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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