Race Dates
E Komo Mai Keiki families to the summer of 2011!
Many of you have been anxiously awaiting news of when paddling would get started. I apologize for the delay, but I was waiting on some very exciting news regarding additional keiki events this year!
Let me start by telling you all that I am really looking forward to being with the kids again. I miss them and their pure enthusiasm for being on the water and paddling as one.
As with all of us, my life is very busy with three kids, school, husband, work…and coaching. It is hard to get help during the time slots when the canoes are available for the kids, so I cannot make changes to the practice schedule. I may be able to add a day here and there for special training (steering, flag turns). Additionally, our canoes require 6 people to move just like a soccer team needs 6 to play. Our practices are unique though because the canoe cannot run properly with 5. We need a full boat.
So I have two requests: please be on time to practice and please do not commit your child to paddling if they too many other sports going at the same time. It is very frustrating for those kids who dedicate themselves to paddling and practice when one of their 6 only shows up occasionally. I don’t want to push anyone away, but the kids complained to me about this last year…
One more important detail. The keiki program will now be for ages 9-19. However, if your child participated last year and is younger than 9, I will gladly have them participate again this year. Last year was very challenging with so many “little ones” and there is no race division for them. But I want to raise them up to the 12 and under division so they will be more than ready to race!
Ok, now the good stuff! We have two new events this year! The first one is a Polynesian festival with keiki races included. The second one is for the 16 and under division. There is a potential event in August and I will let you know as details come out. Please see the dates below.
Important Dates:
Sunday, May 1: Ikuna Koa Keiki Klassic Regatta, San Diego (flyer to follow)
Monday, May 2nd: PRACTICE STARTS FOR EVERYONE! 4-5:45 Monday and Wednesday
(Parents, please plan to stay for a quick Q&A on the first day)
Saturday, May 7: Kahanamoku Klassic, Marina Del Rey, morning
16 and under 500 meter race (more details coming)
Saturday, July 9th: Kahakai 9-man Sprints, Marine Stadium, all day
Saturday, July 16th: Imua PaddlePalooza, all day
Saturday, July 23rd: Santa Barbara State Sprint Champs, all day
Make sure you sign both waivers prior to coming to practice the first day. Your child cannot paddle until both waivers are signed. Remember that being able to swim is a must also. You can pass this email along to anyone you think might be interested. If you would like to be removed from this email group, just let me know. Please email me with any questions. Aloha, Coach Becki
SCORA WAIVER
http://www.socaloutrigger.org/pdfFiles/Waiver_2011.pdf
KAHAKAI WAIVER
http://kahakaioutrigger.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Kahakai-2010-waiver.pdf