It’s race time! Our double hull crew is headed to the annual Another Dam Race in Parker, Arizona. There are no shortcuts only hardwork. We’re trained and ready for the fun! Safe travels everyone.

Na Leo O Ke Kai is back on the lake. Mahalo for your patience. Practices are planned to be Thursdays 6 p.m. for vaccinated folks only (proof of vaccination required) and Saturdays 6 a.m. for anyone who feels comfortable (ie. nonvaccinated folks are welcome!) In order to practice, you will need to: Complete SCORA waiver, Complete Na Leo waiver, and Pay membership dues (they are discounted this year).

For practices to run efficiently and to stay as safe as possible, we ask you to:

• arrive promptly (on time) and to remain after practice to put boats away
• bring your own paddle
• and, if there is a Thursday practice, please make sure to bring your proof of vaccination (I will check you off so you only need to bring it once).

To be sure that a canoe is going out, please go to our Facebook page and complete the poll taken for each practice, maintained by Head Coach Vince San Nicolas.

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Head Coach Vince San Nicolas will not institute practices until SCORA offers a plan and protocol for all clubs. Keiki coaches Christel and Joey wish all the keikis “Aloha,” and hope all are happy and healthy. As with the adult practices, all keiki practices will remain suspended until there is a plan of action that keeps our paddlers safe.

In the meantime, you can find some of Na Leo members with OC1s out on the lake, observing social distance rules and wearing masks on land, until they are safely launched. Special wishes to Na Leo members Betty Flores, Julie Hensley, Natalie Bulos and Peggy Coulombe and all the others at TTL training on their own to make Team USA.

Happy New Year. While the pandemic has changed the way we do almost everything, our members are out in OC1s and SUPS looking toward a future outrigger season. We hope that you and your family are keeping safe and healthy and we look forward to the time when we can all be together again, hopefully soon!

Aloha Ohana. The lake is back in service up to the buoy line, just west of the Tempe boat rental concessions. We hope your families are well and that you are getting outdoors often. Our keiki coach, Christel, posted a note on the keiki facebook page this week, so sharing what is good advice for us all: “So my advice for our Keikis is to continue to be positive and never give up hope. Start your day with purpose, stay focused and be patient. Lend a listening ear to everyone; sometimes all someone needs is a person willing to listen. In fact let’s all come together and continue to check on our loved ones, friends, teammates, and classmates. You never know the impact of what a simple 5 minute phone call could do for someone (take it from me). Spread that Aloha each and everyday.”

Aloha! Tempe Town Lake is closed until further notice. The historic train bridge, built in 1912, caught fire after cars derailed on Wed. morning. The lake, marina and parking around the lake are all closed, pending environmental assessment. We’ll keep you posted. In the meantime, keep cool everyone!

Summer is here! Na Leo O Ke Kai members are still out on the water, social distancing, despite the suspension of OC6 practices for our adults and keiki for the foreseeable future. Please check in on our Na Leo FaceBook page to know what’s coming up, what’s being canceled or postponed (and if you want to join in social distancing with small boats). The Southern California Outrigger Racing Association (SCORA) president has cancelled the rest of the racing season for 2020. This is also true for Northern California and Hawaii. Fingers crossed for events to resume later this fall. Stay safe and healthy.

Na Leo O Ke Kai members are still out on the water, social distancing, despite the suspension of OC6 practices for our adults and keiki for the foreseeable future. Please check in on our Na Leo FaceBook page to know what’s coming up, what’s being canceled or postponed (and if you want to join in social distancing with small boats). Fingers crossed for events to resume later this summer. Stay safe and healthy.

Wondering what to do in March? Come meet our Ohana. We’ll have a Na Leo ‘O Ke Kai tent at the Aloha Festival and we’ll be working our fundraiser with Paradise BBQ. Or you can come out and paddle at our Open House. Come find out about our keiki and adult programs and what our community is all about.

Events coming up: our March 21 event has been POSTPONED!Na Leo ‘O Ke Kai Open House. Check back in here or on Facebook for updates.

However, on March 21 there will be a Poi Mochi Sale (order in advance). Paradise Hawaiian BBQ. 18 W. Adams St, Phoenix 85003 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. $6 a dozen. Venmo to: diana78K.

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Keiki practice kicks off for 2020 on Sun. Feb. 23 at 8 am. Come out and join in the fun!

Also, get your order in and sign up to volunteer to help with the Kalua pig fundraiser! It’s only $5 an 8 oz. bag. We can freeze and deliver.

Last week’s Keiki Fundraiser at a Karate Tournament on Sat. was a success, with special thanks to our parents and Paradise BBQ for the donations. Also,  the annual Canoe Blessing on Sunday! Mahalo to the Tampos Ohana and Kumu Kaimi for the blessing, your encouraging words and wisdom. Let’s grow, learn and have another great season Ohana!

Save the Dates and follow all our activities on Facebook!

• Feb. 28-29 – Kalua Pig Fundraiser
• March 14 and 15: Aloha Festival – volunteers needed!
• March 21 – Na Leo ‘O Ke Kai Open House – 11 a.m.
• March 28 and 29 – AZDBA Dragon Boat Festival – volunteers needed!
• April 4 – Lake Havasu Race – contact the coaches
• April 18 – Huli drills (TBD)
• April 25 – Shaka Festival in San Diego – our keiki first race of the season!
• May 9 – first SCORA race of the season (Crystal Pier, San Diego