Wahine Wayfinding
Paddling, training and everything in between from a woman’s point of view
By Mariko Roths
If you’ve ever paddled alongside Kīkaha’s Beth Wolfe, you’ve probably noticed her strength and endurance in the canoe. It’s no surprise, though, given that Wolfe trains about six days a week, with workouts that include a rowing machine, weightlifting, bike rides during the warm months, and TRX training. Much of this happens in her own garage, which she’s efficiently outfitted into a compact home gym.
Her workout list also includes the colloquially named “Death March,” Wolfe’s walking route through North Tacoma. When I joined her last month to talk about her routine, I marveled at the beauty of the walking route with its cute, well-groomed houses and pristine views of the Puget Sound. But then the route began to descend quickly, and I started to feel a little dread as I know that what goes down, must come up.
We wound our way through Ruston Way and Old Town before tackling the formidable North 31st street. I huffed and puffed to the top and back onto the flat plain of North Tacoma, completing the “Death March” loop — alive, but breathless.The walk was a humbling reminder to incorporate more hills and cardio into my own workout routine, which currently leans more toward walking, jogging and biking on nice, flat ground. Hills are my sworn enemy, but I can’t deny that they are great for building cardio.
Due to her busy work schedule during the summer, Wolfe hasn’t always been able to make it to paddling practice, but when she has the time, her varied workout routines allow her to stay while also exercising different muscle groups.
“It’s good to mix up your activities, and to add recovery, so that you don’t overstrain your muscles,” Wolfe said.
In particular, Wolfe recommends the TRX (Total Resistance Exercises) system as a great way to train your entire body using low-impact exercises. TRX is a suspension training system that uses straps and body weight to build strength, balance, flexibility and core stability through practical movements. I have not had a chance to try TRX yet, but the YMCA offers TRX group exercise classes which could be a great opportunity to learn the ropes.
When I asked Wolfe what words of wisdom she would give to others, she highlighted the importance of community. Working out with other people is a powerful motivator, she said, because “everyone has something that is inspirational.”
Wolfe mentioned that earlier in the summer she had the opportunity to cycle with an Olympic medalist, and she also recounted how through her work she was able to take part in an event that supported disabled veterans in summiting Mount Rainier. For myself, getting a glimpse into Wolfe’s workout routine and joining her on her walking route was my piece of inspiration to set myself up for the off-season.
So whether it’s seeing someone push through a tough challenge or supporting others on a long training day, sharing these moments with other people can be the spark that keeps you going on your own health and fitness journey.
*****
Kīkaha paddlers support New Hope wahine during Na Wahine O Ke Kai
A group of Kīkaha wahine paddlers traveled to Hawaii to support a crew from New Hope Canoe Club that raced in the women’s 65 kupuna division of Na Wahine O Ke Kai on Sept. 28.
The group – Nellie Bell, Joy Yoder, Katsie Hirsh and Linda Murillo – were there for a crew that called itself Not Pau Yet. The crew finished second in its division.
“It was amazing,” Bell said. “I was an alternate, practiced with the crew once.”
Bell said the crew’s coach, paddling veteran Cy Kalama, welcomed and supported the Kīkaha paddlers.
*****
Da Kīkaha Korner
Mahalo Unko Bu for that spotless dock!
That shouldn’t be a thankless job, so the next time you see Unko Bu, give him a big mahalo and a high five.
If you’ve wondered why the Foss Waterway dock is so clean before a Kīkaha practice, here’s why: Clifford “Unko Bu” Daniels has been out there washing away the bird poop before paddlers arrive.
*****
Aw’ryte!
About 26 wahine and keiki gathered for the 2nd annual Wahine Hangout Potluck on Sept. 21 at the Tacoma home of Nellie Bell, Kīkaha vice president. A wonderful time was had by everyone, Bell said. They talked story for hours and got to know each other better, she said. Big mahalo to Rose Nash, Rose’s mother Cindy, Rachel Higgins and Jill Sullivan…
Who dat?
Paddlers: Eva Avila and Naomi Strom-Avila
Club activities: Junior and adult practices, sprint races and some long distance races, running guest paddler sign ups at E Komo Mai
Years paddling canoes: Eva 7 years; Naomi 3 years
Years with Kīkaha: Eva started in Kīkaha’s keiki program in 2018 when she was in the 4th grade. She has since advanced up through the junior program and occasionally paddles with adults. I (Naomi) started 3 years ago.
Favorite race adventure: Eva’s favorite race adventure was at the 2025 Silverdale Sprints when Coach Vance put the oldest juniors in a canoe, with Eva steering, and had them compete in an adult sprint. The juniors were slightly behind the adult teams but kept pace with them the whole way through, giving the adults a run for their money.
Rusty Iron 2024 was my first long distance race with Kīkaha and I was incredibly unsure if I could do it. Just to finish the race was such a confidence boost.
Favorite paddling experience: Eva’s favorite memory was from 2024 when she was steering a canoe with older juniors during practice on the Foss Waterway. They were going under the Murray Morgan Bridge and seemingly out of nowhere a pink fluffy stuffed bunny fell from the sky and into the water next to their canoe. When they looked up there was a group of teens on the bridge that yelled at them to keep the bunny. So the juniors rescued the stuffed animal from the water and brought it to the Rusty Iron race where they taped it to the canoe as their team mascot.
If you’ve ever been in a canoe with me you know I am easily distracted by seals and beautiful mountain views – I love watching seals pop their heads up to greet us as we’re out on the Foss or a really well-lit profile of Mount Rainier. Being on the water connects me so closely with our natural environment.
Why paddling: In 2017, Eva was invited by her keiki friend, Silas Grove, to come watch the Silverdale Sprints. She got interested in the sport and started regularly attending practices and doing sprint races the next year. She has had amazing keiki and junior coaches with Jill, Vance, and Walt who really encouraged her to advance her skills (and stop complaining!) Although she’ll deny it, she rises to the occasion when given a challenge – she had one steering practice before putting her steersperson skills to work at a sprint race and during that same race was the very first time she learned how to turn a canoe around a buoy.
For the first four years, I played the role of chauffeur, bringing Eva to practices and watching the keikis from the grassy hill under the 509 bridge. In 2023, our family friend Liz Wuerffel moved to Tacoma and we encouraged each other to sign up for practices as a way to spend some time on the water and get some exercise. This is the first organized sport I’ve ever participated in and it took a pact with Liz to make it happen. But, I’m happy we made that decision and I truly enjoy being out on the water. I was going through some rough times at work during my first couple of years and the paddling practices were like therapy for me. My mind would be so caught up in work related things and then I’d hop in the canoe and by the time we reached the Murray Morgan Bridge, my mind was in a different place and I could relax. I really credit paddling with getting me through those years in one piece.
Best club advice you ever received: It’s not a particular piece of advice but I want to give a shout out to a couple of wahine in particular: Coach Rachel has been generous in sharing words of encouragement that have helped build my confidence. She is invested in creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all club members, especially wahine and keikis. Auntie Nellie has always been there with a welcoming hug and smile that kept me coming back, especially in my first year when I was just getting to know club members. For someone who is an introvert and who isn’t very competitive, these two people have really made Kīkaha a welcoming place to find community.
*****
Kīkaha O Ke Kai, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit that paddles out of the Foss Waterway, would like to say mahalo to its sponsors and supporters: Asia Pacific Cultural Center, Papa Ola Lōkahi, Nordlund Boat Company, Katie Downs Waterfront Tavern & Eatery, Tucci Energy Services, Hawaiian Paddle Sports, Aloha Carpet Cleaning and Moku ‘aina Wakinekona Hawaiian Club.
Talk Story seeks to cultivate a strong, unified identity for Kīkaha O Ke Kai, reflecting the spirit of Hawaiian outrigger canoe paddling. It is dedicated to sharing club news and managing information promptly. It aims to provide members and supporters with a newsletter that enhances their connection to the club and represents our shared values on and off the water. You can contact us at kikaha.info@gmail.com.