We all need to take the time and realize what an incredible place it is that we live in. We paddle out into the ocean each week and enjoy something incredibly beautiful. We have a group of friends that acts more like a family (in a good way) and with all this to be thankful for we need to give something back. This is a work in progress but we hope to work with local charities and programs to do just that.
In case you didn't know it here in
Hawai'i there is a law that we all must follow,
ALOHA.
April 26th 2007 - Casa Colina
visit
Their request came the day
before...
“The group that is coming is from a program I volunteer with called Casa
Colina Outdoor Adventures (http://www.casacolina.org/centers/outdoor.shtm)
. I have worked their surf trips, kayaking trips, rafting trips and bike
tour. Casa started an aloha adventure trip 3 years ago and hit Maui, then Kona and this year is Kauai. The trip dates are the 23rd to the 27th and the
only day that they have something scheduled is Wednesday the 25th. They have
done outrigger canoeing with Lokahi in a double hull for a number of years
as a half day adventure and as part of their weeklong summer camp. They also
do jet skiing and as I mentioned surf trips at Bolsa Chica and Santa Monica.
The group is comprised of 4 staff members: Gus, Anne, Jen and TR. TR is a
volunteer with the program. He's 40 something, an excellent surfer and runs
the surf program along with Gus. He is a good waterman but doesn't know
anything about paddling. Gus is strong in the water but not a paddler. Anne
and Jen are both accomplished outdoorsmen. Anne started the program a
gazillion years ago. Gus and Jen have both been with the program for many
years. They are the only paid staff. Gus, Anne and Jen are all Recreational
Therapists. TR is a businessman/surf-shop owner and all around great guy.
There will be 8 participants, 2 of whom are wheelchair bound. GA and J will
be more than competent is handling the needs of the participants and will be
able to tell you directly what the needs would be of any activity.
If it's at all possible, they would love the chance to get on the water in
canoes. They are going on some trip to Napali but I don't know with whom
(that's the Wed). They are able to work their schedule around what is
easiest for you if anything is possible in terms of getting on the water in
canoes, on long-boards or on jet-skis…”
The best part of the day was to see that
some did not want to go out in the canoe but once they could see how much
fun the others had they all gave it a try and loved it. The novice
paddlers all took three trips around the bay and when the timing was right
surfed a waves into the bay. Big thrills and fun.
