Na Leo members are part of a community that contributes. In addition to providing education about the Hawaiian culture and competition through Na Leo O Ke Kai, our membership includes leaders who support the development of opportunities in the paddling community, including competition, for the greater Ohana Va’a in outrigger and dragon boating.

Take for example, Na Leo president Ash Lagazo and head coach Eric Tang, they coach a dragon boat youth team, Crazy Cuddlefish. The only youth team with AZDBA and in Arizona. They are active regionally, but also represented Team USA in Germany 2025 in the 16 and under category, which included Na Leo keiki paddlers Aziza, Hazel, Karen, Kelly, Michelle, Mikaela and Olivia. Find out more: CrAZy Cuddlefish

There are also Na Leo members Margaret Coulombe, Andy and Amy Thomas and Laura Kuning, who develop and coach Na Leo’s sprint group, Team Phoenix. Team Phoenix offers elite competition in sprint for International Va’a Federation sprint races in V6 and V1, drawing its members from Na Leo, but also from dragon boat and outrigger paddling communities in CA and OR. Team Phoenix earned U.S. berths in men’s open, women’s open, 40, 50, 60 and 70 to represent the US in Singapore, Aug. 17-29, 2026 joining 3,000 paddlers from 32 countries. Learn more: Team Phoenix sprint program | Na leo o ke kai

Na Leo members Andy and Amy Thomas and Laura Kuning are also coaches with Phoenix Fire Dragons (PFD) dragon boating team. A diverse paddling team that emerged out of Arizona’s healthcare community, PFD now includes members from all walks of life and occupations. PFD is more than just a team; it’s a community where everyone’s unique background is valued and contributes to the team’s collective strength. Find out more: Phoenix Fire Dragons

In addition, Na Leo members Melissa Adams and Betty Flores (former Na Leo president) are coaches for the Phoenix Desert Dragons Breast Cancer Survivor Dragon Boat team. Most recently, members – which include Na Leo Members Lori, Natalie, Trish, Deborah and others, earned a berth to compete in France on Aug. 23 at the 2026 International Breast Cancer Paddlers Commission festival, joining 4,500 paddlers. Learn more: Phoenix Desert Dragons – Arizona Breast Cancer Survivor Division