Hoe Paʻa

This all-ages paddling clinic focuses on strengthening pilina to hoe waʻa, to ʻāina, and to one another through hands-on, culturally grounded learning. Participants will receive age-appropriate instruction in paddling technique, crew roles, communication, and ocean safety. Beyond building skills, the clinic reinforces the values of teamwork, responsibility, and stewardship that hoe waʻa embodies. The event supports safe, confident participation in canoe paddling while deepening ʻohana connections and strengthening pilina between paddling at the greater Molokai Community.

Participant Groups Group A – Keiki: approximately ages 6–10 Group B – Youth: approximately ages 11–17 Group C – Adults & New Paddlers: ages 18+ (Groups may be adjusted based on attendance and ocean conditions.)

Event Schedule

• 8:00 – 8:30 AM: Arrival, Check-In & Canoe Preparation Sign-in, waivers, group assignments, and preparation of canoes and safety equipment.
• 8:30 – 9:00 AM: Welcome, Pule & Ocean Safety Overview Introductions, expectations for the day, and general ocean safety briefing for all participants.
• 9:00 – 10:30 AM: Rotating Instructional Sessions – Block 1
• • Group A – Keiki: Introduction to paddling, canoe parts, basic strokes, life-jacket use, and short supervised paddles close to shore.
  • Group B – Youth: On-water instruction focusing on stroke technique, timing, steering, and teamwork.
  • Group C – Adults & New Paddlers: Foundational paddling skills, seat roles, ocean awareness, and safe paddling practices.
• 10:30 – 11:00 AM: Snack, Hydration & Rest Break
• 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Rotating Instructional Sessions – Block 2
• • Group A – Keiki: Confidence-building paddles, listening to steersperson commands, and water safety awareness.
  • Group B – Youth: Ocean safety scenarios, communication skills, and capsize awareness.
  • Group C – Adults & New Paddlers: Applied paddling practice, steering support, and safety discussions.
• 12:00 – 12:45 PM: Community Meal A shared meal for all participants to refuel, rest, and connect. This time supports relationship-building across age groups and reinforces ʻohana values.
• 12:45 – 1:30 PM: Combined Paddle Sessions Guided paddling with mixed-age crews, as appropriate, emphasizing communication, teamwork, and applying skills learned throughout the day.
• 1:30 – 2:00 PM: Reflection, Mahalo & Clean-Up Group reflection, closing pule, mahalo to participants and volunteers, and cleaning and storing equipment.

Hosted by Friends of Waa - Waʻakapaemua Canoe Club

For registration or more information, visit: event details

Learn more at the organization website.