[ Cali Paddler is always impressed at the dedication and drive shown by our young paddlers. Not to mention their coaches and parents who support their paddle lifestyle. We are so proud at this upcoming endeavor, the MBX race from Santa Cruz to Monterey. If you haven't heard about this epic race check out some previous articles here. Thank you Jocelyn Wilson for this great intro of the dedicated paddlers! ]
Two years later and I’m back writing about my experience with MBX, except this time it’s about our keiki. Now, I’ve only been coaching these kids for about 2 years. By coaching, I mean I’m basically their den mom and assist Mike Smith, Head Keiki Coach for He’e Nalu. It’s pretty much it’s own insanely quirky family, including our amazing, supportive parents! So, when we had a crew of 9 keiki come up to us, explaining how they wanted to participate in MBX (Monterey Bay Crossing), there was no second guessing if these kids could accomplish it or not. They’ve proven enough times that if they set their minds to it, they can surpass any obstacles in their way. I’ve been privileged enough to be a part of this amazing adventure and now I share it
with you.
Companies that 'get it'!
Paddle Articles
Nine keiki. One canoe. The race...Monterey Bay Crossing!
Race Recap - NorCal Juniors Come to Oceanside
Cali Paddler welcomes back NorCal Junior Paddler Ruthie as she shares with us her recent race experience in Oceanside. -CP"...I was in unfamiliar waters and had to read the water to feel how the canoe was going to react. Every race has its own meaning; they all won't be the same. They each have their own special moments...I am looking forward to all the adventures we all have ahead of us. The paddling journey is endless. Great things happen when they are most unexpected.."
Misfits in Monterey - SoCal Takes a Trip North
Cali Paddler is thrilled to have Si Mendoza share with us some recent fun he and his crew had during a trip up north to explore the Memorial Day Hoe in Monterey Bay. If you haven't heard of this race, consider this a chance to learn more and be inspired for a trip to awesome-land.How did I NOT know about this for all these years?! An extended holiday weekend full of paddling in different divisions with different water crafts over two days in a beautiful city with delicious pubs? Um, yea – I’ll take two of them please!
Cali Paddler Spotlight - Gold Medalist Barbara Leites (74 years old)
On May 11th 2016 at the IVF VA’A WORLD SPRINT CHAMPIONSHIPS, 74 years old Barbara Leites representing POCA California, USA from the NCOCA (Northern California Outrigger Canoe Association) Pupu’O Hawaii Club and Outrigger Team 47-74, did the impossible: Won gold in the Masters 70+, V-1, 500 meters. The only gold for Team POCA USA at the 2016 World Sprints championship.
Why impossible? Well, Barbara has been Outrigger paddling for only 2 years, a Novice. And as our sprint coach Linda Dresbach shared on Facebook: This was Barbara’s 3rd race ever on a V-1.
What? How? And who is she? Why did Barbara start Outrigger Paddling?
Paddle Pledge Non-Profits
