SPRING HAS SPRUNG FOR OHANA
Looking Back on . . .Tuesday Race and Fitness League
There has been both super calm and ridiculous wavy water (and even one cancellation due to rain) but the RFL continues to impress. Come on out on a Tuesday evening (arrive at 5:30pm) to pick up some tips and improve your skills and endurance. Let your paddles do the talking . . .
Ohana Social Paddles, Sunday, March 29 and Sunday, May 10
Ohana hosted Social Paddles on Sunday, March 29 and again on Sunday, May 10 (Happy Mother's Day!). Both Social Paddles brought out old and new paddlers (Welcome!), with fearless leader Coach Jo Kwas at the helm. Always a good and relaxing time!
Coach Jo is looking for a few good paddlers - like you!
Styling from head to board . . .
Loose seal? Hanging out on the exposed pipe at low tide in Ballena Bay.
Coach Helen's Birthday
Several Ohana members were able to celebrate Helen's birthday in a flower-themed gathering at the Park Station in Alameda on Saturday, April 4. A few folks (and Pete) were able to get out to a pre-beer paddle earlier that morning. A fun and tasty time was had by all! Happy Birthday, Helen!
Let them eat cake!
Sittin' on the deck of the board, watching the tide roll away . . .
Sausalito Road Trip, Sunday, April 18
On Saturday, April 18, Ohana hit the road to enjoy glassy water and the always engaging Coach Jules Gismondi for a Weekend RFL in Sausalito. Ohana members were able to check out the OG Sea Trek and savor superb weather conditions in a stunningly beautiful location.
Are the Sausalito seals and the Ballena Bay pipe seal on good terms?? Inquiring minds want to know!
Redwood Road (& Race) Trip, Sunday, May 17
Once again, Ohana showed up on the podium at the Redwood City Paddle Race on May 17. Austin Pan (pictured below) snagged some hardware, as did Rob and Shirley Heinemann (of COURSE Shirley was up there!!) She was first (and last) in her age category - multitasking even while racing to glory! Congratulations, Ohana Winners!
Austin repping Ohana in the Winner's Circle
12-Week Race Conditioning Training Program
Coach Michael Richards has created a 12-week race conditioning and interval training program for those looking to come, see, and conquer Paddlesplash (yet again) in July. He has led out a session -- and will do so again on Memorial Day -- but the program itself is self-guided and available on the Ohana website (under the "Paddling Resources" tab). Aspects of the program will be integrated into both Weekend as well as Tuesday RFL sessions over the next several weeks. Even if you don't plan to race, improving your conditioning is always a good thing! Thanks for creating this program, Coach Michael!
Kristine and CG
Sittin' on the dock of the bay, watchin' Karen and Heidi paddle away . . .
Looking Ahead
Please note the time change for the memorial Paddle Out to honor OPC member Tanya Stum. It will now be a sunrise paddle that starts at 7:00am on Saturday, May 30. A potluck breakfast will follow in the courtyard afterwards. Leave you board in the water if you plan to attend Shirely's clinic afterwards. Arrive at 6:30am at Sea Trek.
As mentioned above, Coach Shirley H. will be leading a Pivot Turn and Race Prep Clinic also on Sunday, May 30, from 9:00am-11:00am (arrive at 8:30am). Get dizzy as you get better at turning yourself 'round and 'round as you race to victory at Paddlesplash! Sign up on TeamSnap. Coach Shirley will also hold Pivot Turn Clinics on June 20 and July 18.
Still Looking Waayyy Ahead
Remember to circle Thursday, September 10 on your calendars for the start of the 3rd Annual Ohana Camping Trip! This year's destination with be Lake Alpine. Deets to follow . . .
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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!
Tank tops and rash guards are now joined by caps, visors, beanies, and hoodies with both the classic and new logos.
Dr. Babs' new visor
Hoodie time!
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!
Memorial Day Race and Fitness League
Monday, May 25, 10:00am-11:30am (arrive 9:30am)
Sea Trek Alameda, 1120 Ballena Blvd., #200, Alameda, 94501
Please sign up on TeamSnap
Coach Michael Richards
Paddle Out for Tanya
Saturday, May 30, 7:00am-8:00am (arrive 6:30am)
Sea Trek Alameda, 1120 Ballena Blvd., #200, Alameda, 94501
Please sign up on TeamSnap
Mike Wang and Jo Kwas
Weekend Race and Fitness League - Pivot Turns & Race Prep
Saturday, May 30, 9:00am-11:00am (arrive 8:30am)
Sea Trek Alameda, 1120 Ballena Blvd., #200, Alameda, 94501
Please sign up on TeamSnap
Coach Shirley Heinemann
Weekend Race and Fitness League - Pivot Turns & Race Prep
Saturday, June 20, 9:00am-11:00am (arrive 8:30am)
Sea Trek Alameda, 1120 Ballena Blvd., #200, Alameda, 94501
Please sign up on TeamSnap
Coach Shirley Heinemann
Weekend Race and Fitness League - Pivot Turns & Race Prep
Saturday, July 18, 9:00am-11:00am (arrive 8:30am)
Sea Trek Alameda, 1120 Ballena Blvd., #200, Alameda, 94501
Please sign up on TeamSnap
Coach Shirley Heinemann
Paddlesplash
July 24 - July 26
Lake Natoma