Alcatraz was all that

Alcatraz Was All That!
Ten Ohana members set out on Saturday morning, Sept. 23, with the goal of circumnavigating Alcatraz. We had a slight detour as we paddled out of Aquatic Park due to numerous competitors returning from swimming around Alcatraz (aka "crazy people"), but once out on the water we enjoyed mild temperatures and even milder waves (initially, anyway). We gathered for a break near the ferry stop and a ferry arrived not soon after; several passengers decided we were as photogenic as the island and we obliged by waving to the paparazzi. We were able to take many of our own photos of the island from our unique vantage point. We encountered a bit of wind and waves -- and a dolphin (or was it a porpoise? As long as it wasn't Jaws we were good!) -- on the way back, while the overhead clouds shielded us from direct sunlight so we could paddle in relative comfort and return in good time. This paddle offers stunning views of the bay and the city - add it to your bucket list!

Tuesday's FRL Practice Was All About Wind!
Given the 15+mph winds, Coach Jo led different exercises (on the dock and on the water) to help paddlers work on how to best handle windy conditions - spoiler alert: the diagonal angle is the easiest! For a nice change of pace, Encinal Beach was the next destination, where some practiced their first-ever beach launches before paddling as far along the rock wall as they could given the conditions. All that troubling wind that made the paddling so challenging earlier was a welcome gift on the return to Mike's as everyone practically coasted back with the rising moon to guide the way.

Join Us on Tuesday Evening, Oct. 3, 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 note 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!

Last Thursday's LUC was out of luck!
Last week's poor air quality due to wildfires claimed another victim last week....

This Week's Last But Not Least LUC Features First-Ever LUC Olympics! There Will Be Prizes!
Want to get more confident on your board?  Well, lucky for you, the LUCs are back!  You may have heard about the two series of LUCs held earlier this summer. The clinics, which were very successful, were designed so new paddlers could practice their skills and become ready for Ohana Fitness and Race League. 

Now, due to popular demand, Ohana Paddle Club is offering another round of LUCs for the month of September!  These four classes will fully prepare you for the awesome and beautiful Fall and Winter Paddling in the Bay.  Completing a Level 1 Class is the only requisite. The next and last LUC session will be on Sept. 28th. Please arrive at 5:00pm for a 5:30pm start time.

This session features the LUC Olympics - five different events designed to bring together all the skills practices in previous LUCs. FUN will be the highlight of the evening, so join in, even if you haven't been able to attend previous LUC practices.

The LUCs are free to Ohana Members – please sign up on TeamSnap so we know who is attending. For questions, call or text Johanna at 510-220-4641.  Rentals are available from Mike's Paddle if you need them. Contact Mike's Paddle to reserve your gear before class.  

If you are not an Ohana Paddle Club Member but are interested in attending the LUCs because you are thinking of joining the Club, or, just want to improve your paddling, just call Mike's Paddle and arrange to rent a board for the LUC Session. The cost will be $40 and will also cover the cost of attending the LUC for that session.  What an EXCELLENT deal!  Come on out and join in on the fun!

Are You Interested in Developing Land-Based Strength and Mobility?  Join Us on Sunday, October 1st to Workout With a Visiting Private Trainer.  
Have you been paddling with Jo. K. and thought, "Wow!  Her balance is a lot better than last year," or "I wish I could be buff like Jo. K.?"

All Jo K's balance and strength gains on the board are not just from paddling, they are also from working out with Fernando Morales, a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS).

Join Fernando, aka, "the Task Commander," for a one hour(ish) land-based workout designed to help improve your paddling.  Use the winter season to your advantage by learning some strength and mobility moves on land...and have fun doing it!

Bring a yoga mat type like item, water, and small snack to re-fuel post workout.  The Session is from 9:30 am to 10:30am (arrive at 9:15am).  Check in at the desk and the Session will be in the Courtyard.  Please sign up on TeamSnap.

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.

Join Us for the Alcatraz Island Paddle on Saturday, Sept. 23

Sunday Morning FRL Practice Featured Coach David Wells!
We had a great turnout in good weather for FRL Practice with Coach Wells, who led us through a number of drills for paddling in a straight line against strong crosswinds. Drills included positioning yourself on one side of the board while paddling (literally both feet on one side of the handle) while imagining strong winds coming from the other side. He also showed us how to stand up in heavy wind - by paddling a bit on your knees then standing up while bracing. The bracing is the key to standing up successfully in waves! Coach Wells also provided tips around breathing, including smiling and yawning, as a way to remind yourself to keep your breathing regular so you can remain strong for longer. He also advised us to wiggle our toes regularly, as well. Many of us then enjoyed a leisurely paddle around Ballena Island; Coach Wells started with us but then kicked it into another gear and was gone over the horizon. He moved like he had an engine on his board! Everyone had a great workout learning about paddling in strong wind/wave conditions. Thanks Coach Wells!

Our Level Up Clinics (LUCs) Are Back and are Free For Ohana Club Members!!!
Want to get more confident on your board?  Well, lucky for you, the LUCs are back!  You may have heard about the two series of LUCs held earlier this summer. The clinics, which were very successful, were designed so new paddlers could practice their skills and become ready for Ohana Fitness and Race League. 

Now, due to popular demand, Ohana Paddle Club is offering another round of LUCs for the month of September!  These four classes will fully prepare you for the awesome and beautiful Fall and Winter Paddling in the Bay.  Completing a Level 1 Class is the only requisite. The next LUC Clinic is on Thursday, September 21st, from 5:00pm to 7:30pm (air quality permitting). The next and last LUC session will be on Sept. 28th. Please arrive at 5:00pm for a 5:30pm start time.

The LUCs are free to Ohana Members – please sign up on TeamSnap so we know who is attending. For questions, call or text Johanna at 510-220-4641.  Rentals are available from Mike's Paddle if you need them. Contact Mike's Paddle to reserve your gear before class.  

If you are not an Ohana Paddle Club Member but are interested in attending the LUCs because you are thinking of joining the Club, or, just want to improve your paddling, just call Mike's Paddle and arrange to rent a board for the LUC Session. The cost will be $40 and will also cover the cost of attending the LUC for that session.  What an EXCELLENT deal!  Come on out and join in on the fun!

Last Week's LUC Had Better Luck Than Tuesday's FRL.
Smoke was not an issue for last Thursday's LUC as practiced drills for cross nose draws and nose draws. Everyone then partnered up and practiced both sides draw and sculling side draw. Draws were the theme of the night! They ended with working on "fancy footwork" - getting more comfortable moving around on the board. A good time was had by all!

Are You Interested in Paddling Around Alcatraz Island on September 23rd?
Paddling around Alcatraz Island is a beautiful, exciting and fun experience!  It is important to plan the trip around forecasted tides and the tide looks good for a clockwise trip around Alcatraz Island on September 23rd.  It should be a lovely trip!

We will be starting from, and returning to, San Francisco Aquatic Park. Right now, we anticipate that we will be leaving Aquatic Park at 8:30 am (7:50am arrival time), but will be posting a "Save the date - details to follow" update soon.  Please sign up on TeamSnap.
 

Are You Interested in Developing Land-Based Strength and Mobility?  Join Us on Sunday, October 1st to Workout With a Visiting Private Trainer.  
Have you been paddling with Jo. K. and thought, "Wow!  Her balance is a lot better than last year," or "I wish I could be buff like Jo. K.?"

All Jo K's balance and strength gains on the board are not just from paddling, they are also from working out with Fernando Morales, a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS).

Join Fernando, aka, "the Task Commander," for a one hour(ish) land-based workout designed to help improve your paddling.  Use the winter season to your advantage by learning some strength and mobility moves on land...and have fun doing it!

Bring a yoga mat type like item, water, and small snack to re-fuel post workout.  The Session is from 9:30 am to 10:30am (arrive at 9:15am).  Check in at the desk and the Session will be in the Courtyard.  Please sign up on TeamSnap.

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!

Alcatraz Island - Sat. September 23rd
Leader - Annie Myers
Leave from Aquatic Park, San Francisco
8:30am (arrival time 7:50am)
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.

Join Us This Sunday Morning (Sept. 17) for FRL with Coach David Wells

Tuesday Evening's Fitness and Race League (FRL) Practice Was About Turning in the Wind and Waves!
Coach Mike had us focusing on paddling into the wind and waves at various angles and then turning in the waves, using minimal turning on our part.  Mike had us try using bracing to turn our boards by leaving our paddle in the water and then letting the waves turn the board. Sure, you can do a forward sweep or crossnose draw, but you can also just stick your paddle in the water and have the waves do the turning for you!  We were by the Marina Sea Wall and were following a course set by Mike, doing turns around the red boat channel buoys and the big, black, wooden channel marker post.  Some folks raced each other and some were doing pivot turns around the buoys.  It was a really fun evening!

Join Us on Tuesday Evening, Sept. 19th, 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.

Our Level Up Clinics (LUCs) Are Back and are Free For Ohana Club Members!!!
Want to get more confident on your board?  Well, lucky for you, the LUCs are back!  You may have heard about the two series of LUCs held earlier this summer. The clinics, which were very successful, were designed so new paddlers could practice their skills and become ready for Ohana Fitness and Race League. 

Now, due to popular demand, Ohana Paddle Club is offering another round of LUCs for the month of September!  These four classes will fully prepare you for the awesome and beautiful Fall and Winter Paddling in the Bay.  Completing a Level 1 Class is the only requisite. The next LUC Clinic is on Thursday, September 14th, from 5:00pm to 7:30pm. Subsequent LUC sessions will be on Sept. 21st and 28th.  Please arrive at 5:00pm for a 5:30pm start time.

The LUCs are free to Ohana Members – please sign up on TeamSnap so we know who is attending. For questions, call or text Johanna at 510-220-4641.  Rentals are available from Mike's Paddle if you need them. Contact Mike's Paddle to reserve your gear before class.  

If you are not an Ohana Paddle Club Member but are interested in attending the LUCs because you are thinking of joining the Club, or, just want to improve your paddling, just call Mike's Paddle and arrange to rent a board for the LUC Session.  The cost will be $40 and will also cover the cost of attending the LUC for that session.  What an EXCELLENT deal!  Come on out and join in on the fun!

The Alameda Islander Was a Huge Success!
Mother Nature was very kind to us with a gorgeous day and a very moderate wind.  Eleven paddlers finished, two of whom joined the paddle at Grand Street Marina.  The full distance was 16.5 miles and the distance from Grand Street Marina was 9.5 miles.  Kudos to everyone!  It was quite the adventure!

The Social Paddle to the Bay Farm Bridge and Back on Sunday, September 10th Had Very Calm and Lovely Weather!
Coach Chris C. led the Social Paddle and everyone had a great time!  There was a great turnout, great conditions and the paddlers had a lot of fun!

Are You Interested in Paddling Around Alcatraz Island on September 23rd?
Paddling around Alcatraz Island is a beautiful, exciting and fun experience!  It is important to plan the trip around forecasted tides and the tide looks good for a clockwise trip around Alcatraz Island on September 23rd.  It should be a lovely trip!

We will be starting from, and returning to, San Francisco Aquatic Park.  Right now, we anticipate that we will be leaving Aquatic Park at 8:30 am (7:50am arrival time), but will be posting a "Save the date - details to follow" update soon.  Please sign up on TeamSnap.
 

Are You Interested in Developing Land-Based Strength and Mobility?  Join Us on Sunday, October 1st to Workout With a Visiting Private Trainer.  
Have you been paddling with Jo. K. and thought, "Wow!  Her balance is a lot better than last year," or "I wish I could be buff like Jo. K.?"

All Jo K's balance and strength gains on the board are not just from paddling, they are also from working out with Fernando Morales, a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS).

Join Fernando, aka, "the Task Commander," for a one hour(ish) land-based workout designed to help improve your paddling.  Use the winter season to your advantage by learning some strength and mobility moves on land...and have fun doing it!

Bring a yoga mat type like item, water, and small snack to re-fuel post workout.  The Session is from 9:30 am to 10:30am (arrive at 9:15am).  Check in at the desk and the Session will be in the Courtyard.  Please sign up on TeamSnap.

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 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 Morning FRL Practice - Sun. September 17th
Coach David Wells
Mike's Dock
9:30am - 11:30am (arrival time 9:00am)
Please sign up on TeamSnap.

Alcatraz Island - Sat. September 23rd
Leader - Annie Myers
Leave from Aquatic Park, San Francisco
8:30am (arrival time 7:50am)
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.

Don't Miss the New Level Up Clinics Starting on Thurs. Sept. 7th!

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!

Tuesday Evening's Fitness and Race League (FRL) Practice Covered Many Skills!
Tuesday evening FRL practice was a busy one!  First, paddlers worked on determining how far down to put their lower hand when paddling and then taping that spot on their paddle so they can remember where to put their hand.  Then, they taped the neck of their paddle so they could be reminded to get their entire blade into the water.  Then, they observed, and discussed, each other's stance and stroke.  And then, they practiced doing long jumps on the dock and then discussed how those body movements related to what you can do on your board to get more speed.  Whew!  After that, they all paddled into the waves and wind, then rode the waves back in, again and again!  Apparently, there were also Double Slaloms going on behind the Sea Wall, where paddlers where practicing their turns.  Clearly, a great time was had by all!

Join Us Tuesday Evening, Sept. 12th, 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.

Our Level Up Clinics (LUCs) Are Back and are Free For Ohana Club Members!!!
Want to get more confident on your board?  Well, lucky for you, the LUCs are back!  You may have heard about the two series of LUCs held earlier this summer. The clinics, which were very successful, were designed so new paddlers could practice their skills and become ready for Ohana Fitness and Race League. 

Now, due to popular demand, Ohana Paddle Club is offering another round of LUCs for the month of September!  These four classes will fully prepare you for the awesome and beautiful Fall and Winter Paddling in the Bay.  Completing a Level 1 Class is the only requisite. The new LUCs series starts on Thursday, September 7th, from 5:00pm to 7:30pm. Subsequent LUC sessions will be on Sept. 14th, 21st and 28th.  Please arrive at 5:00pm for a 5:30pm start time.

The LUCs are free to Ohana Members – please sign up on TeamSnap so we know who is attending. For questions, call or text Johanna at 510-220-4641.  Rentals are available from Mike's Paddle if you need them. Contact Mike's Paddle to reserve your gear before class.  

If you are not an Ohana Paddle Club Member but are interested in attending the LUCs because you are thinking of joining the Club, or, just want to improve your paddling, just call Mike's Paddle and arrange to rent a board for the LUC Session.  The cost will be $40 and will also cover the cost of attending the LUC for that session.  What an EXCELLENT deal!  Come on out and join in on the fun!
 

The Alameda Islander is Scheduled for Saturday, September 9th!
The Alameda Islander is this Saturday!  We are working on getting the final logistics in place. If you are thinking about doing any part of the event, please sign up on TeamSnap as soon as possible so we can include you in our planning.  In order to finalize the logistics, we have set a deadline for people to sign up for this event.  The deadline is today, Wednesday, September 6th at 6:00 pm

We also have a new start time.  We are arriving at Mike's Dock at 8:00am and leaving at 8:30am.  We have selected the best time for catching the flood tide down to Bay Farm Bridge, then the slack tide around East End of the Island and then catching the ebb tide up the Estuary.  The wind forecast is for 5 - 10mph winds.  Let's hope Mother Nature cooperates!

We will have a Google Meet call with everyone who has signed up for the event on Wednesday, September 6th at 7:00pm, to go over the final logistics for the day of the race.  The Google Meet link is https://meet.google.com/wus-nvfe-xfq.  We will be working out items such as, "how many paddlers are doing a Half-Islander and what support they will need at Grand Marina," etc.

There are three options for this challenge! In order to optimize our use of the tides and wind, we will be going counter-clockwise around Alameda Island. Here are the three route options:

• The One-Third-Islander (5 miles) east out of Mike’s, towards the Bay Farm Bridge, under the Bay Farm Bridge into the San Leandro Bay to go around the East End of the Island, make a left into the estuary and then take out at the Tidewater Boating Center.

• The Half-Islander (total 7 miles) continues down the estuary from the Tidewater Boating Center to take out at the Grand Street Marina Boat Ramp.

• The Full-Islander (total 16.5 miles) continues from the Grand Street Boat Ramp, down the estuary to the West End of the Island, around the Old Naval Base to the Rock Wall, take a left at the Rock Wall and paddle along the Rock Wall back to Mike's. 

Those doing the Full-Islander will take a break at Grand Street Marina to eat a snack and use the facilities. Then, back on the water for the Hard Half!

Something to note is that, unlike in previous years, we WILL NOT have on-the-water boat support for this circumnavigation. Because of this, it is critical for us to assess both our paddling skills and endurance levels prior to participating, and to set a realistic goal in terms of which route we plan to do that day. As we all know, wind conditions can drive up the difficulty of this trip.  Let's hope the wind is as forecasted. We can only wait and see!

That said, the One-Third-Islander is a great opportunity for folks who have already paddled 3 to 4 miles in one trip and want to push themselves to try 5 miles! We will be going with the flood from Mike's to the Tidewater Boating Center and, since we are leaving so early, wind will hopefully be minimal. We'll ask that folks in this (Tidewater) group get a paddle buddy who shares your same goal so that you can stick together! In order to stay on track with the tides, paddlers doing the Half and Full Islander will NOT be stopping at Tidewater, so One-Third-Islander paddlers should also be prepared to run their own board shuttles. (Great trip experience!) Please sign up on TeamSnap.

A Float Plan will be available on TeamSnap soon.

Join Us For a Social Paddle to the Bay Farm Bridge and Back on Sunday, September 10th!
Want a new challenge?  Join Coach Chris C. for a Social Paddle to the Bay Farm Bridge and then back to Mike's Dock!  This is a 6.5 - 7 mile paddle along the Crown Beach Coast Line.  It will take approximately 90 - 120 minutes to complete the route.

This is one of my personal favorite paddle routes!  It is beautiful and fun and often overlooked as morning paddle destination.  It is a great opportunity for folks who have paddled 3 - 4 mile trips and want to challenge themselves to go a bit further.

The wind is forecasted to be less than 10 knots of wind, hopefully less, and no rain.  These conditions are important as Coach Chris will be spending time working with you on your navigation skills.

Skill Assessment - This Part is Very Important.  Action Required!
Even though this paddle will be held with conditions under 10 knots of wind, new members should be comfortable paddling in L1 conditions.  However, since new members may not know how to describe their skill level to the club, it is important that a skills assessment is done prior to the paddle.  This information needs to be provided to Chris Churilo no later than the end of the day, September 9th, 2023.  Also, please signup on TeamSnap.

Do You Want to Learn How to SUP SURF???
Here is some exciting news!  Coach Shirley will be teaching the Level 4 Intro to SUP Surf this Sunday, September 10th, from 1pm to 4pm (12:30 pm arrival). "Initial learning on-land and in the protected bay will prepare you for SUP surfing in ocean conditions. We'll take you from the physics of waves, a breakdown of who we share the surf with, all the way to trying some new paddling skills!"

Coach Shirley says, "I hope to see/meet you there!"  Join in and learn something totally new!  

This is a class taught through Mike's paddle, so you must contact the office at (415) 295-2925 to make a reservation.  It is not offered as a free event through the Ohana Paddle Club.

Are You Interested in Paddling Around Alcatraz Island on September 23rd?
Paddling around Alcatraz Island is a beautiful, exciting and fun experience!  It is important to plan the trip around forecasted tides and the tide looks good for a clockwise trip around Alcatraz Island on September 23rd.  It should be a lovely trip!

We will be starting from, and returning to, San Francisco Aquatic Park.  Right now, we anticipate that we will be leaving Aquatic Park at 8:30 am (7:50am arrival time), but will be posting a "Save the date - details to follow" update soon.  Please sign up on TeamSnap.

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 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!
Alameda Islander - Sat. September 9th
One-Third, Half Islander and Full Islander
Mike's Dock
7:30am - 1:00pm (arrival time 7:00am)
Please sign up on TeamSnap.

Sunday Morning FRL Practice - Sun. September 17th
Coach David Wells
Mike's Dock
9:30am - 11:30am (arrival time 9:00am)
Please sign up on TeamSnap.

Alcatraz Island - Sat. September 23rd
Leader - Annie Myers
Leave from Aquatic Park, San Francisco
8:30am (arrival time 7:50am)
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.

The New Level Up Clinics (LUCs) Start on Thurs. Sept. 7th!

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!

Tuesday Evening's Fitness and Race League (FRL) Practice Was All About Bracing and Enjoying the Beautiful Weather!
We had a great workout at Tuesday Evening's FRL with Coach Kristine.  First, we reviewed our bracing skills on the dock and then practiced in the water.  We then had an awesome paddle around the Island, bracing, bracing, bracing all of the way!  It was warm, with moderate waves and beautiful skies.  It was so nice, we did not want to stop, so we went and practiced our pivot turns over by the shop.  It was a lovely evening!

Join Us Tuesday Evening, Sept. 5th, 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.

Our Level Up Clinics (LUCs) Are Back!!!
Want to get more confident on your board?  Well, lucky for you, the LUCs are back!  You may have heard about the two series of LUCs held earlier this summer. The clinics, which were very successful, were designed so new paddlers could practice their skills and become ready for Ohana Fitness and Race League. 

Now, due to popular demand, Ohana Paddle Club is offering another round of LUCs for the month of September!  These four classes will fully prepare you for the awesome and beautiful Fall and Winter Paddling in the Bay.  Completing a Level 1 Class is the only requisite. The new LUCs series starts on Thursday, September 7th, from 5:00pm to 7:30pm. Subsequent LUC sessions will be on Sept. 14th, 21st and 28th.  Please arrive at 5:00pm for a 5:30pm start time.

The LUCs are free to Ohana Members – please sign up on TeamSnap so we know who is attending. For questions, call or text Johanna at 510-220-4641.  Rentals are available from Mike's Paddle if you need them. Contact Mike's Paddle to reserve your gear before class.  

If you are not an Ohana Paddle Club Member but are interested in attending the LUCs because you are thinking of joining the Club, or, just want to improve your paddling, please text Johanna for pricing information.
 

The Alameda Islander is Scheduled for Saturday, September 9th!
We are really getting excited about the Alameda Islander!  We are working on getting the final logistics in place. If you are thinking about doing any part of the event, please sign up on TeamSnap as soon as possible so we can include you in our planning.  In order to finalize the logistics, we have set a deadline for people to sign up for this event.  The deadline is 6:00 pm on Wednesday, September 6th. 

We will have a Google Meet call with everyone who has signed up for the event on Wednesday, September 6th at 7:00pm, to go over the final logistics for the day of the race.  I will post the call-in information in next week's Newsletter and on WhatsApp. Please attend if you are able.

As reported last week, the exciting news is that there will be three options for this challenge! In order to optimize our use of the tides and wind, we will be going counter-clockwise around Alameda Island. We will be leaving from Mike's Dock at 7:30am sharp, so be there by at least 7:00am to get ready. Here are the three route options:

• The One-Third-Islander (5 miles) east out of Mike’s, towards the Bay Farm Bridge, under the Bay Farm Bridge into the San Leandro Bay to go around the East End of the Island, make a left into the estuary and then take out at the Tidewater Boating Center.

• The Half-Islander (total 7 miles) continues down the estuary from the Tidewater Boating Center to take out at the Grand Street Marina Boat Ramp.

• The Full-Islander (total 16.5 miles) continues from the Grand Street Boat Ramp, down the estuary to the West End of the Island, around the Old Naval Base to the Rock Wall, take a left at the Rock Wall and paddle along the Rock Wall back to Mike's. 

Those doing the Full-Islander will take a break at Grand Street Marina to eat a snack and use the facilities. Then, back on the water for the Hard Half!

Something to note is that, unlike in previous years, we WILL NOT have on-the-water boat support for this circumnavigation. Because of this, it is critical for us to assess both our paddling skills and endurance levels prior to participating, and to set a realistic goal in terms of which route we plan to do that day. As we all know, wind conditions can drive up the difficulty of this trip and we won't know the wind forecast until we are closer to the date. However, it will be in September and the winds start to quiet down by then. We can only wait and see!

That said, the One-Third-Islander is a great opportunity for folks who have already paddled 3 to 4 miles in one trip and want to push themselves to try 5 miles! We will be going with the flood from Mike's to the Tidewater Boating Center and, since we are leaving so early, wind will hopefully be minimal. We'll ask that folks in this (Tidewater) group get a paddle buddy who shares your same goal so that you can stick together! In order to stay on track with the tides, paddlers doing the Half and Full Islander will NOT be stopping at Tidewater, so One-Third-Islander paddlers should also be prepared to run their own board shuttles. (Great trip experience!) Please sign up on TeamSnap.

Are You Interested in Paddling Around Alcatraz Island on September 23rd?
Paddling around Alcatraz Island is a beautiful, exciting and fun experience!  It is important to plan the trip around forecasted tides and the tide looks good for a clockwise trip around Alcatraz Island on September 23rd.  It should be a lovely trip!

We will be starting from, and returning to, San Francisco Aquatic Park.  Right now, we anticipate that we will be leaving Aquatic Park at 8:30 am (7:50am arrival time), but will be posting a "Save the date - details to follow" update soon.  Please sign up on TeamSnap.

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.

Other Upcoming Events!
Alameda Islander - Sat. September 9th
One-Third, Half Islander and Full Islander
Mike's Dock
7:30am - 1:00pm (arrival time 7:00am)
Please sign up on TeamSnap.

Sunday Morning FRL Practice - Sun. September 17th
Coach David Wells
Mike's Dock
9:30am - 11:30am (arrival time 9:00am)
Please sign up on TeamSnap.

Alcatraz Island - Sat. September 23rd
Leader - Annie Myers
Leave from Aquatic Park, San Francisco
8:30am (arrival time 7:50am)
Please sign up on TeamSnap.

Witches on Water 2022

Join the Ohana Paddle Club, friends and other witches (and wizards) on the water to celebrate Witches on Water, a nationwide Halloween paddling celebration!  Wear your costume and even deck out your board for this fun paddle parade at Ballena Bay in Alameda!  We will be meeting in the Ballena Bay Lagoon and the parade will start at 10:00 am.  Many families and beginners participate in this event, so please try to arrive early so we can all get out on the water on time.

You can put in at Mike’s Paddle. There is a $10 Launch fee if you are not a member.  If you need a board, you can rent one at Mike’s.  Please call the shop at 415-704-6176 for reservations.

Or, if you have your own gear, you can put in at Crab Cove or at Encinal Beach and paddle over to the Lagoon.

We look forward to seeing all of you spooky paddlers!

Wetsuits for Bay Area SUP adventures

Courtesy of Ohana SUP star Jeff Henise

Wetsuits!!!!! I like this topic.

So many models to choose from! In general full suits range from $150 - $600 new. What you get as they get more expensive: lighter weight/more flexible material, a design with less leaks that is warmer (example: taped/glued/stich-less seams, water tight zippers or smaller or no zipper at all).

It must fit tight for max warmth, but the tradeoff it that is harder to get on and off, and some folks prefer a loose fit, less restrictive, cooler feel. I think rather than a specific brand getting something that fits you well is more important, and some of the features that are less desirable for max warm in the water (like a long back zipper) can be advantages in paddle boarding allowing you to cool off a bit if you get too warm.

In general I don't think one needs the top shelf stuff for paddle boarding since you aren't sitting in the water, but there are some exceptions described below.

Flexibility is worth something especially on thicker suits as they can feel a bit like springs are attached to your arms and can be a little annoying at first. Looser fit although cooler can feel less restrictive, and generally more expensive lighter/more flexible neoprene can be nice.

Here is what I run.

Level I

Two piece thin (1-2mm) neoprene leggings and top. Works well for colder windy days where you don't fall in the water or fall in little. Also good for leisure paddling where you don’t generate much heat. For the bodega bay race a few weeks ago the air was so cold I raced in this, but generally this is too hot for hard effort like that. Also two piece are nice because you don't have to wear both pieces. Often I tie the top around my waist to throw on if it gets chilly. I find keeping the core warm works better than just the legs for me. But there are options.

Examples:

NRS Hydroskin Pants 0.5mm

NRS Hydroskin Shirt

Level 2

A thin full wetsuit (like a 3/2). Good for most paddle surfing, falling in more often, and colder foggy windy days. There are some options here too. The older/cheaper back zipper style can be handy because you can pull the zipper down to cool off if you get too hot, although the back zip will leak more in the water. I recently got a 3/2 zipper-less, with fully glued seams. It fits tight light a glove, pretty much doesn't leak at all, is very flexible, and pretty toasty for a 3/2! This works great for more casual surf days where you spend more time on the board then water. Probably also great for most in-the-bay downwind and stuff like that.

Example: O'Neill Hyperfreak Comp 3/2

Level 2.5

Somewhere between level 2 and 3 is the 4/3 wetsuit avail with hood or no hood, back zipper, front zipper, no zipper (being cooler to warmer in that order). I have never owned one of these but many people surf in them here year round and like less bulk/restriction then a full on 5/4. The 4/3 is very popular.

Level 3

Max warmth: 5/4 hooded. Here is where buying the best starts to make more sense. Cheap loose leaky 5/4 wetsuits can still be cold in cold water! Use for anything in the open ocean (year round really) where more time is spent in the water, also windy cold days on the bay where you want to be nice and cozy. Winter wind some falling in is NO PROBLEM at all! You can pull the hood down if you get two hot too. I use this for pretty much anything in colder 49-62 oF water year round. These can also add a decent amount of buoyancy. This is also what you want for safety if you may be stuck in cold water in an emergency, like crossing the bay, open ocean down wind, heavy durf days, ect. Being immersed for 4 hours or more is no problem at all for a good 5/4 suit.

I have run the models (below). The oneill is a very light flexable material, and the excel is thick heavy and indestructible, both are very warm! in fact I was a bit too warm at ocean beach yesterday with the hood down doing sup surf with hard paddling. BUT no complaints! Being a little warm is generally better then feeling cold, and you can always pull the neck open and flush some water through if you get too hot.

O'Neill Psycho Tech 5/4 Hooded

Xcel Drylock 5/4 Hooded

Booties!

A good pair of 3 or 5mm booties can be used year round and my feet never feel too hot. I have even worn 5mm booties in 75 degree water in Costa Rica since I don't like stepping on a lot of things in the ocean bare foot, and never felt uncomfortable! I love them even for summer paddles if you have to walk around on rocks/mud and stuff like that and carry your board. Pair these with any set up above.

Xcel 5mm Booties

Gloves and Hoods

There are also gloves and hoods that can be paired with anything. I have no experience with gloves and free hoods, only wetsuits with built in hoods. For some reason my hands never feel cold, and by the time I feel like I need the hood It is time to put on the 5/4 hooded anyway! But here are more options to play with!

The next level

Although they exist I don't really know anyone that run a suit thicker than 5mm in our area for surfing type activities...

Ohana Paddle Club member spotlight: Nourhan Refaat

Nourhan Refaat (Nour), comes to us from Giza, Egypt. Her name, Nour, means light, she describes herself as a lifelong learner, hard worker, a team player, and outgoing caring person.  She personifies these traits through her life work of empowering women and youth in Egypt.  Nour started volunteering in her community at age 15, and went on to spend 5 years working for Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) such as “Save the Children,” “The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA),” and the “American University in Cairo (AUC).”  Her areas of focus are Women Empowerment, Education and Refugee Issues.  She graduated from AUC with degrees in English and Psychology and received a Lazard Leadership Fellowship.

Nour has witnessed many stories of women who face violence in their daily life bases, including loss of life because of gender-based violence. She has taken on personal responsibility for helping better the lives of Egyptian women through her social initiatives, professional work, and knowledge mainstreaming.  She has been working long, hard hours toward her goals.

Two years ago, during COVID-19, Nour was having an extremely tough time in her life, working particularly hard for nine months on a project to empower Egyptian youth. She wanted to start focusing on her mental health and well-being. She knew that she was fascinated with water sports and tried various types.  She then borrowed a friend’s inflatable stand-up paddle board and found her passion!

Nour had a huge challenge ahead of her.  There are less than 6 female paddleboarders in Egypt.  She had no one to teach her how to stand on the board or how to paddle.  She was completely self taught.  She had to be patient with herself and push ahead.  She was using all borrowed equipment and was paddling on the Nile River, which has limited access to its banks, and no bathroom or changing facilities.  She was the only paddler on the water.  But she progressed quickly.

After two months of training, Nour joined Egypt’s cup competition and won a gold medal. She then joined other competitions and won even more medals!  She says the journey was not easy. Taking the first step and being a woman in a brand new sport in a country that not only has no support for that kind of sport, but doesn’t even have paddle boarding equipment for sale is very hard!  And it is even harder for a young woman in a country that does not support women participating in most sports.  

One year ago, she applied for the Community Solutions Program for the Change Makers, which is an exchange program between the U.S.A and Egypt. After going through many application screenings and many interviews. She was chosen from 8500 applicants from all over the world. She is the youngest Egyptian in this program and the only one who focuses on sports for development and empowerment of women.  This how Nour ended up in San Francisco.

When Nour arrived in San Francisco, she had no contacts in the SUP World.  She got on the internet and looked up paddleboard shops in the area.  She ended up taking a bus to 101Surf Sports in San Rafael, not even knowing much about the shop, and showed up to ask about paddling with them.  At that point in time, Nour had never even touched a hard paddleboard.  Fortunately, David Wells, the owner, took a personal interest in working with her, as well as introducing her to Jen Fuller and Mike Wang.  She has been receiving extensive training from David and Jen and now will also be paddling with Mike’s Paddle.

We are all helping to prepare and support Nour to be ready for the upcoming 2022 ISA World StandUp Paddle and Paddleboard Championship in Puerto Rico this October. Nour traveled 7,447 miles between Cairo and San Francisco to gain new skills. She will l be the first Egyptian, African and Arab woman in all history to paddle with the international surfing associations in the U.S.A.