March 2025 Newsletter
President’s Message
Aloha ʻOhana Kai!
As we welcome warmer weather and longer days, I want to share a few exciting updates and welcome some new (and returning!) faces to our paddling ʻohana.
🏅 Welcome Coach Erin Davis!
Erin brings a wealth of experience and heart to our team. If you haven’t met her yet, give her a big aloha at your next practice!
🌞 More Rec Paddles!
We’ve added Tuesday and Thursday mornings, and Wednesday evenings for Rec Paddles. Sign up on TeamSnap—great for returning from injury, building skills, or just connecting.
💪 Proposed Practice Restructuring
We’re testing out dedicated conditioning sessions on MWF mornings. Your feedback matters—talk to your rep or check your email from 2/25/25 for more info. We’ll discuss this more at April’s All-Members Meeting.
🌙 Welcome Back Evening Race Paddlers!
It’s race season! Thank you for bringing the fire and showing up strong. Let’s make this year amazing.
👋 Welcome New Members:
Dena Chubbic and Kelley Townsend – Say hi when you see them around!
👕 Jersey Re-Order
Need a new jersey? Let us know here: Indicate your interest
What’s Ahead?
✅ Events – Workshops, Learn to Paddle Days, and meetings
✅ Race Prep – Waivers, cards, and calendar
✅ Canoe & Gear – New Malolo arriving soon!
✅ Save the Date – Race to the Hat, Sept 27
✅ Missed the S&C Workshop? Download the slides
✅ Coaches Corner – Cold water safety tips
✅ Membership Perks – TechSoup discounts
✅ Meet Your Teammates – March mystery paddler revealed
✅ Culture Corner – Legacy of the Malia canoe + Hokuleʻa celebration
🗓 March & April Events
3/8 – Hawaiian Uke Workshop (Mondavi Center)
3/11 – Evening Practices Begin
3/17 – Board Meeting (5:30 PM – submit items by 3/10)
3/23 – OC6 Paddling Workshop with Tek Li (Sold Out!)
3/29 – Paid Learn to Paddle (10–1)
3/30 – Free Learn to Paddle (10–12)
4/5 – Dragon Boat Festival (9 AM @ Black Miners Bar)
4/13 – Free Learn to Paddle (1–3)
4/19 – Paid Learn to Paddle (10–1)
4/21 – Save the Date: All Members Meeting (5:30 PM)
🎉 March Birthdays
🎉 Ahna Yap – Mar 10
🎉 Robin Kurotori – Mar 11
🎉 Bettina Ngweno – Mar 11
🎉 Kristine Davenport – Mar 17
🎉 Kimberly Green – Mar 25
Thanks to Dale & Cathy for tracking our special days!
🏁 Race Updates
📌 Waivers: Complete your NCOCA waiver and confirm your email!
🛶 Race Cards: Contact Norina if you plan to race and don’t have one.
📅 Race Calendar: All events are in TeamSnap. Get your crew ready!
🛶 Canoe & Equipment News
Our Malolo race canoe arrives by the end of March—stay tuned for blessing details!
Bradley Lightning repairs complete—just awaiting decals, grip tape, and cushions.
💪 Strength & Conditioning
Missed the Strength & Conditioning workshop with Tom McCoin and Erin Davis?
Grab the slide deck with exercises and expert tips here: Download
🧊 Coach’s Corner – Hypothermia Awareness
from Coach Megan
Even in spring, water temps are cold (~50°F). Know the risks of cold shock and hypothermia if you huli.
Early signs: shivering, slurred speech, clumsiness
What to do: get dry, warm up slowly, and seek help for severe symptoms
Always wear a PFD!
💻 Membership Perks
As a member, you’re eligible for TechSoup discounts on software and hardware. Check out techsoup.org and reach out to River if you want to order something.
👋 Meet Your Teammates – March Edition
with Robin Kurotori
This paddler joined after a trip to Hawaiʻi with Marcie and Guy 15 years ago and never looked back. They were part of Hui o Hawaii before COCC was born!
Favorite memory:
Falling in the lake on their 65th birthday while helping launch the canoe—then hopping right back in with a smile.
Races:
Round the Rock (2019 & 2020) was magical, full of adrenaline and ocean energy.
Why COCC feels like family:
The community. The care. The “we missed you” when someone’s not at practice.
Fun facts:
Loves hiking, paddling, yoga
Goes on fitness trips with septuagenarians
Worked with a personal trainer to get stronger this year
Once went to a nude beach in Tahoe
Would love to paddle in New Zealand, but Hawaii again sounds pretty perfect
Mystery Teammate: Kathy Riolo!
Want to be featured? Email Robin at rkurotori@gmail.com
🌺 Culture Corner
Contributed by Cathy Stomsvik & Gale Lee
Celebrate 50 Years of Hōkūleʻa!
Join the global paddling community in honoring this legendary Polynesian voyaging canoe. Learn more at hokulea.com
📖 Legacy of the Malia Canoe
Carved from a 400-year-old koa log, the Malia is a champion and cultural icon. From its origins in Kona to shaping modern outrigger molds, its history runs deep.
🌊 Learn More:
ʻŌlelo highlights: laulima, kuleana, kōkua, wahine, kāne
Book rec: Ancient Hawaiʻi by Herb Kāne
Watch: The Navigators: Pathfinders of the Pacific (YouTube)
📝 Want to Contribute?
Got a story, tip, or tradition to share? We’d love to feature you!
Submit articles: forms.gle/XyeKUHcDv5b4BFuQ6
Be featured in “Meet Your Teammates”: forms.gle/ZnMfw9GrowMZ9CRC9
