April 2025 Newsletter
President’s Message
Aloha ‘Ohana Kai! 🌊
As spring blossoms around us, so does the energy of our paddling ‘ohana. From the arrival of our beautiful new Malolo race canoe to the inspiring workshop with Tek Li, we’re stepping into the season with strength and connection.
Mahalo to everyone who continues to show up—not just with paddles in hand, but with heart, humor, and community spirit.
We’ve got a packed month—races, Learn to Paddle Days, and our All Members Meeting. Dive in wherever you can. This club is only as special as its people—and lucky us, we’ve got the best.
Mahalo for being part of our paddling community.
I can’t wait to see you on the water!
~River Braun
Jersey [and Jacket] Pre-Orders
Interested in a jersey or jacket?
We need at least 20 per style to place an order. Submit your interest by April 5 here:
What’s Ahead
✅ Upcoming Events – Workshops, race start dates, Learn to Paddle days
✅ Race Updates – Waivers, race cards, and planning
✅ Canoe & Equipment – New Malolo arrival + repairs
✅ Meet Your Teammates – Who’s featured this month?
✅ Culture Corner – Dive into the meaning of hula, meet local dancers, and learn new ʻōlelo words 🌺
🗓 April Events
4/5 – 2nd Annual Dragon Boat Festival – 9 AM @ Black Miners Bar
Need volunteers! Sign up on TeamSnap
4/13 – FREE Learn to Paddle Day (1–3 PM) Sold out, but we need volunteers
4/19 – Paid Learn to Paddle Day (10 AM–1 PM)
4/21 – All Members Meeting (5:30–7:00 PM)
4/26 – Open House with Kūhai Hālau O Kaponookalani Pā ‘Ōlapa Kahiko
📩 Submit agenda items for the April 21 meeting by April 5 to capitaloutrigger@gmail.com.
🎂 April Birthdays
Thanks to Dale Hoffman-Floerke & Cathy Stomsvik!
🎂 Rich Ongerth – Apr 2
🎂 Sue Nelson – Apr 2
🎂 Nancy Willis – Apr 5
🎂 Rick Leflore – Apr 6
🎂 Kent Severson – Apr 7
🎂 Terryn Davis – Apr 8
🎂 Lita Campbell – Apr 9
🎂 Nicole Barden – Apr 15
🎂 Jill Barnes – Apr 19
🎂 Woody Waite – Apr 23
🎂 Kathy Martinez – Apr 27
🏁 Race Updates
📌 NCOCA Waiver – Don’t forget to sign AND confirm via email after submitting.
🛶 Race Cards – Contact Norina Florendo if you want to race this year.
📆 Race Calendar – All events are in TeamSnap!
🚣♂️ Canoe & Equipment News
Our new Malolo race canoe is here and had its first splash in Lake Natoma!
☠️ Save the Date: Race to the Hat!
Get ready for our pirate-themed fundraiser, happening September 27, 2025.
Want to help plan? Reach out to Coach Ahna!
💪 Tek Li OC6 Paddling Workshop Recap
Last weekend’s workshop with Tek Li helped us slow down, improve technique, and build muscle memory. Small tweaks = big results.
Watch the featured video:
The Perfect Exit – Tek Talk 25.2.4
Want more coaching? Check out Tek’s online paddling school.
👋 Meet Your Teammates
with Robin Kurotori
Think you know this month’s featured paddler?
First inspired by an OC-1 paddler on Easter morning, 2001, Kailua Beach
Learned to paddle with Kahele in Oʻahu (including Round ‘da Rock!)
Proud of 39 years of marriage and learning what makes their spouse tick
Goals this year: declutter life and workspace
Once swam across the American River—nude—to chase salmon (couldn’t swim!)
Rafted the Colorado River in a 2-person life raft
Tongue-tied until age 13
Most memorable trip: visiting Hong Kong in 1961–62 and witnessing extreme poverty
Would love to paddle in Hawaiʻi or here at Lake Natoma
“I’ve learned that no matter what or how much you give to this group, it comes back tenfold. I can honestly say I love ‘Ohana Kai.’”
April Mystery Teammate: Don Stomsvik!
Want to be featured? Email Robin at rkurotori@gmail.com.
🌺 Culture Corner
Contributed by Gale Lee
It’s Hō‘ike Season!
Hula hālau across the region are preparing to showcase their hard work.
Featured Group:
Kūhai Hālau O Kaponookalani Pā ‘Ōlapa Kahiko
📍 6235 Belleau Wood Ln, Sacramento, CA
📅 April 26 | 🕚 11:00 AM–3:00 PM
Did you know?
Hula was once banned in Hawaiʻi, along with the Hawaiian language.
It wasn’t until 1986 that the language ban was formally overturned.
Hula is both storytelling and spiritual practice—there are two types:
Hula Kahiko (ancient, chants, percussion)
Hula ‘Auana (modern, melodic)
‘Ōlelo of the Month
Akamai – Clever, smart
Kama‘āina – Resident of the Islands
Malihini – Newcomer, visitor
Mana – Spiritual energy, healing power
🎥 Must-Watch:
Vanishing Voices
Contributed by Cathy Stomsvik
This powerful documentary reveals the fight to save Hawai‘i’s endangered forest birds—creatures with deep cultural and ancestral significance.
Watch it here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyjpOFqd7DM
Want to Contribute?
📝 Share your story or cultural insights – Submit an article
👋 Be featured in our teammate spotlight – Fill out this quick form
