SMPD to Partner with Marina Youth Program

By Lookout Staff

April 7 – Santa Monica kids can paddle their way to better health and gain a greater regard for the ocean thanks to a partnership between the local Police Department and the Marina Del Rey Outrigger Canoe Club.

This week, the ttwo organizations will re-launch the youth program in partnership with the Santa Monica Police Activities League, the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Monica, the Santa Monica Police Department Explorers and the Boys and Girls Club of Venice.

“This program introduces our local youth to outrigger canoe paddling which is a centuries old traditional sport developed in Hawaii and the Polynesian islands,” said Lt. Alex Padilla, the Police Department spokesman.

“They will paddle outrigger canoes, develop technique and teamwork, improve fitness, and gain an appreciation and respect for the ocean,” Padilla said.

All boys and girls ages 11 to 18 years can join in and paddle canoes in the ocean, get fit and have fun developing their athletic abilities while testing their competitive nature in a team environment, according to police.

The youngsters will have the opportunity to compete in regatta races against other youth based teams of the same skill level.

Two introductory sessions will be held on Thursday April 10 at 4 p.m. and Saturday April 12 at 10:30 a.m. at Mothers Beach on Palawan Way in Marina Del Rey.

Subsequent training sessions are tentatively scheduled for Tuesday and Thursdays at 4 p.m. A weekend day could be included, depending on interest.

The free program is fully subsidized by MDROCC and other sponsors.

To Participate:

• Access the Outrigger Canoe Club web-site: www.marinaoutrigger.org
• Go to the page for New Paddlers and read all of the information.
• Download and fill out the Liability Release Form and bring it with you to the beach.
• Come to one of the introductory sessions, April 10 or 12.
• Watch the SCORA Promotional Video and see what outrigger paddling is about.
• For additional information, email us: youth@marinaoutrigger.org.