Members of the Elks Kumulokahi Canoe Club’s youth paddling team haul their outrigger canoe into the water for a January practice at Magic Island.

Youth paddling coach Kevin Kam instructs his son, Shafer, in stroking technique during a practice session.

Youth paddling team members practice three times a week at Magic Island.

During “huli drills,” the paddlers practice flipping and righting their canoe. In a race, they would have 5 minutes to get back into their boat and moving forward to avoid disqualification.

Coach Paul Wang works with the youth paddlers in advance of the Na Opio Canoe Racing Association season.

Youth paddling team members raise their hands to get a turn in a canoe. The club ensures that everyone who wants to paddle and is willing to work hard gets a chance.

The Jan. 12 Hui Wa’a race day at Keehi Lagoon Beach Park starts before sunrise as coaches and volunteers, from left, Jim Bauckham, Tambry Young and Sean Gallagher, tie the “ama” (outrigger) to a canoe.

Youth paddlers, from left, Alex Gavrilchik, Noah Lagon, Kamea McMillan-Zilberman, Conrad Morikone, Kyson Kai and Shafer Kam, put their skills to the test.

Nash Gallagher keeps his head up and eyes forward as he and his Novice B division crewmates paddle during a race.

The Elks Kumulokahi youth club competes against other teams from across the island.

Shanelle Nishimura is greeted with cheers as she passes through a human tunnel made by her Kumulokahi teammates after finishing a race.