CLUB HISTORY


Capital Outrigger Canoe Club, was established in 2016 in association with the
Sacramento State Aquatic Center.

Our beginning started with three canoes: Naiʻa, Manulele, and ʻUhana Hele. June of 2017 a Hawaiian blessing celebrated the joining the “waʻa” into our ohana.

In September 2017, our fourth canoe, Pa I Koa Moana, joined our Club.

In March 2025, we welcomed our fifth canoe, Kamanawai.

  • ʻUhane Hele

    Means traveling spirit. Built by Sonny Bradley in 2007 as a Bradley Lightning series. The Porgue Sports Bradley Lightnngs were manufactured specifically for the Pacific Northwest conditions: lakes, rivers and ocean surf.

  • Naiʻa (Dolphin)

    The malia design built by J. T. Yamasaki in 1933 and molds followed in 1959. This canoeʻs reputation is well known for winning in the fiberglass division. The Malia is the first Hawaiʻian canoe to begin the life of outrigger paddling and racing worldwide.

  • Manulele

    Meaning to fly. Built also by Sonny Bradley as a Bradley Striker. Built in 2000, this boat is the predecessor to the Lighting. California borrowed the mold from Bradley to craft the Strikers and prepare for the wold sprints.

  • Pa I Koa Moana

    Meaning “warrior of the ocean.” Built as a Force V by Walter Guild and Brent Bixler, this canoe carries the legacy of the Hawaiian Class Racer into the modern era. Introduced in 1995, the Force Five features a widened hull, extended rocker, and redesigned bow—engineered for speed, stability, and success in long-distance racing. Its distinct notch in the manu hope sets it apart on the water.

  • Kamanawai

    Meaning “spiritual or sacred strength.” Crafted as a Malolo OC6 by Puakea Designs, Kamanwai blends cutting-edge performance with a deep respect for tradition. Designed for versatility and speed, the Malolo is built to handle the demands of both flatwater and open ocean, making it a favorite for competitive crews and community paddlers alike.

Blessings are in keeping with centuries-old Hawaiian tradition.

With the addition of these canoes, our club continues to race at a competitive level. In the “Spec” (traditional) division, we won the title of NCOCA “Small Club” champions for two consecutive years (2016 & 2017).