O SUMMER, MY SUMMER
Ohana Paddle Club member were busy over the summer, prepping for races, winning races, relaxing, socializing, and boosting their moods, individually and collectively, both near and far.
(Above) Coach Shirley showing how it's done
Coach Shirley's Pivot Turn and Race Prep Clinics
Coach Shirley hosted Pivot Turn and Race Prep Clinics in July and August to help paddlers get ready for Paddlesplash and other races in the summer and fall.
Ohana Social Paddle and Luau, July 19 and October 4 Social Paddle
As mentioned earlier, Ohana is not only about prepping to beat all known and unknown paddling opponents. Sometimes, Ohana just wants to play both on the water and off. The 2nd Annual Luau co-hosted with Sea Trek on July 19 was all about enjoying a nice paddle around Ballena Island and then some lovely music in the courtyard.
(Above) Louie and Latte enjoyed the October 4 Social Paddle, along with a parade of other paddlers.
On the Road Again
Ballena Island is lovely to paddle around, but sometimes folk want to try out other locales and find new ways to get wet . . .
On Labor Day, a caravan of Ohana paddlers headed out to the Point Richmond area and took in the sights around East Brother Light Station before rewarding themselves with a sauna.
Labyrinth Canyon on the Green River in Utah, was the destination for a few other Ohana members. Ed, Rita, and Melisa enjoyed 5 days of paddling, averaging 8-12 miles per day. Gorgeous scenery!
Mexico was the one of the furthest summer road trips for the flamboyance of Ohana coaches who enjoyed some SUP surfing and excellent food, and obviously, each other's wonderful company in August.
(Below) Mike, Michael, Rob, LeeAnn, and Shirley making the rest of us jealous!
Solo Road Trip
Ohana members don't always travel in groups (or herds, hordes, or zeals). Coach Helen found some solitude on the Russian River in Healdsburg in August. (Below)
Wednesday Morning Mood Boosts
Coach Heidi led out early morning paddles on Wednesdays over the summer and into the fall, and will continue to do so through October. Mornings are usually calmer ("usually" doing some heavy lifting here), and when it is calm, it can look like Lake Alameda across to the peninsula. The sunrises are gorgeous and the smooth water means lots of distance can be covered with minimal effort, and is the perfect way to start one's day. Treat Yo Self and join Heidi on a Wednesday morning. Be sure to let her know you are coming, and arrive by 6:30am to be on the water by 6:45am. You will be glad you did it!
Race Time
PaddleSplash was at a different time and place this year. It was in September instead of July and closer to Black Miners Bar beach area. What did not change much was Ohana picking up some hardware from all the races for which they so diligently prepared over the summer.
(Above) Karen accepting a medal on behalf of Lilly.
And what did not change AT ALL was Shirley appearing on the podium. And she did not just medal at PaddleSplash. She could build a new car out of all the metal she picked up at the USA National SUP Championships in Gig Harbor, Washington, a week after PaddleSplash. (Below)
A week after having to buy a new suitcase for all her hardware, Shirley came, saw, and conquered at the Battle of the Bay in Sausalito. Shirley wins so often that her name should now be a noun/verb to indicate a podium finish, as in, “How many Ohana members Shirleyed at Paddlesplash? Who picked up a Shirley at Battle of the Bay? Surely, Shirley got a Shirley in her last race?”
Shirley dominates so many races in so many places, that in a recent 100m race in Sabaudia, Italy, she decided to let someone else Shirley for a change. She kept a close eye on those she bestowed the Shirleys on, placing a respectable 5th in this IHOP contingent (International House of Paddlers; seriously, those racers were from all over the globe!).
Fall into Fun!
44th Annual Sea Trek Regatta, October 17
Join Sea Trek in Sausalito on Saturday, October 17, and compete in a variety of races and courses, from beginner to expert level. Check out seatrek.com for more details and to register (ASAP!)
Witches (and Wizards) on Water is Back!
Join Sea Trek Alameda and Ohana for Witches (and Wizards) on Water on Saturday, October 24, followed by a potluck in the courtyard. This Spooktacular experience will be part of a nationwide paddle event, and all are welcome - including children. Sea Trek Sausalito is also hosting a Wtiches on Water, too. Non-Ohana members with their own craft can launch from Sea Trek for a $10 launching fee. Arrive at 9:00am for check in and everyone should be on the water by 10:00am (photos by the bridge at 10:30am). Paddle in your favorite witch or wizard costume. Sign up on TeamSnap.
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Remember -- OPC SWAG -- and check out the new stuff!
These shirts would look great while you race or eat, so be sure to secure one (or two) for your collection!
Ohana Paddle Club – AGL School Spirit
OPC BUSINESS - Reminder
OPC is not all fun paddling near and far and Valkyrie games. Business must be had! Please ensure that your ACA membership and waiver are up to date. This is important for our club insurance. Additionally, please make sure that your ACA membership is affiliated with OPC. You can add OPC from your ACA profile.
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Be sure to keep up with the Ohana Paddle Club on Facebook and Instagram:
FB: Ohana Paddle Club | Alameda CA | Facebook
INSTA: https://www.instagram.com/ohana_paddle_club/
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Ongoing Ohana Events: Tuesday Race and Fitness League
Ohana RFL offers a series of fun training paddles to work on skills and fitness. To elevate all members that attend, we try to stick together as a large group but sometimes split off into different groups for different skills, paces or to have sessions with a visiting coach. The 2026 Tuesday RFL meets at 6:00pm-8:00pm (arrive at 5:30pm). Dress for immersion. Please sign up on TeamSnap.
Calendar of Upcoming Events!
Special Event: 44th Annual Sea Trek Regatta
Saturday, October 17
Sea Trek Sausalito, 2100 Bridgeway, Sausalito, 94965
Register at seatrek.com
Sea Trek Sausalito
Tuesday Race and Fitness League
Tuesday, October 20, 6pm-8pm (arrive 5:30pm)
Sea Trek Alameda, 1120 Ballena Blvd., #200, Alameda, 94501
Please sign up on TeamSnap
Coach TBD
Wednesday Morning Mood Boost
Wednesday, October 21, 6:45am-8:00am (arrive 6:30am)
Sea Trek Alameda, 1120 Ballena Blvd., #200, Alameda, 94501
Please sign up on TeamSnap
Coach Heidi H.
Special Event: Witches (and Wizards) on Water
Saturday, October 24, 10:00am - 12:30pm (arrive 9:00am)
Sea Trek Alameda, 1120 Ballena Blvd., #200, Alameda, 94501
Please sign up on TeamSnap
Tuesday Race and Fitness League
Tuesday, October 27, 6pm-8pm (arrive 5:30pm)
Sea Trek Alameda, 1120 Ballena Blvd., #200, Alameda, 94501
Please sign up on TeamSnap
Coach TBD
Wednesday Morning Mood Boost
Wednesday, October 28, 6:45am-8:00am (arrive 6:30am)
Sea Trek Alameda, 1120 Ballena Blvd., #200, Alameda, 94501
Please sign up TeamSnap
Coach Heidi H.
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