Outrigger Canoe Club Hosts Local Youth

Source: Santa Barbara Outrigger Canoe Club

On Saturday, July 29, 2017, thirty-five boys and girls from the Eastside Boys and Girls Club of Santa Barbara, as well as from CADA (Council for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse), came out to West Beach to spend an organized beach day with Santa Barbara Outrigger Canoe Club (SBOCC). 

Envisioned by Hammurabi Days, an outrigger paddler and member of the canoe club, the first “Kids Paddle Out” day was designed to give local youth the opportunity to experience a variety of water sports and to share the joy that the ocean offers us all. Rabi’s vision for introducing local youth to water sports through this event came from his own life-changing passion for water sports and the ocean, sparked by a few chance encounters during his youth.

The day began with John “Uncle Juanie” Storrer, an SBOCC coach, “talking story,” sharing a little about the history and traditions of 6-person Polynesian racing canoes. Coach Storrer explained how the day would evolve, with different rotating stations consisting of beach games, opportunities to experience one-person kayaks or stand-up paddle boards, and paddling 400-lb. 6-person Polynesian canoes with an experienced steersperson at the helm. Volunteers from SBOCC lent personal crafts, and coached and supervised the fun to ensure everyone’s safety, while SBOCC member and co-organizer, Michelle Morris, worked tirelessly behind the scenes.

Later, a delicious lunch was donated by Savoy Café and Deli for all youth and volunteers. At the end of the day, Rabi said, “The kids were already dishing out suggestions for next year! Can’t wait to do it again!” The Santa Barbara Outrigger Canoe Club was honored to host this event and to introduce some local Santa Barbara youth to the joy of ocean sports.