Our junior race program is held Sundays 11am – 1pm, May – August, and is open to all children (swimming ability is required) ages 12 to 19. Participants learn Hawaiian outrigger canoeing, Hawaiian culture, water safety, teamwork, physical conditioning, health and wellness, and ocean conservation. It also gives kids the ability to participate in some of our other non-profit events within our community, and option to race in regattas.
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Practices
Practices are held Sundays, 11am – 1pm near N dock (275 Lake Ave) at the OSC canoes, Santa Cruz Harbor Crows Nest side (look for the line of outrigger canoes).
We will instruct children in the ancient art, craft, and history of Hawaiian canoeing. We will focus on safety, fun, fitness, paddling, and teamwork. PFD’s are required and included.
For the first practice, parents attend with their children. It will include an approximately 10-minute meeting with information and provide the ability to answer questions. Then it will transition to time in the canoes, getting on the water with the children.
Races
Juniors typically have the option to participate in a couple of long-distance (3-5 miles) races as well as regattas. Regattas are an all day event, kind of like track and field, with multiple races and opportunities for juniors to participate throughout the day with their OSC team and other Bay Area outrigger teams.
Juniors are not required to participate in races. Some kids want to race, and some kids want to paddle and have fun without the pressure of competition. All are welcome.
Equipment and Clothing
Canoes, paddles, and PFDs are supplied. PFDs are required to be worn.
Prepare to get wet. Wear swim attire, and layer with fleece, neoprene, nylon, and other synthetics. No cotton. Bring a hydration bottle or camelback and a snack (energy bar or similar).
Fees
$85 and this includes all practices, education, race dues for regatta events (long distance races cost extra). It also includes yearly club student membership which allows junior racers to attend Sunday recreational program paddles with adult supervision (this can be a coach or known adult attending the paddle that day that agrees to be the child’s responsible adult).
A limited number of scholarships are available, contact us for details.
Race team jerseys are not included or required. Juniors may decide to purchase a race team jersey for an additional fee.
About the Coaches
Justin Kiesby
Experience and certifications
Justin is a swimming coach for eight and under up to Senior Master levels, life guard and swimming instructor, USA-certified official with SafeSport and concussion certifications, and CPR certified. He was a 4-year college athlete, as well as an athletic trainer for Cal State Northridge, the LA Kings, and local Los Angeles Orthopedic groups.
Note from Justin
“Personally, I am a father of three. Two sons, both off in college; one is a scholarship field athlete and the other just completed his first season as a college swimmer. My daughter is the youngest of my three kids. She is a local high school student and swimming competitively for Aptos Cabrillo and Scotts Valley High School.
I love the ocean and having the chance with the Junior outrigger canoe team to pass on that love and understanding of the ocean and the Ohana of outrigger. Outrigger offers the opportunity to have six people work together, and the more in-synch, the more the team will improve and recognize their goals.”