On May 11th 2016 at the IVF VA’A WORLD SPRINT CHAMPIONSHIPS, 74 years old Barbara Leites representing POCA California, USA from the NCOCA (Northern California Outrigger Canoe Association) Pupu’O Hawaii Club and Outrigger Team 47-74, did the impossible: Won gold in the Masters 70+, V-1, 500 meters. The only gold for Team POCA USA at the 2016 World Sprints championship.
Why impossible? Well, Barbara has been Outrigger paddling for only 2 years, a Novice. And as our sprint coach Linda Dresbach shared on Facebook: This was Barbara’s 3rd race ever on a V-1.
What? How? And who is she? Why did Barbara start Outrigger Paddling?
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Paddle Articles
Cali Paddler Spotlight - Gold Medalist Barbara Leites (74 years old)
Standup Paddle Yoga and Fitness Teacher Training
We thank Team Writer Tiffany for sharing with us her recent awesome experience in Laguna Beach for SUP Yoga and Fitness training. Curious about the cool things they covered? So were we! ~CPHow do you combine your most favorite activities like paddling, yoga and fitness into one sport? Do it all on the board for the most awesome workout! Over the last year I have really gotten into the sport of Standup Paddling and also my yoga practice over the last two years. So taking the next step - wait, I should say paddle into my practice, I decided to go right into a teacher training that would combine all my loves into one; and be able to share that stoke of it all to others. After doing some research for a teacher training in the Orange County (CA) area, I found that the training offered by Sunset Standup Paddle out of Laguna Beach would be the best for me due to my location was only a 20 minute drive over the next three days.
Kahekai vs Ehukai - Puakea's New OC1
We were pretty excited about the new Kahekai canoe, especially since the Ehukai has become such a popular choice for OC1 paddlers in California. How did this new canoe differ? How was it the same? Who would benefit from the changes? Why did he change some things? Ultimately our questions came down to: Which is faster? Which will let me paddle farther. And which will help me have more fun on the water?
We did a little summary of some of what we have learned in how it is different from it's predecessor.
Tale of a Dragon Boat Paddler (Racing Outrigger)
Cali Paddler welcomes our friend Ellen Lee who this year decided to stray slightly from her dragon boat background and give this whole outrigger canoe thing a shot. So after she recently finished her first outrigger race, she shared with us the answer to an age-old question people have when they try a different craft.
Now that my first novice outrigger race is complete I can properly answer the question I get often “How’s this different from a dragon boat race?”
So many things come to mind, so instead of word vomiting like a teenage girl, I’ve categorized my experience thus far:
California Surf Safari: 50 Years in the Making
During the South Florida summer of 1965, my boyfriend, Eddie, and I were on the waves every day. Summer waves in Hollywood, Florida were usually ankle-biters and mushy and we were too young to drive "up the coast" where the surf was better. Obsessed with surfing, we watched ENDLESS SUMMER, and every other surf movie that came to town. The Beach Boys and Jimmy Buffet played on our radio. Our mantra became a quest to see every spot in the famous tune. "Surfin' USA." IN 2001 we moved to Oregon and in 2016 Eddie retired. We packed our boards and trailer and headed to: Del mar, Ventura County Line, Santa Cruz and Trestle... and down Doheny Way. We also hit San Onofre and Sunset, Redondo Beach, LA - and The Wedge.
Cali Paddler Explorations - Puddingstone Reservoir, Bonelli Park
Nestled Northeast of the 10 and 57 junction Bonelli Park serves as an excellent escape from the inland urban sprawl, even though it is in the middle of all of it. Join us on this Cali Paddler Exploration with Bret as he finds a little inland piece of magic and shares with us all the ins and outs, tips and tricks, and whatever else you might need to know before pushing off.An Open Letter to First Year Racers
Hello, Novice Paddlers!
We just wanted to let you all know, on the eve before your first race, that you are awesome. No, we are not just talking to the genetic freaks of nature that were recruited to make the veterans look bad. And no, we’re not just talking to the land lubbers who decided to face their fears of the open ocean and try this “paddling thing” at long last.
We are talking to ALL of you; beautiful, bold new racers...
Event Recap - Standup for the Cure 2016 Newport Dunes
The 5th Annual Standup for the Cure took place under cooler than normal, but beautiful sunny skies in the back bay of Newport Beach, CA; and also so fitting, on the Saturday before Mothers Day. The day stared off with smiling faces to greet each participant, as we were handed a pink event jersey. That my fellow paddlers, was only the start of a wonderful day filled with smiles, hugs, kisses, prayers, laughs, catching up with our paddle buddies, some great paddling and a little more paddling just for good fun.Cali Paddler Explorations - 3 Days 100 Miles Revisted
Do you like exploration and a little bit of crazy? Join us on this fun and meaningful adventure story. To paddle 100 miles in 3 days. From Santa Barbara to Malibu!This week marks the 2 year anniversary when some paddling friends got together to go on a little trip. To fulfill a dream of exploring some beautiful coastline. Along the way they were joined by another paddler who prior to the event, they barely knew, but as is often the case with Cali Paddlers, it doesn't take long to become great friends. All of this was for a great cause, to raise money and awareness for three cancer focused non-profit groups through the donations of amazingly generous folks. The concepts of Cali Paddler, community, bonding, appreciation of our water and sport was still far from being talked about. But the groundwork was unknowingly being laid.
Race Recap - Stand Up for Clean Water (aka wind-a-geddon)
This past weekend was the Stand Up for Clean Water race in Malibu. A chance to race and explore beautiful scenic coastline and water. All for a great cause. But what started out as a plan for a calm seas race quickly turned into one of those days paddlers will be talking about for years to come. We welcome Team Writer Bret Warner who was there, learned some great lessons, and gives us this , for paddlers, by paddlers racap! Thanks Bret -C.P.Paddle Pledge Non-Profits
