What an incredible 5 weeks it’s been, filled with smiles, new challenges, and unforgettable memories! We were thrilled to welcome 25 paddlers and ocean warriors to the water during our Spring Program. From first-time paddlers to returning ocean athletes, we focused on building essential skills through hands-on learning, from paddle sessions to field trips over-town, and everything in between.
We kicked off the Spring Program with an introduction to outrigger paddling. For some, it was their very first time in a canoe, for others, a joyful return after a long winter. Sunshine, warm water, and 17 of us paddling through the big blue, what better way to reconnect with Catalina’s stunning coastline?
Each session, we pushed our paddling skills and endurance further. Between prone paddle boards and one-man canoes, it’s safe to say everyone came out stronger and more resilient. A huge highlight was our 6-man canoe pushing new limits, completing a 2-mile round trip from Middle Beach to Hamilton Cove! We learned to paddle in sync, power through wind and swell, and grow as a team. The progress was undeniable.
Exploring the island during our out-of-town field trips deepened our appreciation for this place we call home. One trip included a tough hike and a mile-long coastal swim where we faced headwinds and currents, putting our training to the test.
Another adventure took us to the backside of the island where we scored perfect surf conditions, sunshine, 2–4 ft waves, and nonstop stoke! We dove into lessons on wave awareness, rip currents, and ocean safety, followed by an epic body surfing and boogie boarding session. Many party waves shared by all!
A huge milestone: our first-ever competitive swim technique clinic! Ten of our ocean warriors traveled over-town to Belmont Plaza Pool in Long Beach. With no public pool or swim team on the island, this was an amazing opportunity to practice freestyle and stroke technique in a controlled environment. These skills directly translate into safer, stronger ocean swimming. We’re so proud of how everyone showed up and shined!
This Spring Program was full of firsts, and the growth we witnessed was nothing short of inspiring. From building water skills to deepening ocean respect, your dedication and spirit made this season unforgettable. We’re so proud of each and every one of our 25 paddlers!
Get excited, our Fall Program is just around the corner! Dates will be announced at the end of August. Until then, stay salty, stay safe, and stay connected with us on Facebook for updates.
To our amazing sponsors and community supporters — The Lobster Trap, Catalina Island Conservancy, Catalina Divers Supply, Catalina Island Company, and the countless parents and locals who cheer us on — mahalo for helping us make waves together.
See you on the water soon,
Your NAC Avalon Ocean Club Ohana
Out-of-town: Refers to going into the hills — also known as the “interior” — a magical part of the island protected by the Catalina Island Conservancy.
Over-town: Another way to say “mainland.” Used in a sentence: “I’m taking the boat over-town to get some goodies from Trader Joe’s in Newport Beach.”