Paddling with a Purpose

Join Pu‘uwai Outrigger Canoe Club’s Pink Paddlers group on Jan. 20 at 5 p.m. at Wailua River.

Hui o Mana Ka Pu‘uwai Outrigger Canoe Club in Wailua is forming a cancer survivors group modeled after Maui’s Mana‘olana Pink Paddlers group. The mission of this new group at Pu‘uwai is to cultivate health, fitness and fun for cancer survivors and supporters.

“This is such an exciting thing to bring to Kaua‘i. … There are now upwards of 176 members on Maui and they now have several Pink Canoes,” Pu‘uwai member Tom Kirkpatrick said. “Wouldn’t it be awesome to have some Pink Canoes here in the Pu‘uwai fleet?”

Pu‘uwai utilizes traditional Hawaiian outrigger canoes to encourage physical exercise, build confidence and friendships.

“We prove, by example, that exercise can make a difference and demonstrate that persons living with and recovering from this disease can lead full and active lives,” Pu‘uwai President Brian Curll said.

The canoe club is urging people to become a Pink Paddler, and join Pu‘uwai Outrigger Canoe Club at Wailua River at 5 p.m. on Jan. 20. The club is at the mouth of Wailua River.

People can park their cars in the large parking area across the green Smith’s Ticket Office and walk straight down to Wailua River where the Pu‘uwai canoes are, near the bridge.

“We welcome people willing to volunteer as coaches, steermen or assist individuals struggling with cancer,” Curll said.

Membership is open to cancer survivors, supporters and their friends. Call Brian Curll at 635-6311 (bcurll@aol.com) or Tom Kirkpatrick at (858) 334-8760.