Demo Day
Register and Sign Up
Demo Day is the new paddler's introduction to BBOP outrigger paddling in our 6-person canoe. This is paddling 101, no experience necessary, no equipment needed, no obligation. Just a good attitude and team spirit!
Paddlers with no experience in a 6-person outrigger canoe must attend Demo Day. It's free! We love all you kayakers out there, and familiarity on the water is awesome! But even experience in a related sport like dragon boating or OC1 is not the same as an OC6. For anyone with no experience in water sports or none in an OC6, Demo Day is a great place to start. We want you to know what's happening when people start calling Hut, Ho, or Kahi Left. What will your role be if the canoe capsizes? A capsize is rare but you must have a general idea of what to do, and this will all be covered. The paddle stroke is a little different in every boat type and we want you to know a proper technique for an OC6. You will have about 45 minutes on the water after the on-land discussion to practice your skills. There is plenty of time to ask questions.
We will encourage you to join our rec practices immediately after Demo Day. We find new paddlers retain their new skills much better if they practice them right away. Rec practices are Sunday 10-11:30am and Wednesday 5:30-7:00pm.
Upcoming Demo Days:
2024 Dates TBA:
Overview
BBOP membership is open during our main paddling season from March through October. Becoming a BBOP member gives you access to join any of our practices.
Your first practice will be our monthly Demo Day where you can get dry land safety and paddle stroke instruction. You can use the next month to paddle two more times free. During practices, you will receive instruction and coaching. You can use club paddles and PFDs if you don’t have your own. While previous paddling experience is not required, it helps to be able to tread water and swim a little so you can safely remain in the water and reenter the canoe in the event of a capsize.
If you join, your membership fees cover purchasing and maintaining equipment, storage for our boats and insurance. The club is run entirely by volunteers. We ask all members to also volunteer for one of many needs throughout the year. Some of these volunteer opportunities include helping with canoe maintenance, volunteering at our race or other events, and handing membership and safety functions.
Joining after guest paddles
Contact membership! Let us know you want to join. We will adjust your registration so your fee due will appear. You can pay online with check/debit for a small convenience fee or bring a check to your next practice (no fee) by selecting Offline Payment.
See membership rates here.
FAQ's
We've put together some of the most frequently asked questions in case you might be wondering: What should I wear? What kind of facilities are available on site (can I refill a water bottle? Is there a bathroom?) What do I wear? How do you carry a 400 pound canoe to the water? Can you give me some basics on the paddling stroke?
Also check out our favorite Equipment and Gear vendor links
Videos
Check out these coaching videos on outrigger paddle stroke technique by one of our members. Four videos break down the stroke in easy to follow segments. Another video provides coaching on "timing" in the canoe. We try to get all 5 paddles IN and OUT of the water at the same time. In addition, Kim says, we want the power of the stroke at the same point. While we have paddles to borrow, Kim does a video with advice on how to choose the right paddle when you decide to buy your own. Go to video/coaching page
Get in touch with us if you are a new paddler with additional questions.
New Paddler Coordinator
If you are an experienced paddler and believe the Demo Day/Paddling 101 and-or the Rec Crew may not be the place for you, please contact Head Coach Kelly Abbott to discuss paddling with the Competitive Crew.
