The spirit of welcoming aloha was recently offered up to some lucky students of Point Loma High School. The Kanaka Outrigger Canoe Club, based next to San Diego Bay at Liberty Station, hosted its second annual outrigger clinic April 18, drawing about 40 members of the high school’s surf physical education class, who turned out to try their hand at the venerable sport. The long, six-man outrigger canoes have a long history in Pacific and Indian Ocean island cultures and date back to around 3000 B.C. Popular in the Hawaiian Islands for hundreds of years, modern outrigger canoe paddling became formalized in 1936, when the Hawaiian Canoe Paddling Association was founded. Other associations have followed over the years to set bylaws, rules and racing specifications that are used in competitions today. The sport has seen increased popularity over the last 40 years and has grown to include worldwide clubs and many popular racing events — including those in San Diego. The Kanaka Outrigger Canoe Club was founded in 2009 by a group of 55-and-older guys who enjoyed what the sport offered. The club provides a chance to get some exercise, enjoy fun competition and to give back to the community. The Hawaiian spirit of ohana (family) and doing things together to make a difference is a major driver of the nonprofit group. Its Kanaka Landing is located on the north end of the estuary behind the Corvette Diner in Liberty Station and members typically get together for a paddle three times a week. “It’s a great activity,” said club member Randy Peterson. “Unlike some sports, you can keep doing it late into life and we are able to compete at pretty high levels in the races.” Club coach Jerry Franklin agreed. “It’s a very exacting sport,” Franklin said. “Paddlers have to be in sync and dip their paddles at same time for efficient strokes. It can be mentally challenging as well.” How were the paddling clinic sessions received by the Point Loma High students? “So cool! Really fun!” exclaimed two of the girls who participated. PLHS senior Cody Sherman was just as enthusiastic. “Thrilling,” he said. “A great alternative for connecting with the ocean.” John Murphy, Point Loma High’s athletic director, also had high praise for the student session. “This outrigger canoe clinic has been really enjoyable for the kids and easily doubled in attendance from last year,” said Murphy. “The surf P.E. class does surfing, along with other sports like basketball, racquetball, plus yoga and Brazilian jiu-jitsu and is the only class of its type in the San Diego Unified School district. “The Kanaka Outrigger Canoe Club has given them some outstanding exposure to a great fitness and lifestyle activity and we are so thankful to them,” he said. “It was a great day for everyone.” For more information about the Kanaka Outrigger Canoe Club, visit www.kanakaoutriggerclub.com.