What’s in a Name?

The Story Behind Hōkū O Legends

Sometimes a canoe carries more than a team—it carries a story.

These canoes are more than boats. They are vessels of teamwork, discipline, friendship, and our connection to the ocean. They carry us through early mornings, hard training sessions, washdeck BBQs, finish line celebrations, and many memories still to come.

For more than 20 years, our canoes have connected generations of paddlers at the Newport Aquatic Center. They’ve carried first-time paddlers across Newport Harbor and taken world champions across the Kaiwi Channel. They remind us that while the crews may change, the spirit of this community remains the same.

When the Newport Aquatic Center’s outrigger program first began, our fleet included five matching Bradley canoes. Each canoe’s name began with Hōkū O, meaning “Star of” in Hawaiian. Those names became woven into the story of NAC Outrigger and helped define the early years of our program.

Hōkū O Legends brings us back to those beginnings. Even the color combination of this canoe is a replica of those original 5 Bradleys.

So in 2024, when it came time to name and number the team’s new canoe, it was easy.

In honor of one of the Bradley canoes that has been part of our fleet for more than two decades, we have also reused racing number 206, carrying forward the number of one of our original canoes. Both the name and number serve as reminders that our history continues to paddle alongside us.

Hōkū O Legends was named in honor of the legends who helped launch the Newport Aquatic Center and build its outrigger paddling programs into what they are today. It is a tribute to the people who laid the foundation, gave their time, shared their knowledge, and created opportunities for generations of paddlers to follow.

Their names have been written inside the bulkhead of this canoe. No matter where it travels, how many miles it paddles, or even if it is someday repainted, these legends will always be a part of her story.

Jon Van Cleave

A founding member and board member of the Newport Aquatic Center, Jon Van Cleave’s history in Newport Harbor and ocean watersports runs deep. Ask anyone who knows the story of NAC, and they’ll tell you it cannot be told without mentioning JVC.

Jon was a true Renaissance man in every facet of his life. He was a pararescue jumper, gold-medal winning athlete and Olympian, attorney, successful businessman, cowboy, scuba diver, outdoorsman, pilot and so much more. There was really nothing that Jon could not do once he put his mind to it.

Jon had spent decades helping shape the Newport Aquatic Center and its community.  His vision and leadership have created opportunities for countless athletes and continue to influence the programs we know today.

Sam Couch III

Sam was an NAC youth and adult paddler, outrigger coach for decades, and mentor to many of the leaders within today’s NAC paddling programs. Through his coaching, encouragement, and commitment to the sport, Sam has impacted generations of paddlers both on and off the water. Sam was also one of the first coxswains at NAC, and he is one of the only athletes who has competed in every watercraft that NAC has to offer at a national level. Sam believed in showing up, paddling hard, and lifting others along the way — especially the next generation. It’s something we’re proud to carry forward.

The Couch family’s support of the Newport Aquatic Center and its outrigger community continues today, carrying forward a legacy of service and aloha.

John Rader

John Rader has been a supporter of the Newport Aquatic Center since day one and has dedicated himself to perpetuating the traditions and culture of outrigger canoe paddling. He was one of the most influential figures in the development of outrigger canoe paddling in Southern California. He helped bring

Hawaiian outrigger canoe culture to Newport Beach and was instrumental in building what would eventually become one of the country’s largest paddling communities. His commitment to the sport and to the paddling community has helped ensure that these traditions continue to thrive in Newport Harbor. John Rader was also known for bringing people into the sport.

Hal and Kay Rosoff

The Rosoff family has been an integral part of the Newport Aquatic Center since its earliest days. Hal has been one of the greatest supporters of outrigger paddling in Newport Harbor, and we would not have had Hal’s unwavering support without Kay by his side.

The Rosoff family’s support has touched every corner of the Newport Aquatic Center, and we remain committed to honoring the legacy of both Hal and Kay on the washdeck for years to come. The Hal Rosoff Legacy at NAC

The canoes we paddle today are only possible because of the people who came before us. Hōkū O Legends serves as a reminder that while we race toward the future, we never forget those who helped launch us.

Join us next weekend as we celebrate legends at the All Grit, No Quit JVC Rodeo.