Mele Kalikimaka & Hauʻoli makahiki hou!
*****
Another Dam Race delivers late season fun
If you live in the PNW, it’s easy to see the attraction of Another Dam Race.
It’s held on the Colorado River in Parker, Ariz. In November. Daytime highs can reach 80 degrees and the weather forecast typically includes rain only once for the entire month.
But the attraction for the Kīkaha paddlers who made the trip this year, when the weather wasn’t as perfect?
“It was super fun,” said Ashley Tyerman. “We did have a little rain. And race day was chillier for sure.”
Tyerman was joined by husband Aaron Tyerman, Sofia Zapata, Russ Woolsey and Boy Chun Fook. The five Kīkaha paddlers were part of a 12-paddler crew that raced in the 22-mile relay. The crew included paddlers from Florida, Dana Point, California, Oahu and Santa Fe, New Mexico.
The race, held this year on Nov. 15, drew 165 entries – OC1, OC2, OC6, SUP, paddleboards, surf skis and even a pair of dragon boat crews.
Chun Fook has been a fan of the race since 2022, when his paddling friends at Dana Point and Imua canoe clubs convinced him to race.
“I never thought highly about on the Colorado River, thinking it was going to be rapids kine water damaging the wa’a,” he said. “Also my job kind of held me back too. Then retirement happened and I had more flexibility to do the race.”
His first trip was an eye-opener, Chun Fook said.
“As soon as we got there and saw the blue clean water I was astonished by the warm air and waters while Tacoma was cold when we left,” he said. “Kept on getting recruited to come back. I will never say no.”
He’s been back every year since.
“It was awesome to paddle with women from all over the country,” said Ashley Tyerman, who joined Kīkaha with her husband in 2024. “I love a new race. If someone says, let’s go here or there, count me in. It’s new for us, so we’re pretty gung ho.”
Aaron Tyerman was just as thrilled by the race.
“It was the first time I ever paddled on the Colorado River,” he said. “The venue was great and the people were fun. There were some top crews from Hawaii. I couldn’t believe the amount of paddlers from Hawaii.”
Like the Tyermans, this was the first trip to ADR for Sofia Zapata, who saw it as an opportunity for a new experience.
“I’ve never been to that one and I wanted to try something else,” she said. “I didn’t know what to expect, but I had an opportunity to train with Boy and Russ and Coach Gordon (Martinez).”
ADR was held several weeks after the PNW season finished, but the crew spent a lot of time on the water to prepare, said Zapata, who occasionally sat in seat six behind Martinez, who steered from seat five. Chun Fook would sit in seat three and guide the workout.
“It felt good to follow them,” Zapata said. “This is how you learn, when you are with people who have more experience.”
Here’s a look at a previous ADR with 360 degree views
*****
Kīkaha ends banner year with a big mahalo
Where did 2025 go? It was a banner year for Kīkaha O Ke Kai – sleek new canoes, refinished canoes, the 2nd annual E Komo Mai, increased membership and an entire PNWORCA season (and beyond) of great races.
Fergus Kanaiaupune Hyke, club president, has this message for Kīkaha’s board of directors:
“As the year is winding down quickly, and we approach the holidays, it is always a good time to be grateful for all of the blessings bestowed upon our club. I’d like to give a specific mahalo to all of those serving on your board of directors. These folks have given countless hours and energy to ensure that the vision created by our lifetime directors remains the focus of their work. Without the volunteer efforts of these folks, the challenges of running the best outrigger club in the PNW would be a much larger and a daunting task.”
In case you don’t know the club’s board and officers, here they are:
Fergus Kanai Hyke (President)
Nellie Bell (Vice President)
Shanna Crane (Secretary)
Sofia Zapata (Treasurer)
Boy Chun Fook (Lifetime director)
Gordon Martinez (Lifetime director)
John Richardson (Lifetime director)
Vance Bader (Director)
Clifford “Bu” Daniels (Director)
Scott Klauminzer (Director)
Rose Nash (Director)
Greg Sherman (Director)
Matthew Taufa’asau (Director)
Joe Villegas (Director)
Elizabeth Wolfe (Director)
*****
PNWORCA releases 2026 season dates
Winter Series Race No. 1 (Hosted by Wasabi Paddling Club) – Jan. 3
Winter Series Race No. 2 (Hosted by Jericho Paddling Club) – Jan. 24
Winter Series Race No. 3 (Hosted by Mountain Home Outrigger Canoe Club) – Feb. 7
Winter Series Race No. 4 (Hosted by Bellingham Bay Outrigger Paddlers) – Feb. 21
Winter Series Race No. 5 (Hosted by False Creek Racing Canoe Club) – March 7
Winter Series Race No. 6 (Hosted by Kai Ikaika Paddling Club) – March 14
Winter Series Race No. 7 (Hosted by Sand Point Outrigger Canoe Club) – March 28
Rusty Iron – April 25
Race Around the Island – May 2
Manu K. Baker Regatta (Hosted by Kīkaha O Ke Kai) – May 16
Na Po’e O Ke Kai Sprints (Hosted by Hui Wa’a O Wakinikona) – May 23
Hui Heihei Silverdale Sprints (Hosted by Hui Heihei Wa’a) – June 6
Hui Wa’a O Puget Sound Silver Lake Sprints (Hosted by Hui Wa’a O Puget Sound) – June 13
Rooster Rock Outrigger Race – June 27
The Gorge Outrigger Canoe Race – July 11
BBOP/Autumn Rose Iron Race – Aug. 1
PNW Challenge Change out/Relay Race – Aug. 8
Da Grind – Aug. 29
Chicken Long Race Solo/Relay – Oct. 17
******
Wahine Wayfinding
Paddling, training and everything in between from a woman’s point of view
By Mariko Roths
As we settle into the Big Dark, proper gear is essential to paddling safely in the frigid, winter waters of the Pacific Northwest. Kīkaha member Linda Murillo learned this firsthand after moving from the warm waters of Florida several years ago. Since then, she has perfected her cold-weather gear combinations and shares some of her top gear recommendations below.
Giant Fish (based in Portland, OR)
“I use their 1.5 neoprene tights and their Paddle Wool-Thermal Tech Top ($115). The top is warm and is breathable, so it is perfect for our weather. Scott, the owner, supports many of the races and clubs in the area, so I like to support him when I can and they make great gear.”
“I use their Aquatherm Fleece Knee High Socks ($44). The socks come in a couple lengths. I use the knee length ones. They are warm, keep your feet dry, and can be washed in the washing machine. If you get them a little large you can put wool socks inside of them on a colder day.”
“I have a top that zips in front and gloves from NRS. The zipper top is nice because it is easy to get out of after I paddle and want to get changed quickly. With gloves, it is best to try them on and see what fits and is comfortable to move your fingers. You can find NRS gear at REI and many local paddle stores.”
Additional Advice
Booties: Many companies offer options for booties. Just make sure to choose a pair that includes tight, secure straps.
Layers: Layering your gear gives you flexibility to regulate your temperature. Once you start paddling, you may not need as much clothing as you think you do initially, especially for your upper-body layers.
Testing: Make sure to try out your gear in the cold weather to ensure you feel comfortable, warm, and dry.
Drying: Murillo keeps a clothes drying rack in her bathtub to dry her paddling clothes, so that she is able to rinse them and hang dry them easily.
With these tips in mind, we hope you stay warm and safe during this winter season!
*****
Da Kīkaha Korner
Celebrate the holidays with banana muffins
This holiday season, we have a message and a tasty recipe from Auntie Myrna Starrett and the Kīkaha Boosters:
“The Kīkaha Boosters are a dedicated group of former paddlers, parents and relatives of current paddlers, and supportive community members. They are united by a shared mission: to elevate, empower, and celebrate the Hawaiian cultural heritage of outrigger canoe paddling.
“With the true spirit of aloha, we play a vital role in supporting fundraisers, athletic events, and community-building activities. Together, we create opportunities and unforgettable experiences for our paddling crew members while fostering teamwork, leadership, and a strong emphasis on safety.
“Beyond supporting our current athletes, we are committed to cultivating the next generation of leaders in sport. Through our junior and keiki programs, we nurture young paddlers, instilling in them the skills, values, and cultural knowledge that will guide them both on and off the water. As boosters, we stand behind our paddlers, our culture, and our community – paddling forward, together. We Are Seat #7. Imua!”
Easy Banana Muffins (Yellow Cake Mix Recipe)
Ingredients:
1 box yellow cake mix
3-4 ripe bananas, mashed
2 eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
Optional add-ins:
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup chocolate chips or chopped nuts
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Mash the bananas in a mixing bowl.
3. Add the eggs and oil and mix until smooth.
4. Add the yellow cake mix and stir until just combined (don’t overmix).
5. Fold in any optional add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts.
6. Line a muffin pan with cupcake liners or lightly spray with cooking spray.
7. Fill each cup about 2/3 full.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Tips
Extra ripe bananas make sweeter, softer muffins.
For extra moisture, add 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt.
They freeze really well – just microwave for 20-30 seconds to reheat.
This is a fun project with the kids.
**For gluten-free recipe-use gluten-free cake mix and use vegetable or coconut oil**
Aw’ryte!
It’s winter in the PNW. The days are short. Temperatures are trending downward. Whenever you look outside, it’s another shade of gloom. But guess what? You can still paddle an OC1! Kīkaha’s Winter Warriors, aka the Wednesday Warriors, meet every week on – you guessed it – Wednesdays at American Lake, typically at 10 a.m. The best way to check in with them is on the club’s Slack site. Look for the Wednesday Warriors channel and jump in with a comment or question. You don’t have an OC1? Not to worry, the club has several and you can learn what you need to do to borrow one by asking on the Wednesday Warriors Slack channel. You’ll need a Discover Pass for parking …
Burke Museum, Washington’s museum of natural history and culture, has invited Kīkaha members to be its guests for a free tour of its extensive collection of Polynesian model canoes and paddles. The tour will be at 2 p.m. Jan. 13. “Holly Barker, the curator for Oceanic and Asian culture at the museum, will inform us about these fascinating objects,” said Kīkaha paddler Linda Murillo, who has worked with Burke officials for several months to make this happen. “Let’s get paddle inspired in the new year!” Although it’s free, you have to sign up. For more information, email Linda Murillo at: lindamurillo@icloud.com…
Aw’ryte!
*****
Who dat?
Paddler: Liz Wuerffel
Club activity: Paddling and some graphic design support
Years paddling: 3
Years with Kīkaha: 3
Favorite race adventure: All the races are fun – sprints are exhilarating. I remember my first spring, Maui Joe was steering a mixed crew, and he said something like, “If you don’t feel like throwing up, you’re not trying hard enough.” Pretty sure we all pushed ourselves to the max, and we won! The race I remember most clearly was my first novice long distance race – Da Grind. It was a hot day and once we rounded the island, the wind picked up and it was choppy. I don’t think we placed, but we dug deep through the choppy waves, gave it our all, and finished strong.
Favorite paddling experience: I like so many things about paddling, from the beauty of the waters we paddle in to the community Kīkaha creates and the way we come together to celebrate important moments – from the Hōkūleʻa visit to the blessing of the twin canoes. The most memorable moment might be when I was a practice sub for the 2024 Queen’s race. The crew was getting close to the race and needed to get in a longer practice, so we headed out and aimed for the waterway between Vashon and Maury islands. We were pushing hard but also enjoying the day, and – the way I remember it – Brian said, “Good thing about weekends is there’s less freight traffic.” And then, wouldn’t you know it, there comes a big freighter. And Brian said, “The good thing about that freighter is it’s moving pretty slowly.” Ha! It was a wild ride, crossing behind the ship and hitting those waves. And it was a reminder why we have bailing jugs in the boat. I had so much fun that day. It’s a great memory.
Why paddling: I was a soccer player but after too many ankle injuries, I had to retire. When Allison and I moved out here to be closer to my brother and my second family – Jp, Naomi, and Eva – Naomi suggested we join. I thought, why not try it out? And I love it. I love being outside, and being on the water makes that even more fun. I really appreciated all the coaches and their different styles. Russ was an important coach early on, as he was able to push me to pay attention to my form. I appreciate that he’s a warm guy but also no-nonsense when we’re training. Every coach is able to notice something different, which helps me learn more about paddling and about being part of a team. Same with the design work with Kanai and John. It’s been fun to be creative, bounce ideas off of each other, and push each other creatively. To me, paddling is about the people. I love team sports. It’s magical to be in the flow as an individual athlete, but when the whole crew is in sync and we’re in flow with each other, the canoe, and the water, that’s next level.
*****
And now, a different Who dat?
By Nellie Bell
You asked how our Talk Story newsletter began? The origin story is pure, unadulterated serendipity – a total “Oh My!” moment that happened while hurtling down I-5 to a race.
It started as Mike Gordon and I were carpooling to the Rooster Rock canoe race in June 2024. (Nothing says “launch a successful publication” like a long drive and pre-race jitters, right?)
I was casually sharing my big idea: Wouldn’t it be absolutely fantastic to publish a newsletter, call it Talk Story, and finally compile all the wonderful activities of our Kīkaha members and community involvement?
Mike turns to me and, with the perfect deadpan timing of a seasoned newsman, said:
“Well, I have been a journalist for 41 years, and just this week, my position is being eliminated at my newspaper.”
Talk about the universe handing you an answer on a silver platter!
Because we needed a final, official stamp of approval, we shared the idea with John Richardson, who was on speakerphone as we drove — and unaware he was about to play destiny’s accomplice. Hearing the whole exchange, John simply chimed in with the perfect summary:
“There you go, issue solved.”
And just like that, between two lanes of highway traffic and a perfectly timed career change, our beloved Talk Story newsletter was born! It’s proof that you never know what brilliance will emerge from a simple car ride!
Mike writes content and edits for clarity, consistency, grammar and accuracy. He gathers photos and videos and then creates the WordPress page for that month.
His goal is to produce a paddling website that paddlers everywhere would want to read. We asked him to share a little about himself. He said he’s kinda boring.
Where is home? “I was born and raised in Hawaii, growing up in Kailua in the 1960s and ’70s. And before you ask, the answer is Kailua High School, Class of ’76. My wife and I raised our daughters, however, in Hawaii Kai.”
What are you most proud of? “Being married to my soulmate for 40 years, raising two strong, outspoken women and being my grandson’s ‘Papa,’ the person who took him to his first canoe race.”
What has paddling taught you? “Don’t let your expectations consume you. No matter how hard you train, how much you prepare, how confidently you swagger, shit still happens. It’s unavoidable. So, don’t let the ending trample the joy that brought you to paddling in the first place.”
What is your writing background? “I worked at seven daily newspapers in Hawaii, California, Iowa and Oregon. I spent a lot of time trying to understand the struggles of the people who trusted me to tell their stories. Some of those stories still resonate with me. Casper the white violin and the redemption of Suzie White. The rebirth of Nicholas Iwamoto, stabbed, thrown from the rim of Koko Crater and left for dead. The failure of CPS to protect Reubyne Buentipo Jr. And Peter Boy Kema. The U.S. Navy’s recovery of the Ehime Maru from 2,000 feet of water. The silent suffering of Hawaii’s abused senior citizens.”
*****
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.