KIHEI
CANOE CLUB - '2002 AA DIVISION STATE CHAMPIONS'
(located on KA LAE POHAKU Beach, at the north end
of Kihei Road, Maui, Hawai’i)
Recreational
Paddling Program
Kihei Canoe Club is
probably the only outrigger canoe racing club in Hawaii with a
significant percentage of members interested primarily in recreational
paddling. Most clubs focus on seasonal racing. The recreational paddling
program welcomes, trains and supports any Maui resident, even those who
have never put a paddle in the water.
KCC provides scheduled recreational paddling six days a week, twelve
months a year. Participants include adult men any women of all ages and
physical condition. (The club also has programs for kids.) Each
participant must be able to swim, capable of engaging in moderate
exercise and able to get in and out of the canoe without assistance.
Recreational paddling is a low-impact aerobic exercise. Paddlers are
taught that each person controls the amount of effort applied and can
therefore pace themselves according to individual needs and desires.
Dues
Annual memberships are
available to residents and visitors. Dues are $150 for each adult. Our
‘ohana membership ($175) includes one or more parents and their children
under 18. Couples without minor children are considered individuals, not
families, for membership purposes. Members may participate in all club
programs, including recreational and race paddling, cultural activities and
more.
Dues and fundraising efforts help support our youth program and the
considerable expense of running a canoe club.
Guest
Program
Members – KCC members are encouraged to bring one guest per month to
visitor paddle sessions. Club member must be present at guest sign-in.
Donation of $25 per person is suggested for additional guests.
Maui residents – Any Maui resident is invited
to enjoy an introductory paddle session or two as guests of KCC.
Visitors to Maui - KCC invites vistors to
paddle with club members Tuesdays and Thursdays. A donation of $25 per adult
is suggested and is tax deductible. The club provides instruction and
equipment. Please arrive at the club site by 7:15 a.m. and expect to be
finished about 9 a.m. This is a very popular activity and is strictly
first-come, first-served. No previous experience required.
Members of other outrigger canoe clubs -
Experienced paddlers may join KCC members during any scheduled recreational
paddling session, subject to available space. Suggested donation is $25 for
first paddle, nominal donation for additional paddling days. Visiting canoe
club members may paddle during visitor sessions (see above) or at 6:45 a.m.
Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Introduction to Hawaiian Culture
Guest paddling sessions usually begin with A Ala E, a traditional chant
to welcome the rising sun and end with a Mahalo chant to give thanks to
the land and the sea and to Hawaiian deities such as na kupuna
(ancestors) and na aumakua (family gods.)
A HONU DAY
Green sea turtles (honu) abound in close proximity to the club and
paddlers are very likely to see them up close. There’s also a chance to
see dolphins and large rays. The biggest thrill comes during whale (kohala)
season (December-April) when we encounter these gigantic creatures. We
make no promises, but we see whales most days in February and March. We
are extremely careful to respect the creatures who inhabit these waters,
creatures recognized by the Hawaiians as family gods, the living
embodiment of their ancestors.
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