February 2025 Newsletter
President’s Message
Aloha ʻOhana Kai!
The energy is rising both on and off the water. February brings new training opportunities, gear upgrades, and race season prep. There’s a lot to look forward to—including a brand-new Malolo race canoe and our pirate-themed fundraiser in September!
Mahalo to everyone who joined the CPR classes! Please update your TeamSnap profile with “CPR” as your jersey number if certified.
💡 Safety Note: Vaikobi life jackets are on sale now if you need one.
🏁 Race & Safety Updates
📌 NCOCA Waiver – Complete and confirm your signature via the email that follows.
📆 Race Calendar – All events are in TeamSnap.
‼ 2025 Dues Are Due – If unpaid, you’ll be removed from TeamSnap. Didn’t get the email? Reach out ASAP.
🛶 Canoe & Equipment Updates
🆕 Our new Malolo race canoe arrives in March.
🧽 Iakos refinished to improve durability.
🔧 Bradley Lightning has been repaired and will be painted soon. New decals and grip tape are on the way.
Huge thanks to Jim, Jack, Don, Mike, Steve, Cindi, and everyone who helped with refurbishing!
📅 February Events
2/5 – Fundraising Committee Meeting (Zoom)
2/17 – Board Meeting (Zoom option available)
3/11 – Evening Practices Begin
3/23 – OC6 Workshop with Tek Li (details below)
📩 Agenda items for the February board meeting must be submitted by Feb 10 to: capitaloutrigger@gmail.com
🎉 February Birthdays
🧁 Claire Leflore – Feb 1
🧁 Jim Gannon – Feb 5
🧁 Oldak Callaghan – Feb 7
🧁 Charlie Willard – Feb 10
🧁 Gabe Jaramillo – Feb 12
🧁 Dmitri Salkovsky – Feb 15
🧁 Gretchen Stanfield – Feb 22
🧁 Alice Yam – Feb 24
Big thanks to Dale for keeping track of birthdays!
💪 Coach’s Corner
Strength & Conditioning Workshops
Thanks to Ahna Yap, Erin Davis, and Tom McCoin for hosting two fantastic sessions focused on injury prevention and performance! Stay tuned for future workshops.
Stretching Tips from Coach Megan
Stretching keeps muscles strong, flexible, and injury-resistant. Warm up first, then stretch key areas like shoulders, neck, hamstrings, and back. Hold each stretch for 20–30 seconds. For extra flexibility, try yoga or Pilates.
🛶 OC6 Paddling Workshop with Tek Li
📅 Date: March 23, 2025
📍 Location: 1901 Hazel Ave, Gold River
🕗 Time: 8 AM – 4 PM
💲 Cost: $90 per person
👥 Limited to 12 paddlers
Includes:
✅ Two on-water sessions
✅ Personalized video review
✅ Lunch provided
Register now – spots are limited!
🧠 Hawaiian Culture Feature
with Gale Lee & River Braun
Celebrating 50 Years of the Hōkūleʻa
The Hōkūleʻa, a traditional Polynesian voyaging canoe launched in 1975, helped revive the ancient practice of wayfinding. Learn more at hokulea.com
Suggested reads:
Hawaiki Rising by Sam Low
A Pocket Guide to the Hawaiian Language by Albert J. Schutz
ʻŌlelo to Know:
Naʻau – Deep inner wisdom
Kapakahi – Lopsided or messy
Ho‘o maukaukau – Get ready!
Hamajang – Messed up (in a fun way!)
Aloha isn’t just a greeting—it’s a way of life.
“Aloha means to hear what is not said, to see what cannot be seen, and to know the unknowable.” — Queen Lili‘uokalani
🌊 Finding Our Puʻuhonua
In Hawaiian, “puʻuhonua” means refuge or sanctuary. For us, Lake Natoma is that place—a space of healing, joy, and connection.
👋 Meet Your Teammates
Can you guess our first mystery paddler?
Started paddling in Hawaiʻi through a culturally passionate boss
Joined COCC after moving to Sacramento (cold water was intimidating!)
First race: Around the Rock as stroker with Kent steering
Memorable moment: sinking in a crab hole post-race in Alameda!
Loves the Great Wall and Terracotta Soldiers from a trip to China
Known for: being warm, friendly, often called Auntie/Uncle
Dream paddle: New Zealand—happening this March!
2025 goal: Medal in a race!
Answer: Gale Lee 💛
Want to be featured? Email Robin at rkurotori@gmail.com
💻 Membership Perks
As a COCC member, you qualify for TechSoup discounts on software and hardware. Check it out at techsoup.org or reach out to River to place an order.
✍️ Want to Contribute?
📝 Share your voice!
Contribute an article or insight to the newsletter: Submit here
👋 Be featured in “Get to Know Your Teammates”
Answer a few fun questions here: Join the spotlight
