of club members will drive the day before the race and find a hotel or Airbnb to stay in overnight. Some club members prefer to drive up the day of the race and drive back after the race ends. There are usually hotels advertised in the race packet that give discounts for people racing.
Do members carpool together to the races?
Yes. Usually, members will email everyone to ask for carpool participants.
Are any of the members CRP certified?
Yes. There are several members that are CPR certified however it is not a requirement for the club.
Is there a release form I need to sign prior to participating?
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How many times can I paddle with the club before I need to make a decision if I want to join?
We offer anyone three free paddle sessions with our club in order to determine if our club is the right fit for you. After that, we ask that you pay $25 per month if you want to continue paddling as a guest paddler or we require you to join our club and pay the yearly club dues.