SPRING HAS SPRUNG FOR OHANA
Tuesday Race and Fitness League is Back!
The Tuesday RFL is back now that the sun is setting later, and Ohana paddlers are showing up to get some expert tips and/or start their training for races later in the year (looking at you, Paddlesplash!)
Coach Mike Wang led his first RFL of the spring on March 17, bringing surprise guest Kristine for the St. Paddy's Day Paddle. The leprechauns used their special powers to calm the winds for the evening, as Ohana paddlers enjoyed practicing new skills on what could only be described as Lake Alameda.
For the March 24 RFL, Coach Micheal Richards brought out his video camera to film everyone's forward stroke for analysis and recommendations on improvement. Videos are in WhatsApp, and folk are expected to work on their strokes with hopes for noticeable improvement by the April 7 RFL. Who knew homework was still a thing? But the paddlers will thank Coach Micheal (and themselves) for their hard work as they leave their fellow paddlers in their watery dust with their new awesome stroke form in upcoming races!
Ohana Social Paddle, Sunday, March 29, 9:30am-11:30am
Bring your friends and any "Ohana curious" folk out for a mellow paddle. Meet at 9:30am with a plan to be on the water by about 10:00am. Sign up on TeamSnap.
Looking Ahead
Coach Jules Gismondi will return to lead the Race and Fitness League but please note a change in both date and location. Originally scheduled for April 5 (Easter, oops!) in Alameda, it will now meet at Sea Trek Sausalito on Saturday, April 18, 9:30am-11:30am; arrive at 9:00am. If you have never been to the Sea Trek motherland, now is your chance! Carpool possibilities will be discussed in WhatsApp. Richardson Bay is beautiful with spectacular views of that side of the bay. Sign up on TeamSnap.
Looking A Bit Further Ahead
Plans are afoot for a Paddle Out to honor Tanya Stum. For now, the date is Saturday, May 30 (further details to come). If you would like to be included in the discussion list for this event, reach out to Annie Myers on WhatsApp to be added to the group. Also, check out the video of Tanya singing on WhatsApp (she was a music teacher in Alameda, among her other talents).
While we are thinking of Tanya, she is also thinking of us. Tanya's paddle (69.5" length) is now in the Sea Trek office behind Steve's desk and is available for anyone to use. Please rinse off and return to the same spot and send a smile and a thank you to Tanya's generous spirit for still caring for Ohana.
Also on Saturday, May 30, Coach Shirley H. will be leading a pivot turn and race prep clinic on Saturday, from 9:00am-11:00am (arrive at 8:30am). Get dizzy as you get better at turning yourself 'round and 'round! Sign up on TeamSnap. Tanya's Paddle Out will follow.
Looking Waayyy Ahead
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 . . .
Looking Waaaaaayyyyer Ahead
There is something exciting to look forward to as the Tidewater Day Use Area in the estuary (just south of the High Street Bridge on the Oakland side) undergoes a $16.9 million renovation/expansion. One can already launch small craft from there, but this renovation will add 7 acres to the park and include 130 parking spots in what sounds like a snazzy new recreational area. Construction starts this summer and is scheduled to take about a year, so plan on hitting the water in two years. ; ) It will be nice to have a new place to launch nearby for a little change of scenery.
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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 (what a season!). 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!
Social Paddle
Sunday, April 5, 9:00am-11:00am (arrive 8:30am)
Sea Trek Alameda, 1120 Ballena Blvd., #200, Alameda, 94501
Please sign up on TeamSnap
Tuesday Race and Fitness League
Tuesday, March 31, 6:00pm-8:00pm (arrive 5:30pm)
Sea Trek Alameda, 1120 Ballena Blvd., #200, Alameda, 94501
Please sign up on TeamSnap
Coach Kristine Blike-Morales
Tuesday Race and Fitness League
Tuesday, April 7, 6:00pm-8:00pm (arrive 5:30pm)
Sea Trek Alameda, 1120 Ballena Blvd., #200, Alameda, 94501
Please sign up on TeamSnap
Coach Michael Richards
Tuesday Race and Fitness League
Tuesday, April 14, 6:00pm-8:00pm (arrive 5:30pm)
Sea Trek Alameda, 1120 Ballena Blvd., #200, Alameda, 94501
Please sign up on TeamSnap
Coach Michael Richards
Weekend Race and Fitness League
Saturday, April 18, 9:30am-11:30am (arrive 9:00am)
Sea Trek Sausalito, 2100 Bridgeway, Sausalito, 94965
Please sign up on TeamSnap
Coach Jules Gismondi
Tuesday Race and Fitness League
Tuesday, April 21, 6:00pm-8:00pm (arrive 5:30pm)
Sea Trek Alameda, 1120 Ballena Blvd., #200, Alameda, 94501
Please sign up on TeamSnap
Coach: TBD
Weekend Race and Fitness League
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
Special Event: Tanya's Paddle Out
Saturday, May 30, TBD
Sea Trek Alameda, 1120 Ballena Blvd., #200, Alameda, 94501