ABOUT PALE KAI
Built On The
Central Coast.
Rooted in aloha.
Avila Beach, California · Est. 1996
OUR STORY
pale kai.
protector of the sea.
Pale Kai — in Hawaiian, a shield against the sea. It's also the name for the wave breaker on the bow of an outrigger canoe — the first thing that meets the water on every stroke, every race, every morning paddle.
Since 1996, we've been racing Hawaiian-style outrigger canoes on California's Central Coast. What started as a small group of paddlers in Avila Beach has grown to 140+ members competing up and down the coast, from San Diego to Santa Barbara, and even our own events out of Avila Beach, all season long.
We train hard, race hard, and make sure there are beers at the end of it.
FIERCE ON THE WATER
FAMILY ON THE SHORE.
Photo: @cmck_creative
A Club That Trains Together.
Plays Together.
Wins Together.
TRAIN HARD
We show up, we put in the work, and we push each other to be better every time we hit the water.
RACE TOGETHER
From novice divisions to veteran long course; we compete as one club, one crew, one Ohana.
CELEBRATE ALWAYS
The season is long. The races are hard. We make sure to enjoy every moment of it together.
OUR HOME WATERS
THE CENTRAL
COAST
We paddle some of the most beautiful water in California, and some of the most demanding. The Central Coast doesn't let you get comfortable.
Race Season · Mar–Oct
Avila Beach
Our home base. Open ocean, swell, and the best views on the coast.
Off Season · Nov–Feb
Morro Bay
Sheltered bay paddling when Avila gets too gnarly in winter.
Video: @cmck_creative
THE PEOPLE BEHIND PKO
BOARD & COACHING STAFF
ELECTED OFFICERS & DIRECTORS
| President | Jim Hamari | Equipment | Mike Casey & Tracy Lukehart |
| Vice President | Nick Drake | Transportation | Andrew Wilkening |
| Secretary | McKenzie Reyna | Sponsorship & Fundraising | Tamara Jones |
| Treasurer | Tanya Richardson | Communications | Trevor Fry |
| Head Coach | Scott Bixler | SCORA Director | Tanya Chroman |
| Events | Kristine Canada | Alt. SCORA Director | Lorri Nelson |
| Membership | Lori Lienau & Jody Jones |
COACHING STAFF
| Head Coach | Scott Bixler |
| Men's Coach | Scott Poe |
| Women's Coach | Sarah Sandstrom |
| Novice Coach | Josh Tickenoff |
BOARD TERMS
These individuals have been elected to serve as Officers and Directors of Pale Kai Outrigger Canoe Club for the 2026 calendar year.
OUR WA’A
More Than Equipment. Part Of The Ohana.
Every canoe in the Pale Kai fleet has a name, and that name means something. Before a new canoe ever touches the water, it's blessed in Hawaiian tradition, invoking spirit, safety, respect, and honor toward the ocean and the paddlers within. It's welcomed and it becomes part of the Ohana. Six are paddling, and there's always a seventh with us.
RACE FLEET — UNLIMITED CLASS
| setʸa yakspasini — #311 | OPEN THE OCEAN |
| Pukalani — #12 | Gateway to Heaven |
| Kakou — #96 | We Together |
| Maka Koa — #150 | Bold, Fierce |
| Akela — #170 | Noble |
| Ohana O Ke Kai — #220 | Family of the Ocean |
| Alaka'i Manakai — #221 | Leader of Ocean Spirit |
| Kohola | Whale |
TRADITIONAL FLEET
| Ho'o Mua — #152 | To Make First |
| Pa'i Pohaku — #155 | White Rock |
| Ho'o Hua Hawaii — #158 | Come Together Hawaii |
| Lima Ikaika — #12 | Strong Handed — Strong Arm |
| Pau Hana | The Work Is Done |
| Yahoo Canoe'e | Yahoo Canoe |
| Hui Wa'a | JL Canoe Meeting |
| Rebel Keiki Lipono | Jr LG Rebel |
SUPPORT PKO
BECOME A
SPONSOR.
Pale Kai is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your sponsorship directly supports equipment maintenance, race entry fees, canoe transport, and athlete development on California's Central Coast.
We race in front of hundreds of spectators across Southern California and maintain an active presence on social media throughout the season. Sponsors receive visibility across our jersey, website, and events.
501(c)(3) Registered Nonprofit
EIN: 77-0439663