Probably the top outrigger paddling club in Oahu, the LCC’s website states«The mission of Lanikai Canoe Club is to maintain and perpetuate the Hawaiian culture through the promotion of competitive and recreational outrigger canoe paddling for youth, family, and the community.» This is serious stuff — Registration to join the club(there is a limit) begins in March, and practice for the regatta season season starts in April. Crews run from girls and boys 12 year olds to men and women’s «masters»(50& over). The regatta season runs June through July, and then there are the long distance races. All I know is the first day of practice for Men’s Novice B(for the guys who’ve never paddled/raced), the coaches were already giving a spiel on how Lanikai goes out to win every race, practices are mandatory, and 5:30 practice start times mean you are out on the canoes at 5:30, not gaggling around getting on the beach. For more«recreational» or laid back atmosphere, you may want to join another club … Having said all that — I can’t imagine a better place to be outrigger canoe paddling. LCC practices take place on Lanikai beach right off the Moks. Some days the water is clear and you can see straight down about 10 – 15 feet to the coral and spot the occassional sea turtle. That’s when you’re out on the canoe and think … «My God, I’m really in Hawaii!» 1 June update: kicking ass …
