Becoming Ohana: A Morning with Ka Nai’a Outrigger in Santa Barbara

There are few things more peaceful than a quiet morning on the Santa Barbara coast. The sea is calm, the marina still waking up, and the mountains behind the city glow with soft golden light. But on this particular morning, what made the experience unforgettable wasn’t just the view—it was the people.

I had the opportunity to join Ka Nai’a Outrigger Canoe Club for a beginner paddling lesson, and while I arrived expecting a new physical challenge, I left feeling like I had just been adopted into a family.

Ka Nai’a, which means “dolphin” in Hawaiian, is a small but mighty outrigger canoe club that’s been part of the Santa Barbara community since 1988. The club trains on traditional Hawaiian-style canoes and offers instruction, competition, and recreation for people of all ages and abilities. But what really sets Ka Nai’a apart is the heart that drives it—and the family that keeps it going.

When I arrived at the marina, I was greeted by a father and son who immediately made me feel at ease. They helped me with the basics—how to hold the paddle, what to expect in the boat, and where to stash my shoes. There was no rush, no pressure, just kindness, patience, and a clear desire to make sure I felt welcome.

The son, in particular, impressed me. He’s recently stepped into a leadership role within the club, taking on more responsibility to help his family and continue the legacy of Ka Nai’a. He did so with quiet confidence and a deep sense of purpose—honoring what his parents built while bringing fresh energy to the club’s next chapter.

His support is especially meaningful right now, as it allows his mother, Linda Ofner, to step back from coaching. Though she’s no longer leading training sessions, Linda’s presence is still strongly felt. She is, quite simply, a legend. For over two decades, Linda served as Ka Nai’a’s technique coach, helping shape not only the physical skills of paddlers, but the spirit and grit they brought to the water.

Together with her husband, Head Coach Mike Ofner, the two have been the heart and soul of Ka Nai’a for years. Their coaching journey is filled with incredible milestones. They’ve trained and competed in numerous state Iron and Sprint championships, placed in several U.S. Distance Championships—including the Newport to Catalina—and were crowned KOA Division Champions in the world-famous Molokai to Hawaii race. It’s hard to overstate just how much knowledge and experience this couple brings to the club. But what’s even more admirable is how they share it—with generosity, humility, and a genuine love for the sport and their community.

Before we even got into the canoe, I received a thoughtful introduction to the sport—how the boats are built, how the team works together in sync, and how safety and respect for the water are always top priority. Then came the real fun: gliding across the harbor, cutting through glassy water in rhythm with the crew, soaking in a view of Santa Barbara that you can’t get from land. At one point, I just stopped paddling and took it all in—the laughter, the quiet encouragement, the seagulls overhead, the sun breaking through marine haze. It was one of those rare moments that felt both grounding and expansive.

What I didn’t expect was how much community I would feel in such a short amount of time. It’s rare to find a place where you’re treated like family from the moment you arrive, especially when that place also happens to be a training ground for elite-level athletes. But that’s exactly what Ka Nai’a is. A club with world-class achievements and small-town warmth. A place where you’re taught to train hard and never give up—but also to laugh, to connect, and to find joy in the journey.

Ka Nai’a offers sessions on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 5 PM and Saturday mornings at 9 AM. They provide all the equipment you need, including paddles—you just need to show up in clothes you don’t mind getting wet and an open mind. All ages and fitness levels are welcome, and from what I saw, every single person is treated like ohana.

If you’re looking for a unique way to connect with the Santa Barbara coast, to try something that challenges you physically while uplifting you emotionally, or if you simply want to meet good people doing something they love, I can’t recommend Ka Nai’a enough. What started as a morning paddle ended as something much deeper: a reminder that the best communities are built on care, tradition, and the willingness to share something beautiful with others.

And maybe a little salt water in your hair.