MAKANA KE KAI YOUTH PROGRAM

Oceanside Outrigger Juniors posing on a beach next to an outrigger canoe after the Catalina Challenge Outrigger Race

Introduce your child to outrigger canoeing, a sport that builds self-esteem, strength and offers a sense of adventure in the ocean!

We offer two Makana Ke Kai Youth Programs: Keikis (Kids 8-14) and ʻŌpios (Teens 15-19). These programs focus on outrigger paddling techniques and fundamentals, however that is only part of it. We also teach the elements of the canoe, aspects of the Hawaiian culture, and respect for the ocean. At OOCC, our youngest paddlers are nurtured and honored by our community and teammates because we understand they are the future of our beloved club and sport. OOCC welcomes all youth to join us and become a part of this amazing sport and family (ʻohana) of paddlers.

SPRING PRACTICE SCHEDULE


Spring Race Season practices start: March 10, 2026

Keikis (8-14)

Tuesdays & Thursdays 4:00pm - 5:30pm

Saturdays or Sunday TBD

ʻŌpios (15-19)

Tuesdays & Thursdays 4:30pm - 5:30pm

Saturdays or Sundays TBD

Keiki in a green and white Oceanside Outrigger canoe on the water, smiling and paddling.

Meet the Coaches

  • A woman with red hair wearing a blue hoodie and a lei of multicolored carnations, standing outdoors near water.

    Erica Stevenson

    MAKANA KE KAI YOUTH KEIKI COACH

  • Makana Ke Kai ʻŌpio Coach

    Lochlan Hughes

    MAKANA KE KAI YOUTH ʻŌPIO COACH

 FAQs

  • Keikis (8-14) program is $130 for a 5-month season.

    ‘Opios (15-19) program is $300 for 1 year with opportunities to paddle year-round.

    Ohana membership is $495 for 1 year for the whole family. This covers dues for adult racing paddlers and youth.

    Scholarships are also available, please contact the Youth Coach, Monica Moody for details on how to apply.

  • Keiki and O'pio dues cover membership to our club, which includes use of canoes and paddles, race fees, race jersey.

  • Use of canoes, a paddle, PFD (portable floatation device), and coaching. Please do not buy a paddle until you get advice from a coach.

  • Bring sunscreen, hat, sunglasses with a Croakie, light clothes that you can swim in, flip flops, and a reusable bottle.

  • Please arrive 15 minutes early. Introduce yourself to the coach. Legibly write your name on the sign-in sheet. Sign a paper waiver. You will be shown how to pick the correct paddle for your child out of the shed. Then you will have instruction by a coach at the dock. At some point in practice, your child may be asked to take your swim test. (Get out of the canoe, swim around the canoe, get back in unassisted.) 

    The Keiki canoes are usually visible from the dock area. We please request that all parents who are able, stay to help put canoes in the water and if you would like, you may stay and watch your child paddle.

Email Coach Erica Stevenson to learn more about the Youth Program