Pacific Paddler February 2015 - (Page 36)

Radford Ohana 'Prep Time' by Coach Gino and Jen before the day's races KEOLA O KE KAI Gino Dayton and Jen Romano WHEN DID YOU START PADDLING? GINO: I was 14 when I was asked, "Do you want to paddle?" I answered, "What is that?" Next thing you know I'm hooked! JEN: I started paddling when I was 16 years old after dislocating my knee cap twice from figure skating competitively. I couldn't go back, so I needed a new sport to keep me active. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BENEFITS YOU SHARE WITH OTHERS ABOUT PADDLING? WHAT COACH MADE A DIFFERENCE WHEN YOU STARTED? GINO: I was inspired by Daniel Sanford of Alapa Hoe Canoe Club. JEN: I was inspired by Carol Young who coached Honolulu Canoe Club at the time which is now Honolulu Pearl Canoe Club. She is now the Assistant Race Director in OHCRA and Race Director in Na Opio! WHY DID YOU START THE CLUB? GINO: I had the opportunity to coach while I was still in high school, and that made me grow up fast. I always wanted to help the next group of young kids with whatever problems they face in life and what better way to use the canoe as the tool to help teach and guide them with life lessons such as discipline, respect, and responsibility. JEN: As a great wife, you stand by your spouse and their dreams to help them achieve their goals that they set for themselves. Who knew that the same path your other half has makes you a better person, and it's was God's plan for you to begin with, to be a mentor and role model for the future. 36 PACIFIC PADDLER FEBRUARY 2015 Radford Ohana welcoming the Defending/Undefeated OIA JV Boys Champs We have a lot of kids that are military at Radford. Some have no idea what a canoe is or haven't ever seen one, so we start with foundation and history: What does the canoe represent? What was it used for? And where do we want to go with it? Knowing these basic things give students a better understanding and respect for the culture that they are being introduced to. The benefits that we can share is that paddling is a great healthy and physical workout, but it is also a great way to enjoy life by traveling, being with friends and family and by pushing yourself in competition. WHAT DOES 'A MEMBER OF OUR OHANA' MEAN? The Club functions as a family. We are not only coaches, mentors and teachers to our paddlers, but we give them a sense of belonging. We are there to listen if they need someone to talk to, and we guide and give comfort when times are tough. To some we fill that parent role when there might be Radford Ohana welcoming the Varsity Girls 3rd place in the Western Championships

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pacific Paddler February 2015

Kanaka Ikaika
One of the best events in the Cook Islands
Vaka Eiva Challenge
Ikaika's Kids In Training
Cold Pack Classic
Canadian Outrigger Racing
Hawaii Island Paddlesports Association
Keola O Ke Kai
Prevent Neck Injuries
Facebook Friends' Pics

Pacific Paddler February 2015