Paddle with WYC!

Healthy exercise, a chance to meet new friends, and competition amongst world class athletes, are just a few of the offerings of our youth and adult paddling programs. For first timers and seasoned paddlers, this

program is guaranteed to give you a workout.

Training for the Na ‘Ohana O Na Hui Wa‘a Regatta Season is held in the early evenings at approximately 5:30 p.m. weekdays and 8:00 a.m. Sundays beginning April 1st through August. Practices last anywhere from 1 to 2 hours and typically are held outside of the harbor. We have seven outrigger canoes (OC-6): two Bradleys, two Force Five, a Hawaiian Catamaran, a Hawaiian Class Racer and two Mirages.

Loaners paddles are available for beginners. Out-of-canoe conditioning includes jogging, light weight lifting, and aerobic conditioning. The regatta races are held on 8 consecutive Sundays beginning in June, followed by the Hui Wa’a Championship race. Crews that qualify will be able to compete in the Hawaii State Championships the first week of August.

In addition to the Regatta Season, several canoe clubs sponsor a “pre-regatta season” long distance race. These races start in April and continue through May. The Long Distance Season follows on the heels of the State Championships. Practices become longer and geared toward a different type of race, where the emphasis is placed on changing in and out of canoes and escort boats. The Long Distance Season includes 2 races plus the world renown Molokai to Waikiki 41-mile race the Na Wahine O Ke Kai in September for the women, and the Molokai Ho’e in October for the men.

There is one “iron” race held each Labor Day weekend in Kailua/Kona on the Big Island. The popular Queen Liliuokalani Long Distance Race attracks teams from all over the world. Over 100 canoes compete in an 18-mile marathon race from Kailua Bay to Honaunau and the “City of Refuge” (women) and 18-miles back (men) to Kailua Bay. Other races that Waikiki Yacht Club has participated in are the Liberty Challenge in New York, Hawaiian Isles Festival in Las Vegas (yes, Nevada) and the Catalina Crossing in California.

ADULT PROGRAM

Outrigger canoe paddling is open to ANYONE, no experience necessary. Competition races are divided into age groups, 18-30, 40-50, 51-55, 56-60 and above 60. Coaches typically train the men and women separately, with mixed training for the crews that qualify. The coaching staff designs a workout regimen that begins with only a moderate level of exercise, working everyone up to a level that is appropriate for sprinting and distance racing. One-on-one training is on-going; seasoned paddlers and veterans of the sport encourage and support new teammates, helping them to become an integral part of their crew.

YOUTH PROGRAM

The Youth Program is based on the Adult Program, with comprehensive coaching that will prepare young paddlers ages 10 to 18 to race with the club at regattas. The youth paddlers are broken down into age brackets for racing as well, beginning with a 12 yr. old division, then 13’s, 14’s, 15’s, 16’s, and 18’s. Parents and families are encouraged to join us on regatta Sunday’s to watch the races, enjoy snacks and route for our all of our paddlers.

Practice Schedule

Adult practices are held weekdays at 5:30 p.m. and weekends at 8:00 a.m. Youth practice is after school until 5:30. The days will be determined at the beginning of each season. Please wear comfortable clothing, such as board shorts, a t-shirt, prepare to get wet, use sunscreen, bring a paddle if you have one (if not, we have loaners), and, most importantly, bring a bottle of water.

All participants will be required to sign a waiver to participate in the Paddling Program and to use Club canoes. Drop-ins are very welcome, space permitting. Please check the website periodically for updated practice dates, as they may be revised from time to time.

For information on WYC paddling, please contact Pam Winslow: pamhawaii@live.com or contact the Waikiki Yacht Club Office (tel: 808-955-4405).

Registration forms and Paddling FAQs are available on the Paddling Information page.