Recruitment Program

March 14, 2025

Annual Recruitment Program

Demo Days in Morro Bay - January and February

Pale Kai will be offering FREE* Sunday morning demonstration sessions at Coleman Beach in Morro Bay to get you in a canoe and on the water. Join us for a fun intro to outrigger canoe paddling.

Subject to weather conditions, demonstration sessions will be held from 9am to 11am every Sunday, beginning January 12 and continuing through the end of February. No need to make a reservation - just drop by Coleman Beach between 9am and 10am and we'll find you a seat.

* Pale Kai offers a "Three for Free" policy to allow newcomers to experience outrigger paddling without paying a fee or membership dues. Should a guest wish to continue paddling through the end of February, they'll be asked to make a small non-refundable contribution to the club. That contribution will be applied to their annual dues should they choose to join Pale Kai in March.

Reach out to join@palekai.org if you have questions.

What to Bring

Outrigger paddling is a water sport and the water on the central coast is cold year round! The air may be chilly but you will warm up once we start paddling. We recommend dressing in warm, water-wicking layers. Synthetic and wool fabrics are preferred while on the water as these will keep you warm even if they get wet. Cotton is fine before and after paddling but should be avoided while paddling.

Suggested Attire

• A synthetic water-wicking shirt or rashguard topped by a light- or mid-weight windbreaker.
• Neoprene pants, board shorts, or synthetic leggings.
• Water socks or surf booties.
• A hat for warmth and/or sun protection.
• Sunglasses.
• Dry clothes for after your paddle.
• A sweatshirt or jacket to keep warm before and after your paddle.
• Also bring sunscreen and water to keep hydrated before, during, and after your paddle.

Note that all guest paddlers will be required to wear a PFD (life preserver) while on the water until they have completed a brief swim test. Guests are welcome to bring their own PFDs. Pale Kai will provide PFDs for guests who do not bring their own.

What to Expect

A Pale Kai coach will provide brief instructions on paddling technique, roles and responsibilities of the various positions in the canoe, and basic safety information. We will then go for a 45 to 60 minute paddle around beautiful Morro Bay followed by a Q&A with Pale Kai members.

Pale Kai may provide light snacks and refreshments, but guests should arrive well-nourished and hydrated and ready for a workout.

For more information about paddling with Pale Kai, contact: join@palekai.org.

Novice Year Participation

Novice members are encouraged to participate in our other activities too! Throughout the year club members are invited to participate in:

• Roadside Cleanup (PKO is responsible for a mile stretch of Avila Beach Drive)
• Beach Cleanup and Beautification
• Any and All PKO Events including races, start-of-season and end-of-season celebrations, fundraisers, and more
• Equipment Maintenance
• Community Outreach
• Volunteering
• Others as interest and need arises

Novice Year Overview

January - February:  Recruitment

The recruitment season is the time to become acquainted with the sport and culture of outrigger canoe racing while making new friends!

March - April: Race Training 3 times a week

Race training will begin in early March.

Your novice coach will provide the skills training you will need for the upcoming race season. It is important to practice with your team consistently to develop your technique and timing. You will also form new friendships (for no additional fee!).

All paddlers must be proficient swimmers. Before our competitive season begins, you must pass a water safety test that includes huli drills (recovering from an overturned canoe), treading water, as well as a 100 meter swim test administered by a PKO coach.

May-June: Iron Race Season (6 person crews)

The first official races begin in May. Pale Kai is a member of the Southern California Outrigger Racing Association (SCORA). We compete with other member clubs in SCORA. Our races take place between San Diego and Santa Barbara. The first five races take place from early May through the end of June or early-July. In the novice division, races are approximately 4 to 5 miles and occur in more protected waters than the veteran divisions. Iron races consist of 6 person crews over a set distance, and novice teams may race under men’s, women’s, or co-ed divisions.

The Iron Season concludes with the championships in San Diego. This highly attended event attracts entrants from all over the state and is a fitting tribute to the outrigger culture. For added fun, novice teams are encouraged to enter the Novice Dance Competition to display their grace and creativity, or just poke fun at themselves in a family friendly environment.

6-Person Iron Race Schedule for 2025:

• Crystal Pier (San Diego): May 3
• Battle of the Breakwater (Long Beach): May 10
• Rig Run (Santa Barbara): May 17
• Kamanahoku Klassic (Marina Del Rey) : June 7
• Ventura Challenge (Ventura): June 14
• Iron Champs (San Diego) : June 28

August-September: 9-Man Season

9-person races involve crews of up to 9 paddlers. While six paddlers paddle the canoe, the remaining paddlers take a break on a chase boat and periodically relieve the paddlers. 9-person races are generally much longer than iron races, ranging from about 18 miles to over 30 miles.

Due to the increased physical demands and skills required to paddle 9-person distances and to perform open water crew changes, there is no guarantee that a first-year paddler will be invited to participate in a 9-person race crew. That said, first-year paddlers who demonstrate sufficient conditioning and proficiency may be invited to compete in the 9-person season. And, of course, all members are welcome to practice year round.

The race season finishes with the US Outrigger Championships Catalina Crossing where women's and some co-ed teams race from Newport to Catalina on Saturday and the men and remaining co-ed teams race back on Sunday.

9-Person Race Schedule:

• Whitey Harrison 9-Man (Dana Point) : Aug. 9, 2024
• Paopao 9-Man (Oceanside): Aug. 23, 2024
• Catalina Crossing 9-Man (Newport Beach / Avalon) : Sept. 6 & 7, 2024

September-March:  Winter Paddling

Winter practices will be subject to daylight and weather restrictions and continue at Avila Beach, until the time changes. A few canoes will then be re-located to Morro Bay for more protected paddling. 

By the time your novice season is over, you will have gained some new skills, increased your fitness levels and made a number of new friends.

Next Level: The World Stage

Outrigger canoe racing takes place all over the world! The Olamau Race sees the best outrigger canoe teams compete off the coast of Hawaii’s Big Island. Ocean knowledge, skill, and perseverance aren’t always enough to succeed, but they can keep you above water. Watch the short below about a Californian team competing in The Olamau Race.