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Embracing Tradition, Building Futures: Kamaile Academy’s Paddling Club

By: Nicki Brown

In the heart of Waiʻanae, Kamaile Academy stands as a beacon of cultural preservation, athletic development, and community empowerment. This year marks the first year for Kamaile Academy’s paddling club. In partnership with Na Holokai Canoe Club, Kamaile Academy now has over 23 student-athletes participating in paddling, extending its reach and connections within the Waiʻanae community. Kaulana Stanley, known to the students as their “Kumu Māla,” shares the club’s rich legacy and its significance to the school as one of the school’s paddling coaches. “The club creates an environment of role models and mentors,” Coach Kaulana shares. “It's a chance to give all kids an opportunity to become leaders to the other kids joining the club as they enter the next school year.” Moreover, Kamaile Academy’s ties to paddling go deep. “Kamaile had a paddling team several years back, and haumāna loved it,” Principal Paul Kepka adds, shedding light on the school’s historical roots and the revival of that cherished tradition.

The rekindling of the sport for Kamaile Academy is seen as a return to an esteemed tradition, but it also serves as a bridge for students to connect with their cultural heritage. “The paddling club brings pride to our school and our community and allows haumāna to make a strong connection to the ocean and Waiʻanae,” Principal Kepka emphasizes. Coach Kaulana shares, “This is the first club at Kamaile that is recognized as an OIA sport. It’s one step for Kamaile to be a part of that recognition and gives haumāna the opportunity to present their talents at a collegiate level.” This recognition elevates the students’ skills and provides a platform for them to compete against other schools, racing distances of 2-3 miles, reflecting their dedication and determination.

Principal Kepka’s aspirations for the students are evident in his anticipation of their growth and accomplishments. “We are excited to see our students grow and experience the pride of perseverance and accomplishment,” he shares. Verna Mendoza, Head Coach of Na Holokai Canoe Club, shares, “We are creating a positive future within our community by investing in our keiki.” Both Coach Verna and Principal Kepka’s vision extend beyond the races; it encompasses fostering a sense of pride, determination, and camaraderie within the school and the community. Coach Verna emphasizes, “We use the canoe paddling as the vehicle to reinforce keiki responsibility to family, school, community, and themselves.”

The coaches and Principal Kepka express their aspirations for the students’ growth and personal development. They envision the club as a pathway to connect students with their cultural heritage and the ocean, encouraging a sense of respect and stewardship. They strongly advocate for the club, recognizing its potential to shape students’ lives and empower them to become future leaders deeply connected to their cultural roots. 

The Kamaile Academy Paddling Club stands as a testament to the power of sports in shaping lives, preserving traditions, and fostering a deep connection with the community and culture. The shared vision from the coaches and the school emphasizes the club’s role in nurturing not only athletes but future stewards of tradition, culture, and community pride.