September 22, 2024

Ohana's Endless Summer

September 22, 2024

BACK TO SCHOOL ASSIGNMENT: WHAT OHANA DID THIS SUMMER

So many Ohana members did so much! The Tuesday and weekend Race and Fitness League sessions offered so many opportunities to learn and practice lots of different paddling techniques for touring and racing. Ohana members were graced by coaching from experts like Chris C., Annie, LeeAnn, Mike W., Karen, Michael R, and Shirley.

Training Results - PaddleSplash Medal Haul

All that training to improve speed and stamina paid off with multiple Ohana podium finishes at PaddleSplash 2024 at Lake Natoma, July 27-28. Ohana members came and conquered in the 2-mile, 5-mile, 8- mile, and First Timers races.

[For the record, Dr. Babs was repping Louie's 2-mile medal, who has yet to pick it up!]

Apparently, all that Ohana domination was too much for the rest of the field and the haters came out during the Relay Races. Ohana teams started out following the rules (honest)! only to have various haters disrupt their natural pathways to victory.

Exhibit A: Hater on Paddleboard Getting in the Way

Ohana was undaunted and did what they had to do. Exhibit B: Jo K. Turning Them Tables

Jo done took that board and left the hater treading water in the background. Annie inexplicably paddled out to help him. Huh!

Not pictured was Alex's swim out to knock Mike Wang off his board for . . . reasons. If his goal was to make us all laugh uproariously, he succeeded! At least when Levi swam out, he knocked down a non-Ohana competitor!

Ohana is not just all work and fending off haters - community was built over dinner, too!

Not Done Winning
Shirley Heinnemann is a coach by day, and a winning racer by . . . another day! Not content to smoke the field at PaddleSplash, Shirley took her conquering ways across the country to the USA SUP National Championships at Hilton Head, SC, and clinched first place in the Master's Division of the Technical Race on September 8. She's gonna need a bigger trophy case!!

Touring - Hard Half Alameda Islander

Racing wasn't the only thing Ohana did this summer. Endurance was also tested on the Alameda "Hard Half" (the longer part - over 9 miles, from Mike's to Grand Street Marina) paddle on Saturday, August 10. The weather was cooperative, and the group enjoyed the journey.

More Touring - Brannan Island
Led by Camp Counselors Jo and Joey K, Ohana members headed to Brannan Island for a first-of-its kind Ohana campout. Seven Mile Slough was the locale of this tour, led by Eric (who owned the local SUP shop).

No reports of cannibalism followed the campout (low bar, to be fair), so it sounds like this is the first of many subsequent summer trips. Be sure to join next year!

BACK TO SCHOOL ASSIGNMENT: WHAT OHANA WILL DO THIS FALL

Mike's Paddle, Ohana's founding father, recently announced it will be closing as a business after 10 amazing years of serving paddlers and creating community. Be sure to make time for Mike's Going Out of Business Sale on the last weekend in September, the 28th and 29th (please note this date correction from Mike's email). After November 1, any remaining inventory will be available only online until December 31. The paddlers below beat the rush and made a run on Starboard boards recently - join them and support Mike in clearing out his inventory! Let those sale prices overwhelm whatever resistance you might have to new boards and/or accessories!!

Once you have spent all your Christmas gift money on paddle-related toys for yourself, be sure to show Mike himself more appreciation and gratitude on Saturday, October 12, for his 10 Year Celebration Party. A social paddle starts at 10am and will be followed by snacks and drinks. Dr. Babs will sadly be out of town but will be present in spirit as Ohana gathers to honor all of Mike's efforts over the years and to demand that he keeps his promise to actually be around more often to paddle and surf once he finishes his naps! We love you, Mike, and look forward to a new future with you!

Witches on Water, Saturday, October 26
Find your witch costume and circle October 26 on the calendar for a fun paddle with fellow witches and warlocks. Details to follow. A perfect time to show off your newly-purchased board/gear from Mike's!

Ongoing Ohana Events

- Tuesday Race and Fitness League
The 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. Note the earlier arrival time (5:00pm) and start time (5:30pm). for the fall. Please sign up on TeamSnap.

Calendar of Upcoming Events!
Tuesday Race and Fitness League
Arrive at 5:00pm; 5:30pm-7:30pm
Sea Trek Alameda
1120 Ballena Blvd., #200, Alameda, 94501
Please sign up on TeamSnap

Mike's Paddle Going Out of Business Sale
Saturday & Sunday, September 28-29
Mike's Paddle

Mike's Paddle 10 Year Celebration
Saturday, October 12; 10am paddle
Snacks and drinks to follow

42nd Annual Sea Trek Regatta - Sausalito
Saturday, October 19
Registration Now Open - Sea Trek website

Witches on Water
Saturday, October 26
Sea Trek Alameda
Details to follow

Michael Richards

July 18, 2024

Join Coach Shirley on Saturday, July 20, 9:30am-11:30am

Michael Richards

July 18, 2024

Coach Mike led a group around Brooks Island

Training Day

Coach Shirley started on land demonstrating some twists and turns and other tips she offered Connor Baxter before heading to the lagoon to practice, practice, practice. Can you ever have enough practice on buoy turns? The answer is no, of course; there can never be enough buoy turn practice! At least one of the buoy turns included a group rendition of Happy Birthday to Karen Miller, who was celebrating her latest turn around the sun.

The Birds

Coach Mike Wang led out the latest installment of the Bridge and Island Program with a circumnavigation of Brooks Island near Richmond. Brooks Island is home to numerous Comorants, sea gulls and the largest colony of Caspian Terns in the Bay Area. You cannot land on the island and bother them, and the birds know they run the place. Ohana paddlers had to deal with notable side chop and upwind (the forecast lied!) and took 2.5 hours to cover the 7-mile trip. As they paddled around the island the bird chatter drowned out the human chatter as the birds showed who was the boss. At lease they kept their distance; they only assaulted everyone's ears and weren't trying for a Hitchcock sequel! Seals and dolphins also made an appearance to keep the paddlers company!

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?

Not sure if this thing will eat you or you should eat it. Only Helen knows the answer to this question - be sure to ask her about it!

Field of (Watery) Dreams
Coach Mike Wang, Levi, and Alex led a Bayfoils group along with LeeAnn and Mike Richards across the bay to a Giants game, earning a brief local TV shot for their efforts (no home run ball, though!). Mike's crew was also practicing their drone shots and camera work in preparation for doing media at PaddleSplash.

The Pursuit of Happyness
When she's not sharing her considerable wisdom with Ohana paddlers, Coach Shirley loves to compete in races. She participated in Lake Tahoe's recent Waterman's Paddle Jam and couldn't shake her instructor responsibility of riding sweep to ensure all was well and to note everyone's form. They were fine and she enjoyed her paddle, so a win-win for everyone!

Back to the Future
PaddleSplah 2024 is coming up - have you secured your digs and signed up for your races?
Coach Annie has created a new What'sApp group, PaddleSplash 2024, to discuss details about the upcoming trip (July 26-28). Please let Annie know if you're coming so she can add you to the group. You can sign up via TeamSnap or reach out to her directly. Hopefully you will be joining us at the Ohana tent!

Some deets from Annie:

Board Care: we have left our boards on the beach during the days. A VAMO cover or padded board cover is nice to drape over your board. I usually get my board wet every so often to keep it cooler. You cannot leave your board overnight in the park. Most everyone leaves their board on top of their car. I’ve never had any problems with anyone touching my gear. But I do use the VAMO locking straps to secure it at night.

If you don’t have a rack: Check in with Mike & Alex about soft racks if you need them. Lots of us have extra straps, so ask.

Parking: show up early so you can get a parking spot and unload your equipment. Have shoes so you can walk back and forth on the SUPER HOT asphalt.

Shade structures: we will have a sign-up sheet for delivering, assembling, and taking down the shade covers every day. Morning people have to show up early to claim our spot.

Water, water, water: There is potable water in the park, and we will bring coolers. Please bring a re-usable water bottle to cut down on single-use plastics. No glass allowed in the park.

Food: The PaddleSplash Festival site on Facebook says that there will be food trucks. You might bring some additional snacks - that won’t melt - so you don't have to leave the parking lot (it can be hard to get back in if it fills up).

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Welcome New Members!
Welcome to the new members of the Ohana Paddle Club! We are stoked to share the Ohana spirit with you on the water. All members - you can check out the status of events on our website or use the TeamSnap app on your cell phone. You can sign up for events using TeamSnap.

We publish this newsletter as a resource for Ohana Paddle Club Members, so that everyone might stay up to date on upcoming training, trips and events. Please share with us on WhatsApp any suggestions about events we might include, issues we might cover or to share that “perfect” photo of a club event that you think we might want to use in an upcoming edition. We are looking forward to an action-packed season!

The Way We Were

Fortunately, it's NOT too painful to remember . . . past Ohana events!

Training Day

Ohana enjoyed not one but two Tuesday night RFL sessions led by Coach Kristine Blike-Morales on July 2 and 9. Coach Kristine had paddlers practice an "armpit drill" on land to replicate the feeling of activating muscles in their armpits as they take a stroke. With a partner, one person held the paddle blade between their arm and body and the partner tugged the other end as the first person clamped down with their "armpit" to trap it. Coach Annie channeled David Wells and showed everyone a new kind of turn for rough water that involved using the paddle to brake then turning that into a back paddle to turn. After the drills, they headed out to enjoy the warm and beautiful conditions seen above from Kristine's board. Coach Kristine returned the following week a la Groundhog Day to offer more keen insights and drills. Ohana folk just getting better and better!

Around the World in 80 Turns

Helen's map of a deer with antlers perfectly captures Coach Shirley Heinneman's Sunday Race League on Sunday, July 7. Buoy turns were on the menu and no one was going to leave hungry.

Coach Shirley started on land demonstrating some twists and turns and other tips she offered Connor Baxter before heading to the lagoon to practice, practice, practice. Can you ever have enough practice on buoy turns? The answer is no, of course; there can never be enough buoy turn practice! At least one of the buoy turns included a group rendition of Happy Birthday to Karen Miller, who was celebrating her latest turn around the sun.

The Birds

Coach Mike Wang led out the latest installment of the Bridge and Island Program with a circumnavigation of Brooks Island near Richmond. Brooks Island is home to numerous Comorants, sea gulls and the largest colony of Caspian Terns in the Bay Area. You cannot land on the island and bother them, and the birds know they run the place. Ohana paddlers had to deal with notable side chop and upwind (the forecast lied!) and took 2.5 hours to cover the 7-mile trip. As they paddled around the island the bird chatter drowned out the human chatter as the birds showed who was the boss. At lease they kept their distance; they only assaulted everyone's ears and weren't trying for a Hitchcock sequel! Seals and dolphins also made an appearance to keep the paddlers company!

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?

Not sure if this thing will eat you or you should eat it. Only Helen knows the answer to this question - be sure to ask her about it!

Field of (Watery) Dreams
Coach Mike Wang, Levi, and Alex led a Bayfoils group along with LeeAnn and Mike Richards across the bay to a Giants game, earning a brief local TV shot for their efforts (no home run ball, though!). Mike's crew was also practicing their drone shots and camera work in preparation for doing media at PaddleSplash.

The Pursuit of Happyness
When she's not sharing her considerable wisdom with Ohana paddlers, Coach Shirley loves to compete in races. She participated in Lake Tahoe's recent Waterman's Paddle Jam and couldn't shake her instructor responsibility of riding sweep to ensure all was well and to note everyone's form. They were fine and she enjoyed her paddle, so a win-win for everyone!

Back to the Future
PaddleSplah 2024 is coming up - have you secured your digs and signed up for your races?
Coach Annie has created a new What'sApp group, PaddleSplash 2024, to discuss details about the upcoming trip (July 26-28). Please let Annie know if you're coming so she can add you to the group. You can sign up via TeamSnap or reach out to her directly. Hopefully you will be joining us at the Ohana tent!

Some deets from Annie:

Board Care: we have left our boards on the beach during the days. A VAMO cover or padded board cover is nice to drape over your board. I usually get my board wet every so often to keep it cooler. You cannot leave your board overnight in the park. Most everyone leaves their board on top of their car. I’ve never had any problems with anyone touching my gear. But I do use the VAMO locking straps to secure it at night.

If you don’t have a rack: Check in with Mike & Alex about soft racks if you need them. Lots of us have extra straps, so ask.

Parking: show up early so you can get a parking spot and unload your equipment. Have shoes so you can walk back and forth on the SUPER HOT asphalt.

Shade structures: we will have a sign-up sheet for delivering, assembling, and taking down the shade covers every day. Morning people have to show up early to claim our spot.

Water, water, water: There is potable water in the park, and we will bring coolers. Please bring a re-usable water bottle to cut down on single-use plastics. No glass allowed in the park.

Alameda West End AKA the "Hard Half" (Saturday, August 10)
Also remember that Coach Jen Fuller will return to lead the "Hard Half" of the partial paddle around the entire island of Alameda. Coach Jen will have already given you many helpful tips about nutrition and endurance, so now will be your chance to see the results of your hard work! Details to follow.

Brannan Island Campout (Friday - Sunday, August 16 - 18)
Keep this weekend free as Camp Counselors Jo Kwas and Joey spearhead the first-ever group campout and paddle trip at the Brannon Island State Recreation Area in Rio Vista. A campsite has been reserved for Friday afternoon through Sunday morning for up to 30 people. There will be a paddle on Saturday on 7-Mile Slough. Way more details to follow, but don't make any other plans that weekend!

Just a reminder - the Bay Area Bridge and Island Program is the brainchild of Coach Mike and was inspired by his own trip under and around every bridge and island in the entire Bay Area (https://www.mikespaddle.com/blogs/paddling-bridges-and-islands-of-san-francisco-bay/bridges-and-islands).

Fun Times: Ongoing Ohana Events

- Tuesday Race and Fitness League
The 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. All levels are welcome, but highly recommend taking the Level Up Clinics if you are a newer paddler.

Coach Chris Churilo will be the guest coach on Tuesday, July 30 and Tuesday August 27 a before and after video stroke analysis. Come on out and watch yourself improve in real time!

Tuesday Evenings from 6:pm to 8:00pm (arrival time: 5:30pm) - Mike’s Dock. Please sign up on TeamSnap. Please note the new time change.

- Weekend Race and Fitness League
If you have missed Coach Shirley Heinemann in the past, you have another chance on Saturday, July 20 for Buoy Turns 3.0! If the weather is agreeable, there may be a focus on beach starts to prepare for your upcoming PaddleSplash races. Arrive at 9:00am for the9:30am-11:30am session.

Michael Richards

June 27, 2024

Summer is officially here! Paddle On!

Michael Richards

June 27, 2024

Now I Long for Yesterday

So much has been going on with Ohana! Cast your memory back there, Lord, and let's recall some things...

Turn the Beat Around

Coach Shirley Heinnemann lead OPC members in learning and practicing best practices in pivot/buoy turns on Sunday, June 9. The group practiced on boards on the dock and then moved to the water to put those techniques into practice for real and they turned, turned, turned...

Eat It!
Coach Jen Fuller hosted a Zoom workshop on Nutrition and Endurance training on Monday, June 10. It turns out what you eat well before your event plays a role in performance during it. You should avoid the stereotypical "carbo-loading" plate of pasta the night before an event in favor of a more balanced dinner and carbs earlier at lunch the day before. In fact, your diet the whole week before can have an impact on event performance. Balanced meals with adequate ratios of protein and carbohydrates are important on an ongoing basis, as is fueling properly both during and after an event in order to avoid "bonking" during an event and being wiped out the rest of the day afterwards. Practice your nutrition regimen along with your paddle techniques long before the event in question - a race is not the time to experiment with new food/fuel items!

Would I Lie to You?
Coaches Karen Miller and Helen Horvath would never intentionally lie, of course, but they promised a 5-mile Rock Wall Challenge on Sunday, June 16 that turned into a 6-mile treat for OPC participants. The wind and current were with the group as they started out in lovely conditions but that same wind and current had a few other ideas in contrast to the forecast for the return trip. The million birds along the rock wall were amused by their challenges. The workout justified whatever they ate at Harbor Mart afterwards!

Keep On Keeping On
The Tuesday Race and Fitness League continues to provide excellent advice and opportunities to practice newly-learned techniques, and the weather has mostly cooperative. Coach Michael Richards holds it down for Ohana paddlers, and Coach LeeAnn helped one evening with video stroke analysis to help folk close the gap between what they are sure they are doing (perfectly wonderful, efficient strokes) and what they are actually doing (huh!). Other activities have included sprint race starts (starting from a dead stop with fast, short strokes). Everyone is getting a little bit better, week by week!

Summertime and the Living is Easy!
The Summer Solstice usually marks the longest day of the year and the official beginning of summer. Summer was welcomed in by a Solstice Party hosted by Sea Trak Alameda and Mike's Paddle on Saturday, June 22 with a group paddle in beautiful conditions followed by tasty sandwiches from Harbor Mart. Mike Wang displayed some impressive karaoke skills, including songs in Portuguese! Sadly, no video of his performance seems to exist, but don't miss the chance to hear him sing if a microphone ever crosses his path again!

(Getting by) With a Little Help from My Friends
SUP Champion Connor Baxter getting some tips from Ohana super coaches Shirley and Annie at Lake Berryessa.

The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow

Get your calendars out and mark down these upcoming events:

Hit the Road Jack - Wednesday June 26 (TONIGHT!)
PaddleSplash 2024 featuring Seychelle - Whatiz, Whozits, and Howzits. All you ever wanted to know about PaddleSplash but were afraid to ask. See link in WhatsApp and join the fun at 7:30pm.

Come Fly with Me (to Croatia!)
If PaddleSplash isn't far enough away for you, consider joining the Croatia SUP and Kayak Adventure Trip at the end of August (23-30). Victoria will be leading an exciting trip to the Zadar Archipelago, a hidden gem on the Mediterranean. Paddle and kayak in crystal-clear turquoise waters and enjoy daily mindfulness workshops. There are still a few spots available! For more information, see Croatia SUP & Kayak Adventure Retreat in Zadar, Croatia (wetravel.com)

Round and Round and Round We Go

Brroks Island: Bridge and Island Program (Sunday, July 14)
Don't forget -the formerly canceled paddle around Brooks Island is back on the calendar, pending ideal weather conditions, of course (make it so!) Coach Mike Wang will lead the next leg of the Bridge and Island Program. Arrive at 9:30am for a 10:00am departure at Ahn's Restaurant and Bar, 1950 Esplanade Dr., Richmond 94804. Details will follow.

Just a reminder - the Bay Area Bridge and Island Program is the brainchild of Coach Mike and was inspired by his own trip under and around every bridge and island in the entire Bay Area (https://www.mikespaddle.com/blogs/paddling-bridges-and-islands-of-san-francisco-bay/bridges-and-islands).

Alameda West End AKA the "Hard Half" (Saturday, August 10)
Also remember that Coach Jen Fuller will return to lead the "Hard Half" of the partial paddle around the entire island of Alameda. Coach Jen will have already given you many helpful tips about nutrition and endurance, so now will be your chance to see the results of your hard work! Details to follow.

Brannan Island Campout (Friday - Sunday, August 16 - 18)
Keep this weekend free as Camp Counselors Jo Kwas and Joey spearhead the first-ever group campout and paddle trip at the Brannon Island State Recreation Area in Rio Vista. A campsite has been reserved for Friday afternoon through Sunday morning for up to 30 people. There will be a paddle on Saturday on 7-Mile Slough. Way more details to follow, but don't make any other plans that weekend!

Here We Go Again: Ongoing Ohana Events

- Tuesday Race and Fitness League
The 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. All levels are welcome, but highly recommend taking the Level Up Clinics if you are a newer paddler.

Coach Kristine Blike-Morales will be the guest coach on Tuesday, July 9.

Tuesday Evenings from 6:pm to 8:00pm (arrival time: 5:30pm) - Mike’s Dock. Please sign up on TeamSnap. Please note the new time change.

- Weekend Race and Fitness League
We welcome back Coach Shirley Heinemann on Sunday, July 7 for Buoy Turns 2.0! Don't miss this chance to get all turned around!

Michael Richards

June 6, 2024

Four Days of Fun! Friday, June 7 through Monday, June 10

Michael Richards

June 6, 2024

A Paddle Carol. In Prose. Being a Ghost Story of Paddling

Sit back and enjoy your visits from the Ghosts of Paddles Past, Present and Future to remind you to Paddle Ya Ass!

Ghost of Paddles Past

Coach John Hadley put a group of OPC members through their paces and offered more helpful technique tips for strokes and everything paddling on Saturday, June 1. This instruction can help with day-to-day paddling as well as preparing for races at PaddleSpash later in the summer. Alan Y. was so caught up thinking about by Coach John's suggestions that he walked away without his paddle!

First In-Person LUC
The weather was more cooperative this week and Coach Jo Kwas led the first in-person Level Up Clinic of 2024 on Friday, May 31. LUC students warmed up with yoga poses on their boards and then discussed balance and counterbalance before doing some drills, including bracing techniques for the waves. They also practiced reverse sweeps and cross nose draw strokes. Shirley and LeeAnn happened to paddle on by and were enlisted to demo some of their best moves. Lots of learning and laughter abounded!

Ghost of Paddles Present

Tuesday Night Race and Fitness League
Coach Michael Richards lead the June 4 RFL for folks looking to escape the h-e-a-t! The evening was warm with a moderate wind. Paddlers had the choice to head out along the Rock Wall to the gap for some paddling into the wind practice, while another group followed Tanya back to the Lagoon for stroke and footwork practice in more protected conditions

And that is DR. Level 1 SUP Instructor to you!
Big congrats to Heidi Hartston, Ph.D. for earning her Level 1 SUP Instructor certification over the weekend! Good job!

Ghost of Paddles Yet to Come

Get your calendars out and mark down these upcoming events - four in four days! I will type slowly so you can get it all down!

Day 1/4: Second In-Person LUC (Friday, June 7)
Draws, Sweeps, Footwork, Oh My! Join Coach Jo Kwas in taking your paddle skills to the next level and ushering in four straight days of paddle-oriented fun! Don't miss out!

Day 2/4: SF Waterfront Paddle (Saturday, June 8)
Join Coach Jie Jiang and paddle along the beautiful San Francisco waterfront on what will hopefully be a lovely day to take in the spectacular sights of the city from Crissy Field to Crane Cove. See below for details.

Day 3/4: Weekend RFL (Sunday, June 9)
Get ready for PaddleSplash races with Coach Shirley Heinnemann as she helps you elevate your buoy turn game. Steve from Sea Trek says you can use Sea Trek boards, which would help with your progression. Dress for success (or whatever you prefer to wear while submerged in bay waters). Come on out -- these buoys aren't going to turn themselves!! Sign up on TeamSnap, as usual.

Day 4/4: Nutrition and Endurance Training (Monday, June 10)
Coach Jen Fuller will lead a Zoom meeting (6:00p-7:15p) on nutrition and endurance training considerations for longer paddle tours and races. Start laying the groundwork for those long summer and all paddles. Full circumnavigation of Alameda Island tentatively scheduled for late September.

Rock Wall 5-Mile Challenge (Sunday, June 16)
The Dynamic Duo of Karen Miller and Helen Horvath will lead a paddle along the Rock Wall. Arrive at Sea Trek at 8:30am for a 9: 00am departure time. Let this be part of your strength and stamina training - and enjoy a good time with great people!

Sea Trek Summer Solstice Party (Saturday, June 22)
After all that work on technique and stamina, you deserve a break! Free rentals for Ohana guests, so bring a friend who is new to paddling or does not have their own gear. Let's drum up support for Sea Trek and the Ohana Paddle Club!

Bridge and Island Program (Sunday, July 14)
The formerly canceled paddle around Brooks Island is back on the calendar, pending ideal weather conditions, of course (make it so!) Coach Mike Wang will lead the next leg of the Bridge and Island Program. Arrive at 9:30am for a 10:00am departure at Ahn's Restaurant and Bar, 1950 Esplanade Dr., Richmond 94804. Details will follow.

Just a reminder - the Bay Area Bridge and Island Program is the brainchild of Coach Mike and was inspired by his own trip under and around every bridge and island in the entire Bay Area (https://www.mikespaddle.com/blogs/paddling-bridges-and-islands-of-san-francisco-bay/bridges-and-islands).

Alameda West End AKA the "Hard Half" (Saturday, August 10)
Coach Jen Fuller will return to lead the "Hard Half" of the partial paddle around the entire island of Alameda. Coach Jen will have already given you many helpful tips about nutrition and endurance, so now will be your chance to see the results of your hard work! Details to follow.

Brannon Island Campout (Friday - Sunday, August 16 - 18)
Camp Counselors Jo Kwas and Joey are spearheading the first-ever group campout and paddle trip at the Brannon Island State Recreation Area in Rio Vista. A campsite has been reserved for Friday afternoon through Sunday morning for up to 30 people. There will be a paddle on Saturday on 7-Mile Slough. Way more details to follow, but don't make any other plans that weekend!

Ghost of Ongoing Ohana Events

- Tuesday Race and Fitness League
The 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. All levels are welcome, but highly recommend taking the Level Up Clinics if you are a newer paddler.

Coach Kristine Blike-Morales will be the guest coach on Tuesday, July 9.

Tuesday Evenings from 6:pm to 8:00pm (arrival time: 5:30pm) - Mike’s Dock. Please sign up on TeamSnap. Please note the new time change.

- Weekend Race and Fitness League
Remember, we welcome Coach Shirley Heinemann on Sunday, June 9 and again on Sunday, July 7. The July RFL will focus on beach starts and other fun things Coach Shirley learned in Punta Mita, Mexico. We will go down to Crown Beach or Encinal Beach depending on conditions.

Michael Richards

May 30, 2024

Ohana Summer activities in full swing!

Michael Richards

May 30, 2024

A Paddle Carol. In Prose. Being a Ghost Story of Paddling

Sit back and enjoy your visits from the Ghosts of Paddles Past, Present and Future to remind you to Paddle Ya Ass!

Ghost of Paddles Past

Coach Jen Fuller led an enthusiastic group of 16 OPC members for a weekend Race and Fitness League on Saturday, May 11. Coach Jen had everyone start out doing strokes on their knees (for those with cooperative knees) to get a feel of how they push the board as they paddle, and then transferred that sense of pushing when they stood up. In small groups, they also did a series of 20- and 30-second sprints. Once everyone caught their breath, Coach Jen then led them past the wave attenuators and had folk pair up and throw plastic balls to each other in a drill that turned into a fun melee. They ended the day with a leisurely paddle around the island.

Sausalito Paddle and Par-tay
Summoned across the bay, Ohana Paddle Club took a field trip to check out OG Sea Trek in its ancestral homeland in Sausalito on Sunday, May 19. After skirting some sleeping seals, 14 Ohana members along with trip leaders Jo Kwas and Annie explored Richardson Bay by SUP and kayak. They paddled to the Trident Restaurant and back, about 3.5 miles in total, made more challenging by the windy and choppy conditions.

After SUPing, everyone joined together to sup on oh-so-tasty food brought all the way across the bay.
Some local Sea Trek folk also joined the gathering for a bit to add to the festive nature of the day. Hopefully, this was only the first of many such adventures.

Tuesday Night Race and Fitness League
Coach Mike Wang provided some technique advice useful both for paddling and pole dancing: ALWAYS BE THRUSTING! on May 14, and Coaches LeeAnn and Annie provided more helpful guidance concerning paddle strokes on May 21. Everyone practiced reach out further for the catch and then "falling" on the paddle for more power. The perfect paddle stroke, if such a thing even exists in nature, is the result of much practice, and the RFL continues to offer the ideal opportunity to really get your stroke on!

First LUC of 2024 . . . ran out of luck in the weather department
2024's first Level-Up Clinic (LUC) on Friday, May 24 was forced off the water due to high winds, but the show did go on via the calm and warm confines of Zoom. Karen Miller took the lead in discussing trip planning and current/tide predications and where to find this information on the web. Helen Horvath highlighted wound care and first aid tips while out on the water.

Ghost of Paddles Present

On Sunday, May 26 a pair of pirate paddlers (Karen and Helen) went out at very low tide - ever wonder what the orange buoy in the lagoon was attached to? Wonder no more!

Tuesday RFL, May 28
Coach Maddy Richards led the RFL in footwork techniques, including learning to weight shift and move about your board. The quest for paddle perfection continues!

First In-Person LUC, May 31

Upcoming ACA Instructor Certification: May 31 - June 3
Ever wondered what a flip rescue was? Now is your chance to learn and practice it, along with lots of other technical skills en route to becoming an ACA Certified Level 1 or Level 2 Instructor. Even if you do not want to teach others to SUP (it's lots of fun!), this training is an excellent chance for you to improve your own skill set on the water. Reach out to Coach Mike Wang if you have any questions or see
ACA Courses - Sea Trek Kayak & SUP - Sausalito and Alameda, CA. The first two days are Level 1 and the second two days are Level 2. Good luck!

Ghost of Paddles Yet to Come

Get your calendars out and mark down these upcoming trips! I will type slowly so you can get it all down!

SF Waterfront Paddle (Saturday, June 8)
Join Coach Jie Jiang and paddle along the beautiful San Francisco waterfront on what will hopefully be a lovely day to take in the spectacular sights of the city. See below for details.

Nutrition and Endurance Training (Monday, June 10)
Coach Jen Fuller will lead a Zoom meeting (6:00p-7:15p) on nutrition and endurance training considerations for longer paddle tours and races. Start laying the groundwork for those long summer and all paddles. Full circumnavigation of Alameda Island tentatively scheduled for late September.

Rock Wall 5-Mile Challenge (Sunday, June 16)
The Dynamic Duo of Karen Miller and Helen Horvath will lead a paddle along the Rock Wall. Arrive at Sea Trek at 8:30am for a 9: 00am departure time. Let this be part of your strength and stamina training - and enjoy a good time with great people!

Ghost of Ongoing Ohana Events

- Tuesday Race and Fitness League
The 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. All levels are welcome, but highly recommend taking the Level Up Clinics if you are a newer paddler.

Coach Kristine Blike-Morales will be the guest coach on Tuesday, July 9.

Tuesday Evenings from 6:pm to 8:00pm (arrival time: 5:30pm) - Mike’s Dock. Please sign up on TeamSnap. Please note the new time change.

- Weekend Race and Fitness League
Remember, June brings Coach John Hadley (June 1). In July, we welcome Coach Shirley Heinemann (July 7). Please note the date change for Coach Shirley. This RFL will focus on beach starts and other fun things Coach Shirley learned in Punta Mita, Mexico. We will go down to Crown Beach or Encinal Beach depending on conditions.

Michael Richards

May 10, 2024

Join Coach Jen Fuller at Race & Fitness League on Saturday, May 11

Michael Richards

May 10, 2024

Cinco De Mayo Pirate Paddle
A group of 7 Pirate Paddlers got out on the water on May 5 to enjoy the sunshine after a stormy Saturday had the nerve to cut into everyone's weekend paddle time! The day was beautiful and the wind fairly calm - it kicked up later in the day. It was mostly chill although some paddlers worked on a few drills. Remember, even if you can't make Ohana's scheduled events (or you just want even more paddle opportunities), reach out and "organize" your own Pirate Paddle. Get your paddle on early and often!

Dr. Babs will see y'all on the water sometime in the summer - paddle on!

Practice Makes Perfect
Injured and unable to practice? Wind/rain got you down? Worse yet, nowhere near water? Joey showing how it's done - no excuses! You must look this intense for your efforts to count!

Tuesday Night Race and Fitness League
Coach Michael Richardson continues to hold it down on Tuesday nights and OPC folk are getting their learning on! This past week, Coach Michael led 8 paddlers through a workout focused on forward strokes, including a video analysis so folk could see just how far from reality their imagined perfect form was from their actual paddle stroke! Then they spent the rest of the time adjusting reality to meet imagination, along with some staggered stance paddling. Getting better every week!

Fun Fridays!
Don't forget that Sea Trek Alameda is now staying open until 7pm on Fridays to help ya'll usher in your paddling weekend. Come on by and find out the back story to this picture below. The raven might say Nevermore but Steve will tell all!

Upcoming ACA Instructor Certification: May 31-June 3
Ever wondered what a flip rescue was? Now is your chance to learn and practice it, along with lots of other technical skills en route to becoming an ACA Certified Level 1 or Level 2 Instructor. Even if you do not want to teach others to SUP (it's lots of fun!), this training is an excellent chance for you to improve your own skill set on the water. Reach out to Coach Mike Wang if you have any questions or see
ACA Courses - Sea Trek Kayak & SUP - Sausalito and Alameda, CA. The first two days are Level 1 and the second two days are Level 2. See ya out there, Teach!

Other Ohana Events

- Tuesday Fitness and Race League
The Ohana FRL 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. All levels are welcome, but highly recommend taking the Level Up Clinics if you are a newer paddler.

Tuesday Evenings from 6:pm to 7:30pm (arrival time: 5:30pm) - Mike’s Dock. Please sign up on TeamSnap. Please note the new time change.

- Race and Fitness and Race League, May 11, 9:30am-11:30am
Be like Jen!

The amazing Coach Jen returns to help us build some more skills! Arrive at 9:00am for the 9:30am-11:30am session. And plan to stay afterwards for Mike's Paddle Board Demo Day - can you be tempted into a new board? I'll bet you can!

Remember, June brings Coach John Hadley (June 1) and Coach Shirley Heinemann (June 9). And keep an eye out for more paddle opportunities - the more, the merrier!

Michael Richards

April 26, 2024

Join Coach David Wells at Race & Fitness League on Sunday April 28, 9:30am-11am

Michael Richards

April 26, 2024

Get Your Paddle On - Everybody's Doing It!
The first Social Paddle of the season took place on Sunday, April 14 and was followed by the Second Social Paddle on Saturday, April 20. They were both awesome opportunities to ease back onto the water and prepare for the wonderful paddling to come!

First Tuesday Night Race and Fitness League of 2024

Once those social paddles warmed everyone up, they were ready for a workout, and the first Tuesday Race and Fitness League of the season was happy to oblige. Coach Michael Richardson put down his libations and led paddlers on a great introductory work out.

What Did You Find on the Water?

This week's What Did You Find on the Water had two extremes . . . things you like finding on the water - Sea Trek kayakers!

And things you would prefer not to run into on the water . . . RIP Whale Formerly Known as Living!

Fun Fridays!
Don't forget that Sea Trek Alameda is now staying open until 7pm on Fridays to help ya'll usher in your paddling weekend. Come on by!

Bridge and Island Program
Just a reminder -the Bay Area Bridge and Island Program (B & I) is the brainchild of Coach Mike, and was inspired by his own trip under and around every bridge and island in the entire Bay Area (https://www.mikespaddle.com/blogs/paddling-bridges-and-islands-of-san-francisco-bay/bridges-and-islands).

Other Ohana Events

- Tuesday Fitness and Race League
The Ohana FRL 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. All levels are welcome, but highly recommend taking the Level Up Clinics if you are a newer paddler.

Tuesday Evenings from 6:pm to 7:30pm (arrival time: 5:30pm) - Mike’s Dock. Please sign up on TeamSnap. Please note the new time change.

- The First Sunday Fitness and Race League, April 28, 9:30am-11:30am
Once you brushed off your boards for the Social Paddle, come on out to learn some more skills from the always awesome Coach David Wells. Refine your skills over the season be ready for Crissy Field in the fall!

AND be sure to keep Saturday, May 11 free for Coach Jen Fuller! The amazing Coach Jen returns to help us build some more skills! Arrive at 9:00am for the 9:30am-11:30am session. Not to be outdone, June brings Coach John Hadley (June 1) and Coach Shirley Heinemann (June 9). And keep an eye out for more paddle opportunities - the more, the merrier!

Michael Richards

April 11, 2024

First Ohana Social Paddle of 2024! Sunday April 14, 9:30am-11am

Michael Richards

April 11, 2024

On the water, far and near . . .

"Moonshine Mike" Richards undertook quite the paddle trip in Arkansas . . .

. . . while a little closer to home, Steve from Sea Trek soaked up the rays from Sausalito.

Before Steve got on the water, he, his son, and KK got busy this week: the boards are no longer topless!

Peek-a-Boo!

Ohana member Karen Miller viewed the eclipse from the path of totality in Texas on Monday, April 8.

Bridge and Island Program: Brooks Island Cancelled
While the sun hid behind the moon on Monday, it will be hiding behind clouds and rain on Saturday, April 13, so Coach Mike has cancelled the trip for now. It will be rescheduled later in the season - keep an eye out!

Just a reminder -the Bay Area Bridge and Island Program (B & I) is the brainchild of Coach Mike, and was inspired by his own trip under and around every bridge and island in the entire Bay Area (https://www.mikespaddle.com/blogs/paddling-bridges-and-islands-of-san-francisco-bay/bridges-and-islands).

Brush the Dust Off Your Bones and Boards! Sunday, April 14
Although the sun will be hiding out on Saturday, the forecast for Sunday is much better and Coach Jo K. will be leading 2024's first official Ohana Social Paddle! She welcomes you all to dust off the cobwebs from your bones and boards and get out on the water for a chill paddle to welcome the 2024 Spring Paddle season. Sunday, April 14 at Sea Trek Alameda, 9:30am - 11:00am (meet at 9:00am).

Oil Your Joints - Saturday April 20
If you can't make this weekend's social paddle, or if you know just one won't do, be ready for the second Social Paddle of 2024 barely a week after the first. Ohana's cup floweth over! Come join Coach Jo K. again and oil those joints to warm up for the new paddle season ahead. Meet at Mike's/Sea Trek Alameda on Saturday, April 20, at 9:00am for a 9:30am-11:30am chill paddle.

Other Ohana Events

- The Return of Tuesday Fitness and Race League!
The Ohana FRL 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. All levels are welcome, but highly recommend taking the Level Up Clinics if you are a newer paddler.

- The First Sunday Fitness and Race League, April 28, 9:30am-11:30am
Once you brushed off your boards for the Social Paddle, come on out to learn some more skills from the always awesome Coach David Wells. Refine your skills over the season be ready for Crissy Field in the fall!

AND be sure to keep Saturday, May 11 free for Coach Jen Fuller! The amazing Coach Jen returns to help us build some more skills! Arrive at 9:00am for the 9:30am-11:30am session.

Tuesday Evenings from 5:30pm to 7:00pm (arrival time: 5:00pm) - Mike’s Dock.  Please sign up on TeamSnap. First 2024 meeting is April 23.

Sunday Mornings - See upcoming events below or Ohana Paddle Club calendar events for dates and locations. First 2024 meeting is April 28. Please sign up on TeamSnap.

Calendar of Upcoming Events!

Michael Richards

April 4, 2024

Spring is Coming! Let the Paddling Begin! Welcome Sea Trek Alameda!

Michael Richards

April 4, 2024

Bridge and Island Program: Treasure Island Trip
Coach Mike led the 2nd B & I trip around Treasure and Yerba Buena Islands and under the Bay Bridge on Saturday, March 16. Friday brought gale force winds to the Bay Area, but Saturday had the good sense to respect the Ohana schedule and cleared the skies for a perfect day of paddling and gorgeous views.

The Bay Area Bridge and Island Program (B & I) is the brainchild of Coach Mike, and was inspired by his own trip under and around every bridge and island in the entire Bay Area (https://www.mikespaddle.com/blogs/paddling-bridges-and-islands-of-san-francisco-bay/bridges-and-islands). So far, the Coast Guard and Treasure Island trips have been blessed with ideal paddling conditions and, of course, excellent paddling company. Keep an eye out for future trips! The next trip is on Saturday, April 13 - Brooks Island -- please note this date is two weeks earlier than originally planned. As always, subject to weather condition.

Pigeon, Get Off My Board!

Coach Jo K. is leading the first official Ohana Social Paddle of the year! She welcomes you all to dust off the cobwebs (also spelled "pigeon") from your board and your paddle form and get out on the water for a chill paddle to welcome the 2024 Spring Paddle season. Sunday, April 14 at Sea Trek Alameda, 9:30am - 11:30am (meet at 9:00am). Coach Jo may or may not have a new board by that time, depending on the impending birthing plans of above-pictured pigeon. Come on out to find what has been making a new home on your board!!

Sea Trek Alameda is Opening! Saturday, April 6

Sea Trek is ready to welcome visitors as of Saturday, April 6, and will be open seven days a week for ample paddling and kayaking opportunities. Be sure to mention you are an Ohana member for discounts on rentals!

Ohana members who were also SUP instructors gathered to meet with the Sea Trek crew on Saturday, March 30 for an orientation to the new kids on the dock. Everyone enjoyed getting to meet their cross-bay counterparts and all look forward to the chance to merge and expand the great sense of community that Ohana/Mike's Paddle and Sea Trek already enjoy.

After the orientation, a group set out on kayaks and paddle boards for a quick trip around Ballena Island. KeKe and Tanya doubled up! Check out the snazzy new dock!

Other Ohana Events
- Third Bridge and Island Paddle: Brooks Island
As mentioned above, B & I #3 is Saturday, April 13. Be ready to hit the water at 10am. This paddle will circumnavigate Brooks Island. See TeamSnap.to sign up and for details; see WhatsApp for any last-minute announcements or questions.

- The Return of Tuesday Fitness and Race League!
The Ohana FRL 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. All levels are welcome, but highly recommend taking the Level Up Clinics if you are a newer paddler.

- The First Sunday Fitness and Race League, April 28, 9:30am-11:30am
Once you brushed off your boards for the Social Paddle, come on out to learn some more skills from the always awesome Coach David Wells. Refine your skills over the season be ready for Crissy Field in the fall!

Tuesday Evenings from 5:30pm to 7:00pm (arrival time: 5:00pm) - Mike’s Dock.  Please sign up on TeamSnap. First 2024 meeting is April 23.

Sunday Mornings - See upcoming events below or Ohana Paddle Club calendar events for dates and locations. First 2024 meeting is April 28. Please sign up on TeamSnap.

Calendar of Upcoming Events!

Bridge & Island Program
Circumnavigate Brooks Island
Saturday, April 13, 10am
Coach Mike
Meet at Ahn's Restaurant (in the park next to the restaurant)
1950 Esplanade Dr., Richmond, 94804
Please sign up on TeamSnap

2024's First Ohana Social Paddle
Sunday, April 14, 9:30am - 11:30am (Arrive 9:00am)
Coach Jo K.
Mike's Paddle/Sea Trek Alameda
1120 Ballena Blvd, #200, Alameda 94501
Please sign up on TeamSnap.

2024's First Tuesday Fitness and Race League
Tuesday, April 23, 5:30pm (Arrive at 5pm)
Coach: Special Guest!
Mike's Paddle/Sea Trek Alameda
1120 Ballena Blvd, #200, Alameda 94501
Please sign up on TeamSnap.

2024's First Sunday Fitness and Race League
Sunday, April 28, 9:30am-11:30am
Coach David Wells
Mike's Paddle/Sea Trek Alameda
1120 Ballena Blvd., #200, Alameda, 94501
Please sign up on TeamSnap

Michael Richards

March 14, 2024

Second Bridge and Island Trip 2024: Treasure Island Sat., Mar. 16 at 10am

Michael Richards

March 14, 2024

Pirate Paddle Action
On Sunday, March 10, a small group of Ohana Pirate Paddlers headed out on a local adventure from Mike's to check out the newly renovated MLK Shoreline Boat Ramp along the San Leandro Bay.

The group encountered dragons, human-eating sharks and seals with attitudes . . . in their nightmares. In reality, they enjoyed pleasant temperatures, light winds and birds such as willets and godwits. They thoroughly enjoyed each other's company, and even scored a bridge (for those keeping track).

The new boat ramp area provides a welcoming resting place and spiffy astroturf for everyone's boards. Nice!

Bridge and Island Program
The Bay Area Bridge and Island Program (B & I) is the brainchild of Coach Mike, and was inspired by his own trip under and around every bridge and island in the entire Bay Area (https://www.mikespaddle.com/blogs/paddling-bridges-and-islands-of-san-francisco-bay/bridges-and-islands). Coast Guard Island was the inaugural trip in the B & I Program, and the conditions were ideal. Here's hoping that this is a good luck charm that follows all subsequent trips! Paddlers who complete each B & I segment will receive a sticker to mark the auspicious occasion. Fill up your board with B & I stickers of glory! The next trip is on Saturday, March 16 - Treasure and Yerba Buena Island. See below for other dates (and more will be coming; it could take up to two years to complete them all!).

Dock Progress

The MLK Shoreline is not the only local area getting a facelift. Sea Trek and Alex have been hard at work on their new docks and the results are impressive! How will one ever decide from where to launch? So much space! So many choices!

Other Ohana Events
- Second Bridge and Island Paddle: Treasure Island and Yerba Buena
As mentioned above, B & I #2 is Saturday, March 16. Be ready to hit the water at 10am from the Treasure Island Boat Ramp. This paddle will circumnavigate Treasure Island and Yerba Buena Island and go under the Bay Bridge (both the old and new spans). The forecast is lots of sun! See TeamSnap.to sign up and for details; see WhatsApp for any last-minute announcements or questions.

- The Return of Fitness and Race League!
The Ohana FRL 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. All levels are welcome, but highly recommend taking the Level Up Clinics if you are a newer paddler.

Tuesday Evenings from 5:30pm to 7:00pm (arrival time: 5:00pm) - Mike’s Dock.  Please sign up on TeamSnap. First 2024 meeting is April 23.

Sunday Mornings - See upcoming events below or Ohana Paddle Club calendar events for dates and locations. Please sign up on TeamSnap.

Michael Richards

February 29, 2024

Coast Guard Island

Michael Richards

February 29, 2024

Bridge and Island Program: Coast Guard Island

On Saturday, February 24, ten Ohana members braved temperatures that dropped to 70 degrees and glass-like water to complete the first of Coach Mike's Bridge and Island Program: Coast Guard Island edition. We departed from Grand Street Marina and paddled counterclockwise around Coast Guard Island, encountering almost no wind and several crew teams and dragon boats along the three-mile trip.

Coach Mike also showed us a soon-to-be finished public dock. This inlet is just a bit south of the Grand Street Marina launch ramp and on the same side.

To access this inlet we got to go under another bridge so we had a bonus bridge on this trip!

The Bay Area Bridge and Island Program (B & I) is the brainchild of Coach Mike, and was inspired by his own trip under and around every bridge and island in the entire Bay Area (https://www.mikespaddle.com/blogs/paddling-bridges-and-islands-of-san-francisco-bay/bridges-and-islands). Coast Guard Island was the inaugural trip in the B & I Program, and the conditions were ideal. Here's hoping that this is a good luck charm that follows all subsequent trips! Paddlers who complete each B & I segment will receive a sticker to mark the auspicious occasion. Fill up your board with B & I stickers of glory! The next trip is on March 16 - Treasure and Yerba Buena Island. See below for other dates (and more will be coming; it could take up to two years to complete them all!).

What Did You Find on the Water?

The sunshine brought all the folk (human or otherwise) to the yard! Seals! Crew folk, in groups of 4 and 8! The estuary was a free for all for sun-loving creatures with multiple methods of getting across water!

Other Ohana Events
- Escape From San Francisco
Tentatively planned for Saturday, March 16, keep an eye out for another Escape from San Francisco trip. Escape leaves from the city and arrives back to Mike's all safe and sound. Stay tuned for further details (and check TeamSnap for updates).

- The Return of Fitness and Race League!
The Ohana FRL 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. All levels are welcome, but highly recommend taking the Level Up Clinics if you are a newer paddler.

Tuesday Evenings from 5:30pm to 7:00pm (arrival time: 5:00pm) - Mike’s Dock. Please sign up on TeamSnap. First 2024 meeting is April 23.

Sunday Mornings - See upcoming events below or Ohana Paddle Club calendar events for dates and locations. Please sign up on TeamSnap.

Michael Richards

January 18, 2024

New Year, New Activities!

Michael Richards

January 18, 2024

Now You See It, Now You Don't: Ashby Shoals
In this week's episode of What Did You Find While Paddling, Michael Richards reports on a rare discovery in between the raindrops:

"On Friday, January 12, Ohana members Chris Spencer, Michael Richards, Annie Meyers, Erin Middleton, and Anne Spencer paddled out from the Emeryville Marina at sunset to join a couple dozen other water adventurers at the Ashby Shoal. The Ashby Shoal is a long, submerged sand bar that becomes a low island for a few hours each year at the lowest point of the lowest tides. There was a spirit of gratitude and joy as the revelers gathered around several bonfires, munching on roasted hotdogs and marshmallows, and sharing stories. As the tide gradually rose to swallow the shoal, the paddlers glided quietly back to the Marina under a moonless sky."

The newsletter cover photo show some of the reveling going on around a bonfire. Until the next lowest of low tides!

More Bay Adventures
Ashby Shoal is not the only island in the SF Bay, of course. Coach Mike Wang undertook a lengthy trip some years back and paddled the entire Bay, averaging 10 miles a day regardless of the weather. He has helpfully listed the dozen islands and dozen bridges he paddled around and under and where to set out from in a blog post on the Mike's Paddle website (https://www.mikespaddle.com/blogs/paddling-bridges-and-islands-of-san-francisco-bay/bridges-and-islands).

More importantly for the Ohana Paddle Club, Coach Mike will be leading out trips to some of the islands in the upcoming months. We are all likely familiar with the 2-mile Ballena Isle and the Ballena Bridge loop, but if you want to paddle in ever larger circles under ever higher bridges, check out the new Bridge and Island series (weather permitting). These include circumnavigation of:

Coast Guard Island (3 miles) - February 24
Treasure and Yerba Buena Island (5 miles) - March 16
Brooks Island (7 miles) - April 27

More details to follow.

Take Care of Your Gear and It Will Take Care of You

Jo W. reminds those of us with inflatable PFDs to check them out on a regular basis (AKA "ever") and give that cartridge a little fresh water bath. Keep it clean and clear, otherwise you're just wearing a funky-looking belt.

SUP Around the World
Jo and Joey K. along with Tanya and several other lucky paddlers soaked up some sunshine and much warmer water in Costa Rica. No word on the amount of refuse and/or rainbows discovered, but fun times were definitely detected!

Other Ohana Events - The Return of Fitness and Race League!
The Ohana FRL 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. All levels are welcome, but highly recommend taking the Level Up Clinics if you are a newer paddler. The first FRL of 2024 has been rescheduled to Saturday, January 27, at 9:30am - 11:30am at Mike's (arrival time 9:00am).

Tuesday Evenings from 5:30pm to 7:00pm (arrival time: 5:00pm) - Mike’s Dock. Please sign up on TeamSnap. First 2024 meeting is April 23.

Sunday Mornings - See upcoming events below or Ohana Paddle Club calendar events for dates and locations. Please sign up on TeamSnap.

Other Upcoming Events!

CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER: King Tide on the Petaluma River
Originally scheduled for Sunday, January 21

Weather permitting:

2024's First Fitness and Race League
Saturday, January 27, 9:30am - 11:30am
Coach Shirley "The Beast" Heinemann
Meet in the courtyard of Mike's at 9:00am
1120 Ballena Blvd, #200, Alameda 94501
Please sign up on TeamSnap.

2024's First Tuesday Fitness and Race League
Tuesday, April 23, 5:30pm (Arrive at 5pm)
Coach Mike
Mike's Paddle
1120 Ballena Blvd, #200, Alameda 94501
Please sign up on TeamSnap.

Bridge & Island Series
Circumnavigate Coast Guard Island
Saturday, February 24, 10am
Coach Mike
Meet at Grand Street Boat Ramp
2094 Grand Street, #2090, Alameda 94501
Please sign up on TeamSnap

Circumnavigate Treasure and Yerba Buena Island
Saturday, March 16, 10am
Coach Mike
Meet at Treasure Island Boat Ramp
2094 Grand Street, #2090, Alameda 94501
Please sign up on TeamSnap

Circumnavigate Brooks Island
Saturday, April 27, 10am
Coach Mike
Meet at Ahn's Restaurant
1950 Esplanade Dr., Richmond, 94804
Please sign up on TeamSnap

Michael Richards

December 27, 2023

Happy Holidays 2023

Michael Richards

December 27, 2023

Holiday Greetings!
Checking in to wish everyone a merry holiday season, or at least a warm and dry one! Hopefully, you all put new paddle boarding gear/accessories on your Xmas list and we look forward to seeing you on the water with your new gifts! Wherever you may be, try to get a paddle in - if only in your dreams . . . (Pretend you are Mike in Baja!):

Pirate Paddles for the People!

Karen and Alan joined Dr. Babs for a leisurely paddle under absolutely beautiful weather conditions (give or take 20 degrees!) on Christmas Eve Eve. They encountered a few other Ohana folk also enjoying the superb conditions, as well as a gaggle of outrigger canoes. This time of year the water surface looks like your bathtub (though it may feel like your freezer sometimes; your new neoprene gifts can help keep ya warm!) - get on WhatsApp when you're free and get some paddle partners to join you for a play date.

Dock Progress

Say goodbye to your board racks and thank them for all the hard work they provided protecting your board in the past:

And say hello to your new racks and thank them for the hard work they will provide in the future:

Sea Trek SUP Storage Shift
Remember, for those who store their board at Mike's, be sure to keep an eye out for an email from Sea Trek letting you know how to transfer over your account to their system, including updating your financial info and signing a new storage contract. They want this completed by January 1, 2024. If you do not hear from them for some reason, their contact email is paddle@seatrek.com.

Michael Richards

November 17, 2023

Ohana Champions!

Michael Richards

November 17, 2023

Ohana Members Made it Rain (with Medals)!
The Ohana Paddle Club once again came, saw, and conquered at the 1st ever USA SUP National Championships in Long Beach. Shirley Heinemann stood on the top podium in in the Masters 200M Sprint and earned a 2nd place finish in the Masters 10K. Leeann Peterson paddled to a 3rd place finish in the Open 5K distance. Not to feel left out, Rob Heinemann scored a 2nd place podium place in the Golden Masters 5K.

Ohana coaches Jen Fuller and David Wells also added some hardware to their already full medal cabinets. Jen finished first in the Golden Masters 10K and second in the Golden Masters 200M Sprints. David Wells brought home two first place finishes: Masters 200M Sprints and 10K. Annie Myers also competed in the Golden Masters 10K, finishing just off the podium in 4th. Keep on paddling and you, too, can start your own SUP medal collection!

Ohana on the Water in the Fall

We encourage all Ohana members to get on the water as early and often as possible! Take advantage of good weather when you can, and endure the poorer weather 'cause you can. Practice your stroke technique, your pivot turn, your cross nose draw, and your small talk skills along with your fellow Ohana Club members. Or your other friends! Or your frenemies, for that matter! Just get on some form of water - remember, practice makes perfect (and gets you out of the house at least)!! Those medals aren't going to win themselves -- just ask Shirley and Leeann!

Rock Around the Dock
Mike got over COVID for this?? Those docks aren't going to build themselves! As you can see, new docks are coming to a marina near you. We'll keep an eye on the dock progress and soon we'll reminiscing about the good old dock days of yore...

Other Upcoming Events!

Land Based Strength and Mobility - Sun., December 10
Coach Fernando Morales, CSCS
Tennis Courts if clear; Courtyard if raining (by Mike's)
9:30am - 10:30am (Arrive 9:15am)
Please sign up on TeamSnap.

Michael Richards

November 2, 2023

Witch better have my taco!

Michael Richards

November 2, 2023

Witch Better Have My Taco!
So many witches! So many tacos! So many pictures! So much fun!!!

Despite a forecast calling for wind, all that the Witches on Water parade participants had to worry about was beautiful blue skies, calm waters, and keeping their witch hats on straight. A big group showed up for a wonderful paddle around Ballena island, making a few strategic stops for photo opportunities - for us and for adoring fans (there were many!). Residents along the channel ran back inside to get their cameras as we paddled by; given how many of us there were, they could have walked and still gotten plenty of pictures. Even boats sailing by jumped on the paparazzi bandwagon, including one that turned in front of a small group for a close up!

The canoe that hosted the Halloween music was the perfect accompaniment and no Witches on Water would be complete with this perfect soundtrack. No need to paddle in silence when you can shimmy along to the theme from Ghostbusters!

Werk It! Land Based Strength and Mobility on Sunday, Nov. 5
Back by popular demand, the Ohana Paddle Club is pleased to offer another strength and mobility session with certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) Fernando Morales. Meet up at the tennis courts for warm-up, mobility, and hopefully another hilarious and tiring circuit session, followed by an enjoyable cool down. This will take place rain or shine; if it is raining, the session will move to under the eaves in the courtyard. There is no escaping a fantastic workout!

Bring a yoga mat (or something similar), paddle, water, and a small snack to re-fuel post workout. Shoes are recommended. Come get your workout on! You know you have some tacos to work off!

Guests are welcome! Everyone who brings a guest will be entered into a raffle to win a super cool and secure waterproof phone case. Use Ohana’s Single Event Pass to Register: https://www.ohanapaddleclub.org/membership/single-event-guest-pass

Other Ohana FRL Events - Weekly Tuesday Evening Practices and Monthly Sunday Morning Practices. We have ONE last 2023 Sunday morning FRL coming up, led by Coach Mike on Nov. 18. See below for details.

Land Based Strength and Mobility - Sun., November 5th
Coach Fernando Morales, CSCS
Tennis Courts if clear; Courtyard if raining (by Mike's)
9:30am - 10:30am
Please sign up on TeamSnap.

Saturday FRL Practice - November 18th [LAST FRL Practice for 2023]
Mike's Dock
Coach Mike
9:30am - 11:30am (arrive 9:00am)
Please sign up on TeamSnap.

Michael Richards

October 26, 2023

Witches and Tacos this Sunday!

Michael Richards

October 26, 2023

Sunday Golden Paddle
Fog . . . rain . . . sunny blue skies . . . rainbows . . . all accompanied Ohana paddlers and Coach David Wells from Chrissy Fields down to the Golden Gate Bridge and back. Calm water brought smiles to paddle boarders and scowls to any kite boarders in the area. Half a dozen Ohana members enjoyed Coach Wells' guidance and helpful hints as they soaked up the sights of the city and the bay along the way. One member (Hi Amie!) was on her very first Ohana excursion; the first of many, we hope!

Last But Not Least 2023 Tuesday FRL Practice
The wind helped determine Tuesday's Ohana FRL paddle. After warming they were good to go and headed to the wave attenuators in 11 knot winds. Once outside, the group paddled straight into the waves and wind and got as far as the rock wall before turning around and riding the waves in, enjoying the wind at their backs after lots of effort. Back to the lagoon to practice pivot turns, including cross draw pivot turns, and paddling using one's weight on the rails to go straight or to turn. Another beautiful fall sunset closed out the last Tuesday FRL of 2023 .

Witches! Water! Tacos! You!!!

Witches, get your broomsticks ready and add some dust to your creaky hats! Sunday is the Witches on Water parade, leaving from Mike's dock at 9:30am (arrival time 9:00am). When ya get back, remember that
Mike's Paddle and Sea Trek will be celebrating their new union with the provision of great company and tasty tacos - always the sign of a good time! See you there!

Witches on Water - Sun., October 29th
Annual Costume Aqua Parade
Mike's Dock
9:30am - 11:30am (arrival time 9:00am)
Please sign up on TeamSnap.

Saturday FRL Practice - November 18th [LAST FRL Practice for 2023]
Mike's Dock
Coach Mike
9:30am - 11:30am (arrive 9:00am)
Please sign up on TeamSnap.

Michael Richards

October 19, 2023

Ch-ch-ch-changes

Michael Richards

October 19, 2023

PANIC! FEAR! HYSTERIA!....
These are a few of the emotions that are completely unnecessary in the face of the latest news from Mike's Paddle. As you may have heard by now, Mike's Paddle is undergoing a transition that includes Sausalito-based Sea Trek assuming operation of classes, tours, and rental operations starting in spring 2024. Mike's Paddle will continue to offer retail and repair services for boards and kayaks. Mike's website has more details (https://www.mikespaddle.com/pages/seatrek-announcement). What does all of this mean for the Ohana Paddle Club that makes Panic! Fear! and Hysteria! unnecessary? The good news is that it does not impact OPC negatively at all - yay! There are some positives, in fact. Most importantly, Mike himself will have a bit more free time on his hands to actually live his life (more yays!) and some of that life will include more time to coach and paddle with Ohana - all the yays! Additionally, Ohana will have access to Sea Trek in Sausalito - even more yays! And did ya hear - Mike's and Sea Trek will be rebuilding the docks, so your boards will soon have a comfy new home. Will the yays never stop? Mike's Paddle and Sea Trek will be celebrating this new union on Sunday, October 29 with the provision of great company and tasty tacos - always the sign of a good time! Rentals will be $10 between 10am and 2pm (2pm return). If you were already coming out for Witches on Water (yays on broomsticks!), stick around after! Witches and tacos needs to become a meme....or a band! See you there!

Michael Richards

October 19, 2023

Ohana Domination!

Michael Richards

October 19, 2023

Ohana Domination
This weekend saw all the hard work Ohana Club members put in over many practices pay off in the 2023 Battle in the Bay in Sausalito, as several OPC members paddled their way to the podium on Saturday. Big congrats to Chris Spenser, Felipe Duque, Louie Tsai, Jen Dyment, Annie Myers, and Jen Fuller for showing folks how it’s done! Across the country, Mike Wang was doing his own thing at the 2023 ICF SUP World Cup in Sarasota, FL. After enlightening everyone with his insightful commentary on the 5K, Mike qualified for the men's 800 meter technical final on Sunday against a field much younger than himself. After hearing about Saturday’s strong West Coast showing by Ohana, Mike – mindful of how sensitive many non-Californians are to California domination (aka “haters”) – decided to take mercy on the souls of his competitors and paddled sweep for the final itself. No one needed his assistance, fortunately, and he was able to focus on completing the race.

And here is a photo of Mike with pro Fiona Wilde. Fiona won the women's 800 meter technical final race on Sunday. I’m not saying there is a connection between Fiona taking a picture with Mike and Fiona winning her race, but I’m NOT not saying his very presence inspired her to winning heights . . . Mike just has it like that! And we are all the better for his presence in our lives!

Tuesday's FRL Focused on Fancy Footwork!
No drizzles this week as Coach Kristine focused on fancy footwork! Coach Kristine first had us practice on the dock, pretending to be on our boards with an imaginary line going lengthwise down the middle. We put the toes of our front foot at an angle near the "handle" and then stepped back so the heel of the back foot was along the "line." The we kept stepping back, keeping toes and heels touching the "line" all the way to ensure even pressure on the board. This was easy! No problem transferring this to a board on the actual water! (well, some of us more than others). Coach Kristine also added the helpful tip of bracing (both slapping down or up) while stepping back in case something throws you off balance. This tip works! Ask me how I know! We then paddled into the lagoon under warm and clear skies and practiced going up and down our board in order to increase our comfort levels in moving about the board in preparation for pivot turns. Then a paddle around the island near sunset followed for another beautiful night of paddling. Thanks for the tips, Coach Kristine!

Join Us on Tuesday Evening, Oct. 24, for the Next FRL Practice.
We leave from Mike's Dock. The practice is from 5:30pm (arrive at 5:00pm) to 7:00 pm. We hope you can make it!  Please sign up on TeamSnap. Also, please remember that Coach David Wells will return to lead another FRL Practice on Sunday, Oct. 22 at Crissy Field (details below). A don't miss event!

Cool Clothes for Cool Weather Paddling (this advice is evergreen)
It's beautiful now, but cooler weather is coming. Cold temps are no reason to avoid the water, though, and Coach Jo K. has some advice on how to prepare for cold weather paddling. One word: Layers, layers, layers. One word so nice she said it thrice.

Jo finds that a farmer wet suit (no sleeves, long legs), wool long-sleeve shirt, booties, a beanie, and a splash jacket gets her through fall/winter paddling. When it's really cold, she'll add full-fingered gloves. Farmer wet suits are typically sold in 2/3 millimeter thickness, while full suits (long arms, long legs) come in varying thickness. If you are thinking of a bay crossing or surfing, then a full suit of 4/5 millimeter thickness should be sufficient for the Bay Area.

Late fall conditions are perfect for Coach Jen Fuller's trick of a long-sleeved wool shirt. Karen turned us onto 32-degree shirts from Costco, which are not wool but have some of the same properties (at a very reasonable price). Avoid cotton for your layers at all costs! Unless you like being cold and uncomfortable, in which case go for it!

What Jo really likes for winter is the NRS splash jacket. She finds the splash jacket keeps her warm (with appropriate layers underneath) and protects her from the wind after she falls in (always a given!). She keeps her splash jacket under her board bungies until she needs it. Jo also keeps her tootsies warm with booties, and suggests wearing wool socks underneath for comfort, warmth, and to make post-paddle beer taste better (ask Rob about this one). Zoey always wears footwear when she paddles as she likes having something to protect her feet if she needs to kick off the pipe when helping someone who gets too close or launching in a mucky area (talking to you, Red Rock!) Booties or footwear are a good investment for all weather.

Coach Jo's last and best tip for staying warm during the cool seasons: paddle! Create some body heat by moving your body!

And speaking of fall paddle clothing . . . don't forget the Witches on Water Paddle on October 29 (see below). Get your costumes together now!

Challenged by the Wind? Mike's Paddle Offers Great Courses on Learning to Paddle into the Wind!
Let's be honest. Wind and waves are a regular part of weather in Alameda during the summer. It tends to be less windy in the morning and picks up during the day. However, sometimes it can be windy all day. During the summer, most of our paddling outside of the Lagoon is going to include active water, wind and likely waves. So, what can we do about all of the wind and waves? We can learn to enjoy paddling in the wind, and to do it well! Because truly, to fully enjoy all of the amazing paddling we have in the Bay Area, it is necessary to become comfortable on active water.

Mike's Paddle has four level of classes for paddling in the wind. Many of you having taken our Level 1 and 2 Classes, which are prerequisites for the higher level courses. Level 3 is "Into the Wind," Level 4 is "Intro to Downwinding," Level 5 is "Intermediate Downwinding," and Level 6 is "Advanced Downwinding." Taking these classes will definitely help you build your skills.

Also, don't forget to come out and get lots of practice! Look for paddling opportunities on WhatsApp, create your own group of friends or paddle on your own. The more you go out and paddle, the more opportunity you have to practice the skills you have learned in the Level 1 and Level 2 classes, and the better prepared you will be for Levels 3 through 6.

To find out more about these classes, go to Mike's Paddle or chat with Kristine or Alex while you are hanging out at Mike's.

Other Ohana FRL Events - Weekly Tuesday Evening Practices and Monthly Sunday Morning Practices.

The Ohana FRL 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. All levels are welcome, but highly recommend taking the Level Up Clinics if you are a newer paddler.

Tuesday Evenings from 5:30pm to 7:00pm (arrival time: 5:00pm) - Mike’s Dock.  Please sign up on TeamSnap.

Sunday Mornings - See upcoming events below or Ohana Paddle Club calendar events for dates and locations. Please sign up on TeamSnap.

Here Is a Note From Our Very Own Mike Wang About the Upcoming USA SUP National Championships, Which Will Be Held in Long Beach, CA, Nov. 9th - 11th!
"Hi y’all! I’m excited to share with you that the USA SUP National Championship will be in Long Beach in Nov 9 - 11. https://usasup.org/NatChamps!

I’m one of the executive board members of this grassroots non-profit now with more than 300 paddlers across all over the nation. This is the first national championship we’re hosting and please don’t let the name scare you. It is open to everyone! The format is very similar to many other races around the country ranging from a 1 mile challenge on inflatable (free and available to all, gear included), 200M sprints, all the way to 5K and 10K races. I’m signed up for the sprint and 5K as I’m still healing from my long-time bicep injury.

Many of our local paddlers are already planning on going. All Mike’s Paddle staff will be there (Mike, Kristine, Levi and Alex), Annie Myers, David Wells, Jie Jiang, and we’re looking for more!

What’s really great about this event is that you are going to meet everyone around the country who are into the same sport. In addition, for us amateurs (fortunately or unfortunately), many national and international pros are not able to attend this year because the ICF Championship is in Thailand just a week after and they have to go train beforehand.

I’m stoked to make this happen for all of the paddlers in the country as well as Ohana Paddle Club. To support logistics for the race, I’m going to rent a big box truck, outfit it with racks and drive it down to Long Beach. The truck will have rental race boards for those who are coming from afar as well as space for you who just want to fly instead of driving.

I have made the following spreadsheet for all rental boards as well as transport boards so that you can contact us to make a reservation. Please text 415-295-2925 and let us know your information and we will send you an invoice for the transport $150 round trip."  Here is the link to the spreadsheet .

Other Upcoming Events!

Sunday FRL Practice - Sun., October 22nd
Coach David Wells
St. Francis Yacht Club, 99 Yacht Road, San Francisco 94123
9:00am - 11:00am (arrival time 8:30am)
Please sign up on TeamSnap.

Tuesday FRL Practice - October 24th
Mike's Dock
Coach TBD
5:30pm - 7:00pm (arrive 5:00pm)
Please sign up on TeamSnap.

Witches on Water - Sun., October 29th
Annual Costume Aqua Parade
Mike's Dock
9:30am - 11:30am (arrival time 9:00am)
Please sign up on TeamSnap.

Tuesday FRL Practice - October 31st [LAST Tuesday FRL Practice for 2023]
Mike's Dock
Coach TBD
5:30pm - 7:00pm (arrive 5:00pm)
Please sign up on TeamSnap.

Saturday FRL Practice - November 18th [LAST FRL Practice for 2023]
Mike's Dock
Coach Mike
9:30am - 11:30am (arrive 9:00am)
Please sign up on TeamSnap.

Michael Richards

October 12, 2023

Cool weather clothing tips

Michael Richards

October 12, 2023

Tuesday's FRL Focused on Improving Stroke Technique for Increased Speed
Tuesday's FRL took place in under cloudy skies (and even a little drizzle) but the cooler temps were offset by a workout that elevated heart rates and sweat glands. Coach Mike Wang led 10 OPC members in dockside warm-up exercises before leading a series of on-water exercises designed to improve paddling strokes and speed. We raced between buoys with an initial focus on the number of paddle strokes, then worked to reduce that number (without sacrificing speed). Other sprints included stopping halfway to do 10 squats in preparation to further involve one's hips in the power phase of a stroke (ask Mike about the "air hump"). Another sprint entailed stopping halfway to do 10 pushups. The final sprint included everyone racing, but with Coach Mike and more experienced paddlers racing with their paddles upside down - even with just the t-grip in the water Coach Mike still came in 2nd place! Keep coming to FRL and one day you, too, could power your way through the water with your paddle upside down . . .

Join Us on Tuesday Evening, Oct. 17, for the Next FRL Practice.
We leave from Mike's Dock. The practice is from 5:30pm (arrive at 5:00pm) to 7:00 pm. We hope you can make it!  Please sign up on TeamSnap. Also, please remember that Coach David Wells will return to lead another FRL Practice on Sunday, Oct. 22 at Crissy Field (details below). A don't miss event!

Bay Area Beauty
OPC members took advantage of beautiful fall weather conditions over the weekend to enjoy the great outdoors and justify all the overpriced everything we pay to live here in paradise. Helen took her sister from N.C. out on the water and Monique joined them. Alan also enjoyed the sunshine in Ballena Bay. Eva went under the water to dive in Monterey. Jo K. didn't get on or under the water but admired calm seas from a Santa Cruz beach. Sarah paddled a bit further from home in Big River in Mendocino, while Karen paddled the furthest away in Spain (jelly!). The upcoming weekend's forecast promises more ideal conditions, so get your paddle on - these outdoors aren't going to appreciate themselves! You can also get some practice in for the upcoming weekend races in the Bay Area as well as the Nationals in Long Beach in November (see below and TeamSnap for details).

Cool Clothes for Cool Weather Paddling
It's beautiful now, but cooler weather is coming. Cold temps are no reason to avoid the water, though, and Coach Jo K. has some advice on how to prepare for cold weather paddling. One word: Layers, layers, layers. One word so nice she said it thrice.

Jo finds that a farmer wet suit (no sleeves, long legs), wool long-sleeve shirt, booties, a beanie, and a splash jacket gets her through fall/winter paddling. When it's really cold, she'll add full-fingered gloves. Farmer wet suits are typically sold in 2/3 millimeter thickness, while full suits (long arms, long legs) come in varying thickness. If you are thinking of a bay crossing or surfing, then a full suit of 4/5 millimeter thickness should be sufficient for the Bay Area.

Late fall conditions are perfect for Coach Jen Fuller's trick of a long-sleeved wool shirt. Karen turned us onto 32-degree shirts from Costco, which are not wool but have some of the same properties (at a very reasonable price). Avoid cotton for your layers at all costs! Unless you like being cold and uncomfortable, in which case go for it!

What Jo really likes for winter is the NRS splash jacket. She finds the splash jacket keeps her warm (with appropriate layers underneath) and protects her from the wind after she falls in (always a given!). She keeps her splash jacket under her board bungies until she needs it. Jo also keeps her tootsies warm with booties, and suggests wearing wool socks underneath for comfort, warmth, and to make post-paddle beer taste better (ask Rob about this one). Zoey always wears footwear when she paddles as she likes having something to protect her feet if she needs to kick off the pipe when helping someone who gets too close or launching in a mucky area (talking to you, Red Rock!) Booties or footwear are a good investment for all weather.

Coach Jo's last and best tip for staying warm during the cool seasons: paddle! Create some body heat by moving your body!

And speaking of fall paddle clothing . . . don't forget the Witches on Water Paddle on October 29 (see below). Get your costumes together now!

Challenged by the Wind? Mike's Paddle Offers Great Courses on Learning to Paddle into the Wind!
Let's be honest. Wind and waves are a regular part of weather in Alameda during the summer. It tends to be less windy in the morning and picks up during the day. However, sometimes it can be windy all day. During the summer, most of our paddling outside of the Lagoon is going to include active water, wind and likely waves. So, what can we do about all of the wind and waves? We can learn to enjoy paddling in the wind, and to do it well! Because truly, to fully enjoy all of the amazing paddling we have in the Bay Area, it is necessary to become comfortable on active water.

Mike's Paddle has four level of classes for paddling in the wind. Many of you having taken our Level 1 and 2 Classes, which are prerequisites for the higher level courses. Level 3 is "Into the Wind," Level 4 is "Intro to Downwinding," Level 5 is "Intermediate Downwinding," and Level 6 is "Advanced Downwinding." Taking these classes will definitely help you build your skills.

Also, don't forget to come out and get lots of practice! Look for paddling opportunities on WhatsApp, create your own group of friends or paddle on your own. The more you go out and paddle, the more opportunity you have to practice the skills you have learned in the Level 1 and Level 2 classes, and the better prepared you will be for Levels 3 through 6.

To find out more about these classes, go to Mike's Paddle or chat with Kristine or Alex while you are hanging out at Mike's.

Other Ohana FRL Events - Weekly Tuesday Evening Practices and Monthly Sunday Morning Practices.

The Ohana FRL 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. All levels are welcome, but highly recommend taking the Level Up Clinics if you are a newer paddler.

Tuesday Evenings from 5:30pm to 7:00pm (arrival time: 5:00pm) - Mike’s Dock.  Please sign up on TeamSnap.

Sunday Mornings - See upcoming events below or Ohana Paddle Club calendar events for dates and locations. Please sign up on TeamSnap.

Here Is a Note From Our Very Own Mike Wang About the Upcoming USA SUP National Championships, Which Will Be Held in Long Beach, CA, Nov. 9th - 11th!
"Hi y’all! I’m excited to share with you that the USA SUP National Championship will be in Long Beach in Nov 9 - 11. https://usasup.org/NatChamps!

I’m one of the executive board members of this grassroots non-profit now with more than 300 paddlers across all over the nation. This is the first national championship we’re hosting and please don’t let the name scare you. It is open to everyone! The format is very similar to many other races around the country ranging from a 1 mile challenge on inflatable (free and available to all, gear included), 200M sprints, all the way to 5K and 10K races. I’m signed up for the sprint and 5K as I’m still healing from my long-time bicep injury.

Many of our local paddlers are already planning on going. All Mike’s Paddle staff will be there (Mike, Kristine, Levi and Alex), Annie Myers, David Wells, Jie Jiang, and we’re looking for more!

What’s really great about this event is that you are going to meet everyone around the country who are into the same sport. In addition, for us amateurs (fortunately or unfortunately), many national and international pros are not able to attend this year because the ICF Championship is in Thailand just a week after and they have to go train beforehand.

I’m stoked to make this happen for all of the paddlers in the country as well as Ohana Paddle Club. To support logistics for the race, I’m going to rent a big box truck, outfit it with racks and drive it down to Long Beach. The truck will have rental race boards for those who are coming from afar as well as space for you who just want to fly instead of driving.

I have made the following spreadsheet for all rental boards as well as transport boards so that you can contact us to make a reservation. Please text 415-295-2925 and let us know your information and we will send you an invoice for the transport $150 round trip."  Here is the link to the spreadsheet .

Other Upcoming Events!

Sunday FRL - Sun., October 22nd
Coach David Wells
St. Francis Yacht Club, 99 Yacht Road, San Francisco 94123
9:00am-11:00am (arrival time 8:30am)
Please sign up on TeamSnap.

Witches on Water - Sun., October 29th
Annual Costume Aqua Parade
Mike's Dock
9:30am - 11:30am (arrival time 9:00am)
Please sign up on TeamSnap.

Michael Richards

October 4, 2023

LUC Olympics!

Michael Richards

October 4, 2023

Tuesday's FRL Practice Enjoyed Lovely Conditions!
The Fitness and Race League's Tuesday paddle took place in lovely fall conditions - no wildfire smoke or tsunami waves! Chris, Leann and Joey helped lead an energizing workout and a paddle back to Mike's with a beautiful sunset as the evening's welcomed guest.

Join Us on Tuesday Evening, Oct. 10, for the Next FRL Practice.
We leave from Mike's Dock. The practice is from 5:30pm (arrive at 5:00pm) to 7:00 pm. We hope you can make it!  Please sign up on TeamSnap. Also, please remember that Coach David Wells will return to lead another FRL Practice on Sunday, Oct. 22 at Crissy Field (details below). A don't miss event!

The Last LUC was the First LUC Olympics - Everybody Was a Winner!
The last meeting of LUC for this year was the first LUC Olympics - and they were a blast for all involved! When was the last time you paddled with your board backwards in a sprint race? Or backwards for any reason, for that matter? Played Sharks and Minnows on a paddle board? Spun in a circle via pivot turns as many times as you could in 60 seconds (this event was called "Hurl" for a reason, though nobody actually did, fortunately!)? Did the Hokey Pokey on a board without falling off? Or falling off, even? These Olympic events (and more) kept participants laughing throughout the evening, but they were also practicing/showing off some key skills in the meantime. The best way to learn! Everyone received a "medal" for their energetic participation, while the grateful LUC participants gave Coach Jo K. some lovely flowers as a token of their appreciation for all her hard work and imagination throughout the LUC series. Thanks, Jo K.! Keep an eye out for another LUC series in the future - popular demand will bring it back!

The Land-Based Strength and Mobility Workout was No Joke!
On Sunday morning, about a dozen or so Ohana Paddle Club members joined Fernando Morales, aka The Task Commander, for a strength and conditioning land workout meant to improve improve balance and mobility on water. Jo K. has worked with Fernando and invited him to torture, oops, introduce different types of exercises for Ohana members to adopt that help promote paddling strength and endurance. The impact of those squats, arms, shoulders, back and core work were being felt days later...

Challenged by the Wind? Mike's Paddle Offers Great Courses on Learning to Paddle into the Wind!
Let's be honest. Wind and waves are a regular part of weather in Alameda during the summer. It tends to be less windy in the morning and picks up during the day. However, sometimes it can be windy all day. During the summer, most of our paddling outside of the Lagoon is going to include active water, wind and likely waves. So, what can we do about all of the wind and waves? We can learn to enjoy paddling in the wind, and to do it well! Because truly, to fully enjoy all of the amazing paddling we have in the Bay Area, it is necessary to become comfortable on active water.

Mike's Paddle has four level of classes for paddling in the wind. Many of you having taken our Level 1 and 2 Classes, which are prerequisites for the higher level courses. Level 3 is "Into the Wind," Level 4 is "Intro to Downwinding," Level 5 is "Intermediate Downwinding," and Level 6 is "Advanced Downwinding." Taking these classes will definitely help you build your skills.

Also, don't forget to come out and get lots of practice! Look for paddling opportunities on WhatsApp, create your own group of friends or paddle on your own. The more you go out and paddle, the more opportunity you have to practice the skills you have learned in the Level 1 and Level 2 classes, and the better prepared you will be for Levels 3 through 6.

To find out more about these classes, go to Mike's Paddle or chat with Kristine or Alex while you are hanging out at Mike's.

Other Ohana FRL Events - Weekly Tuesday Evening Practices and Monthly Sunday Morning Practices.

The Ohana FRL 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. All levels are welcome, but highly recommend taking the Level Up Clinics if you are a newer paddler.

Tuesday Evenings from 5:30pm to 7:00pm (arrival time: 5:00pm) - Mike’s Dock.  Please sign up on TeamSnap.

Sunday Mornings - See upcoming events below or Ohana Paddle Club calendar events for dates and locations. Please sign up on TeamSnap.

Here Is a Note From Our Very Own Mike Wang About the Upcoming USA SUP National Championships, Which Will Be Held in Long Beach, CA, Nov. 9th - 11th!
"Hi y’all! I’m excited to share with you that the USA SUP National Championship will be in Long Beach in Nov 9 - 11. https://usasup.org/NatChamps!

I’m one of the executive board members of this grassroots non-profit now with more than 300 paddlers across all over the nation. This is the first national championship we’re hosting and please don’t let the name scare you. It is open to everyone! The format is very similar to many other races around the country ranging from a 1 mile challenge on inflatable (free and available to all, gear included), 200M sprints, all the way to 5K and 10K races. I’m signed up for the sprint and 5K as I’m still healing from my long-time bicep injury.

Many of our local paddlers are already planning on going. All Mike’s Paddle staff will be there (Mike, Kristine, Levi and Alex), Annie Myers, David Wells, Jie Jiang, and we’re looking for more!å

What’s really great about this event is that you are going to meet everyone around the country who are into the same sport. In addition, for us amateurs (fortunately or unfortunately), many national and international pros are not able to attend this year because the ICF Championship is in Thailand just a week after and they have to go train beforehand.

I’m stoked to make this happen for all of the paddlers in the country as well as Ohana Paddle Club. To support logistics for the race, I’m going to rent a big box truck, outfit it with racks and drive it down to Long Beach. The truck will have rental race boards for those who are coming from afar as well as space for you who just want to fly instead of driving.

I have made the following spreadsheet for all rental boards as well as transport boards so that you can contact us to make a reservation. Please text 415-295-2925 and let us know your information and we will send you an invoice for the transport $150 round trip."  Here is the link to the spreadsheet .

Other Upcoming Events!

Sunday FRL - Sun., October 22nd
Coach David Wells
St. Francis Yacht Club, 99 Yacht Road, San Francisco 94123
9:00am-11:00am (arrival time 8:30am)
Please sign up on TeamSnap.

Witches on Water - Sun., October 29th
Annual Costume Aqua Parade
Mike's Dock
9:30am - 11:30am (arrival time 9:00am)
Please sign up on TeamSnap.