Kai Elua Outrigger Canoe Club

Outrigger Canoe Racing is rapidly becoming the most competitive water sport along the west coast, with nearly 20 clubs in Southern California and over 17 in Northern California. With all divisions available for both men and women, Outrigger Canoe Racing is one of a few totally co-ed water sports.
 

Kai Elua Outrigger Canoe Club is an Amateur, non-profit athletic club based in San Diego, California. We have been in San Diego, on Mission Bay, since 1978. Our club members are athletes who commit their time to be proficient paddlers; and to be competitive with other clubs in California and throughout the Pacific Rim. The club members compete in the Outrigger World Championship in Hawaii as well as in various other international-level events.

Jimmy Ako, Alejo Hao, and Greg Nee founded Kai Elua Outrigger Canoe Club (KEOCC) in 1978. The formalized objective of the club is “to encourage the study of Polynesian culture and to maintain and perpetuate outrigger canoe racing”.

Kai Elua in Hawaiian means “two oceans”. This name was selected to symbolize the uniting of the Hawaiian culture and ocean. Slowly through the years Kai Elua has grown in membership and equipment. We now have over 200 active members and are continuing to expand our team base.

The Paddling Season
In California the outrigger canoe racing season generally lasts from May to September and is divided into three segments; ironman, regatta and long distance (9-man) races. The ironman races very in length from 6 to 15 miles with no breaks. The regattas range in length from one half mile sprints to 2 miles. In regattas, the canoes compete in lanes on a one quarter mile course and are often referred to as ‘sprints’. Long distance races, or 9-man races, range in length and can be up to thirty plus miles. In 9-man races paddles are rotated out through water changes, giving each paddler time to rest during the race. A water change is when a paddler is dropped off in the water by an escort boat and then climbs into the moving boat while the relieved paddler jumps out (really cool and fun, best part of racing). Typically the 9-man season takes place in September when the water is much warmer.

Paddling demands total cooperation and physical and mental effort from each participant. Paddling is very much a team sport with no one person being able to carry the team. In paddling, unity is essential to the success of each crew.
A big part of Kai Elua Outrigger is Ohana, which means family. Kai Elua Outrigger Canoe Club prides itself on our team unity and togetherness. We are always looking to increase our member base and would love for you and your friends to come out experience Kai Elua Paddling.

Here’s a video from our women’s 9-man practice:

Video courtesy of Mike Rezin.