KALEA

Our August so far...

2011-08-15T11:34:00.000-06:00

Aloha gang!
Heading into the middle of August, we've been busy as ever! August 6th was the 'Ohana Retreat which was pretty amazing! Great turn out, good fun, and beautiful people. Mahalo to everyone who came out to the event and a mahalo nunui to those who were in charge of creating and planning. Looking forward to next year for even MORE fun!

Last week we had the pleasure of having a Boy Scout troop out to paddle with us, it was their first time ever, and we were happy to have them! If you'd like your group or organization to try canoe paddling, come on out! Give us a call at 801 913 8980 and we'll set it up!

Last Thursday we were especially pleased to have two new paddlers join our ranks!!! Although they've always been hugely supportive of KALEA, volunteering, supporting, working hard at our events, we've never had them in the wa'a. Until now. And the fires been lit!!!! Mahalo to ka 'ohana Richards! Garin, Cheryl, Brianna and Garin Boy for all of your help all of the time, and we're excited to have Garin Sr. and Cheryl in the wa'a with us!!!
Don't forget, we're paddling this Thursday!!! All experience levels welcome, just come down and have a good time!

Active in our community

2011-08-01T17:51:00.000-06:00

We hope you all can join us this Saturday, August 6th for 'OHANA SATURDAY!!! We are so excited, as four Hawaiian organizations here in Utah come together and partner for this event. Hui Hawai`i O Utah Hawaiian Civic Club, Lei Aloha O Ka 'Ohana, Kalea Utah, and Kauwahi 'Anaina Hawai`i Hawaiian Civic Club are making this wonderful event happen for our community! Bring the kids early to participate in the FREE KEIKI FISHING TOURNAMENT, tons of prizes, and open to all kids 12 and under, and along with that we'll have FREE shave ice, a FREE Hawaiian craft event, FREE canoe rides, a canoe paddle making demonstration, SUP (Stand Up Paddling) demonstration, free hula workshop and MORE!!! Pack a picnic lunch for you and your 'ohana as it's a potluck, and we'll see you there!!!

Now, we didn't forget that in an earlier post we said we had some great news to share....everything will be finalized tomorrow, and once that's done, we'll make sure and post the good news!!! Kalea is so humbled to be an active part of our vibrant community, and are so appreciative of all of the amazing relationships we've forged. MAHALO to everyone for your encouragement, help and support of Kalea. We LOVE being a part of this Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Community!

EXCITING NEWS!

2011-07-27T15:56:00.000-06:00

Aloha gang!
We are getting ready to share some awesome news with all of you!!!! But auwe, we will have to make you wait just a little longer while we get some of the final details nailed down. However, please stay tuned as we get ready to share this exciting development!!!! :)

In the meantime, WE'RE PADDLING THIS THURSDAY, 5:30 - SUNDOWN! COME CHECK US OUT AT LINDON HARBOR!!!!!!!

Potluck and Paddle this Saturday!!

2011-06-10T11:26:00.000-06:00

The weather's been getting progressively nicer, and we're excited to get out on the water!!!! Join us this Saturday for a Potluck and Paddle at Lindon Harbor, from lunch time to sundown! Bring the whole family down for what's sure to be a FUN day!!!

COMMITTED TO OUR COMMUNITY

2011-05-30T22:39:00.000-06:00

Na wa`a visiting na kupuna and the community out at Iosepa

This past Saturday saw Kalea participating in the festivities at Iosepa. A few months ago, the Kalea board members came up with the idea to take the canoes down to Iosepa, wanting to share them with our community, and Uncle Mike Tejada was absolutely awesome in making that happen. In his words, "The kupuna must be so happy to see these wa'a. They're probably saying "Right on Filipino boy, bringing the wa'a to us to see." So funny. But it was humbling for us to do just that. To have our wa'a in the presence of the kupuna who reside out there at Iosepa was a special thing for us. To be able to share our efforts with them, and our community was amazing. People of all ages were excited to see them, for a lot of the younger ones, it was their very first time ever seeing an outrigger racing canoe. To be a part of that excitement, being instrumental in showing the younger ones a vibrant part of their culture was incredible. Mahalo to Uncle Mike and the Kalea members who were there, Mahalo nunui to the Iosepa Association, especially Aunty Pat Kamai for encouraging and allowing us to share these canoes with our community.

You'll notice, we've been using the plural form, canoes vs. canoe. That's because Uncle Mike (the guy is amazing!) has completed repairs on the second canoe and she is almost ready for the water. Almost, because as is traditional and appropriate, some cultural protocols need to be performed prior to her entering the water. "She" is "Naulu", the newest addition to Kalea. Her name was given by Tina Cabiles-Carden, and here is some mana'o behind the name:

"Naulu is a wind, clouds, a rain. As a wind, it bears forth the Naulu clouds, which hold the Naulu rain. Naulu resides on the island of Niihau, where the drenching rain permeates the aina, encouraging, calling forth growth. Naulu resides on the island of Maui, on the eastern slope of Haleakala, where it reaches forth to Kahoolawe, and bringing healing, rejuvenating, life giving sustenance to the soil there, encouraging luxuriant growth and renewal. Naulu resides on the island of Hawaii. In Kawaihae, where the sudden showers are a blessing, bringing relief from the heat.

Naulu now also resides here. In Utah. With us, within our community. A vessel that encourages growth and the continuation of our culture. Naulu compels us to embrace our community and assist in its growth and participate in its renewal. It is a pathway for that which is ancient to reach across and embrace the younger generations. Naulu provides soothing relief and healing to those of us who are longing for home. Eia `o Naulu..."

MAHALO NUI!

2011-05-09T23:29:00.001-06:00

Mahalo to everyone who came out to our first open paddle!!! We look forward to the growth of KALEA and all that we are poised to offer our Pacific Islander community. Our paddling schedule is as follows:
TUES and THURS: 5pm - sundown
SATURDAY: 10am for Open/Casual paddlers and 2:30 for team members.

To better meet the needs of our community KALEA offers the following paddling participation tiers:

OPEN: Everyone is welcome to participate in 3 free OPEN paddle days. OPEN paddles are sceduled and announced in advance and open to our community. You are still responsible for your parking fee of 5.00

CASUAL: Includes the three free days, and for merely 45.00 you can join our casual paddlers. 30.00 of the 45.00 pays for your insurance and that coverage extends for a calendar year. The remaining 15.00 contributes towards the maintenance and repair of the canoes. You are still responsible for your parking fee. Casual paddlers are able to paddle at each practice session, the coach or board member will assist with coordinating with team members.

TEAM MEMBER: Receives racing jersey, is given first priority for paddling practices, is part of the core team that participates in canoe regattas/races, participates in community events and more. $140.00 a year covers insurance, canoe maintenance/repairs, parking and more. For the breakdown please see tabs at the top of the page.

Additionally, to be sensitive to the financial needs of our community, payment options are available as well. If you are interested in learning more about these options, please contact us via email.

We are HYPED to begin our 2011 season!!! PLEASE FOLLOW US ON TWITTER (teamkalea) TO RECEIVE THE MOST UP TO DATE INFO REGARDING PADDLING SCHEDULES. This is the easiest way for us to get the word out should paddling be rescheduled or cancelled due to inclement weather.

MAHALO and we'll see you at the lake!

EXCITING, EXCITING EXCITING!!

2011-04-06T22:30:00.000-06:00

The gang's getting antsy, lately there have been a few sunny days IN. A. ROW., and that means....PADDLING SEASON IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER!! May 7th to be exact! Please mark your calendars and join us down at Lindon Harbor for KALEA'S first Open Paddle of the season!! 3:30 pm, we'll be having a potluck, so please bring a dish to share! We look forward to seeing everyone at the lake!!!

Getting ready!!

2011-02-16T14:15:00.000-07:00

ALOHA GANG!
It's almost that time! The start of our 2011 paddling season is almost here!! Open enrollment has started, please click on Membership at the top of our blog and get your enrollment process started! Simple!
We encourage all of you to come out and paddle! From those who wish to be a part of the racing team to the recreational paddler, to those who have never paddled before, all are welcome! Mark the date of MARCH 5th and join us down at Lindon Harbor at 10 a.m. for our season opener.

Also in preparation for our 2011 season, we're having our laulau fundraiser, and funds are due today. Team members please collect your funds, and email us your laulau count and arrangements to pick up the funds will be made. We will be prepping and cooking the laulau on Friday 2/25 so please make sure you make arrangements to be at Jared's house for that. Email us at the top of the page and we'll get the directions out to you. MAHALO!

In the meantime, enjoy some pics of the newest member of ka 'ohana KALEA! We hope to have the newest wa'a ready soon!

Fundraiser Update and dates to remember

2011-02-11T22:29:00.000-07:00

ALOHA! Hope everyone's been actively selling their laulaus!! If you'll recall, the goal was 50 laulaus per person. As an incentive, **if you sell over 50 laulaus, you can use the additional sales to help offset your membership fee!!** That's an awesome deal, and a great incentive! As a reminder, please forward the number of your total sales to our email address, you can find the link at the top of the blog.
For the casual paddlers, or those who have never paddled before and would like to try, you can opt to pay $30.00 which is the cost of your insurance coverage for the season. Not a bad deal at all. Please note that the 30.00 only entitles you to insurance coverage, and does not include tshirts, or parking fees.
Dates to remember:
February 14th (HAPPY VALENTINE'S!) First day of open enrollment

February 16th: FUNDS DUE FOR LAULAU FUNDRAISER

March 5th: **FIRST PADDLE OF THE SEASON** Weather permitting. Either way, we will still hold an orientation for the new season.

March 14th: End of open enrollment.

April 9th: FIRST RACE OF THE SEASON IN TEMPE ARIZONA!!!

Again, we welcome everyone to come out and paddle, see you in the wa'a!

Reminder!

2011-02-08T22:23:00.001-07:00

Uncle Mike Tejada at this year's Poke Challenge!

Aloha gang! We hope you're all feeling the excitement for our 2011 paddling season! It's just around the corner!! Here are some key dates to remember:

FEBRUARY 14TH: OPEN ENROLLMENT STARTS FOR 2011 PADDLING SEASON

FEBRUARY 16TH: FUNDS DUE FOR LAULAU FUNDRAISER

MARCH 5TH: PADDLING ORIENTATION, 10:00 AM AT LINDON HARBOR.

MARCH 15TH: OPEN ENROLLMENT ENDS

Another reminder, we should ALL be actively selling laulaus, you should have received an email with all of the information, and will be receiving another email shortly for follow up information and instructions. Remember that on February 25th we're meeting at Jared's house to wrap the laulaus, more information in the upcoming email. Mahalo for all of your efforts!! If you're not on the email list already, please click on the contact tab at the top of the page and send an email requesting to be added. MAHALO!!

Our team is active in the community, here are some shots of the Poke Challenge last month at the Hawaiian Cultural Center. Enjoy!

Updates!

2011-01-24T01:22:00.000-07:00

Aloha!
Please note that we've updated our calendar page (see above) to include the month of April. With the start of our 2011 paddling season right around the corner, we want to make sure that everyone is aware that our very first regatta will be happening shortly after, on April 9th.
KALEA will be participating in the TEMPE OUTRIGGER REGATTA on April 9th.

Please also note that our Paddling Orientation for the 2011 Season is on March 5th at 10am at Lindon Harbor. Any questions, please contact us via email. MAHALO NUNUI!

2011 PADDLING SEASON AND UPCOMING FUNDRAISER

2011-01-18T00:48:00.001-07:00

Aloha! We hope that all of you have enjoyed a beautiful holiday season with your loved ones. With the start of 2011, we're excited and eager to being our 2011 paddling season! Some important dates to remember:

FEBRUARY 14 TO MARCH 14 = KALEA OPEN ENROLLMENT

FEBRUARY 26TH = LAULAU FUNDRAISER PICK UP. TO HELP OFFSET COSTS FOR TRAVEL EXPENSES TO PARTICIPATE IN REGATTAS, OUR FIRST FUNDRAISER WILL BE ON 2/26, SELLING LAULAUS. WE NEED THE KOKUA OF ALL KALEA MEMBERS, PLEASE CONTACT DAVID OR TINA FOR MORE INFORMATION, AND SEE THE FLYER BELOW.

MARCH 5TH = 2011 PADDLING SEASON ORIENTATION. 10AM AT LINDON HARBOR.

MARCH 14TH = END OF OPEN ENROLLMENT

MARCH 21ST = DUE DATE FOR KALEA MEMBERSHIP DUES.

Our paddling schedule is set to remain the same, TUESDAYS, THURSDAYS 5P - SUNDOWN, AND SATURDAYS STARTING AT 9AM.

Please note that KALEA'S email address is kaleautah (at) gmail (dot) com, and also note the top of the blog has links to the monthly calendar which includes the paddling schedule and events, and a link to contact KALEA.

Again, we hope you've all had a great holiday and enjoyed the "off-season", we look forward to seeing all of you in the wa'a, starting March 5th!! Mahalo nui!

CHRISTMAS PA`INA

2010-12-03T18:22:00.000-07:00

Aloha! Hui Hawai`i O Utah Hawaiian Civic Club is having a Christmas party on Saturday, December 11 from 2 -6pm and YOU'RE ALL INVITED!!! See flyer for more information! Also, Malama Haloa O Utah will be holding a community ku'i at the same location, from 10a - 2:00p, if you'd like to come out and pound some kalo, and make FRESH pa`i `ai for the holidays!!! Check their blog for more information!

Tagaloa Polynesian Dance Troupe Fundraiser

2010-12-03T08:35:00.000-07:00

TAGALOA POLYNESIAN DANCE TROUPE

presents FIRST ANNUAL WINTER RECITAL AND FUNDRAISER
SATURDAY DECEMBER 11, 201O AT 6PM TO 8:30 PM
HAMPTON INN & SUITES, SALT LAKE CITY AIRPORT
307 NORTH ADMIRAL BYRD ROAD
SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84116

(Call Peterona at 801.448.3881)

LIVE MUSIC, DANCING,RAFFLE, FOOD & BAKE SALE
ADMISSINO: $5 PRESALE OR $8 AT THE DOOR
CHILDREN 5 YEARS AND UNDER ARE FREE

New Wa'a

2010-11-24T10:02:00.000-07:00

Aloha Team Kalea,

Aloha and Mahalo for your Kokua in forming Kalea into what it is now and what it will grow to be. Because of your efforts we are excited to announce that we are purchasing another Wa'a in Las Vegas next week.

Kalea is well on its way to having multiple canoes for practice and for the up coming 2011 paddling season. We are also in the process of scheduling our races for next year and organizing events for the whole family to enjoy. So please let others know of this opportunity. If you guys haven't done so, please sign up as a "follower" and have your friends sign up on Kalea's blog at teamkalea@blogspot.com. This will help Kalea in our efforts to get donations from big companies.

Have a great Thanksgiving Holiday this week and be safe through out the Holiday season.

Hui Hawai'i O Utah 25th Anniversary

2010-11-21T22:23:00.001-07:00

Nov. 20, 2010

Aloha mai kakou!

Last night KALEA was well represented at the Hui Hawai`i O Utah Hawaiian Civic Club's 25th Anniversary Party! Crazy weather aside, it was great to see everyone after what seems like a very long time!! There was a lot of interest generated, with MANY people asking questions, asking for more information and excited at knowing about KALEA and what we have to offer. People were definitely talking about Uncle Mike's paddle making skills, just one other facet of the sport that KALEA has to offer! MAHALO NUNUI to everyone that came out in support!! Hui Hawai`i O Utah Hawaiian Civic Club thanks each of the members, and are humbled at the generosity shown with the raffle items donated to support the scholarship fund.
Also, when you next see Lincoln, congratulate him on being the newest member of the Board of Directors for Hui Hawai`i O Utah! Know that KALEA'S interests, and those of the community and the civic club will be well represented!

KALEA'S Board of Directors will also have some exciting news to share soon, so make sure you keep an eye on the blog, or get on our mailing list so you can stay up to date with all of the latest news! Until that time, we would like to wish each and every one of you, and your families a blessed and bountiful Thanksgiving, and we look forward to seeing all of you soon!

3rd Place Finish- Novice Mixed Race

2010-10-27T17:43:00.008-06:00

Oct. 23, 2010

Novice Mixed Heat 1: 6:25
Novice Mixed Heat 2: 5:37
Makua Men: 4:51
Masters Men: 6:34
Open Men: 5:06
Overall results: 3rd Place (out of 9 teams) in Novice mixed and 7th (out of 18 teams) in Open Men's division.

AMAZING SHOWING TEAM KALEA! We are looking forward to much activity and planning in our "off-season", so make sure you keep checking back for the all of the latest information. We are in the process of editing some videos of the races, we can't wait to share them with all of you! Again, mahalo for all of your support, kokua and aloha!

9th Annual Na Alaka'i O Ke Kai Regatta

2010-10-25T01:01:00.002-06:00

Oct. 23, 2010

Ua hele aku makou...And so we went...

We left Utah, to travel to Vegas for KALEA'S very first race, with feelings of excitement, nervousness, some anxiety and many butterflies. For many it was their first time competing and the excitement level was high. Friday night the team met to discuss the next day's events and more importantly, to strengthen the feeling of solidarity for KALEA.

Saturday morning found us gathered bright and early, eagerly awaiting the start of the regatta, KALEA being entered in the first two races. We had a pretty good showing, and these races only served to fuel the excitement for the rest of the day. KALEA was entered into a total of 5 races, and had an excellent showing for our very first competition.

We are pleased to announce that KALEA came in FIRST in the Makua Men's division.

KALEA: 4:51

Dana Outrigger Canoe Club: 4:59

Lake Havasu: 5:26

Hawaiian. 'Nuff Said: 5:29

Newport Outrigger Canoe Club: 5:30

Na Leo O Ke Kai: 5:37

Hawaiian. 'Nuff Said Team 2: 5:43

In the Open Men's Division, KALEA came in Seventh Place! This was by far the largest division of the race with 18 teams competing. KALEA'S time was 5:06 earning them Third place.

A heartfelt MAHALO goes out to the Las Vegas Hawaiian Civic Club for all of their hard work, dedication and aloha in putting together such a wonderful, well organized and fun event. Mahalo for helping make our first race a memorable and enjoyable one.

"Ho'i mai makou..." and so we return...

We return, with much less anxiety, having gained some experience. But we are no less excited, because now we have a renewed sense of purpose and vision for KALEA, and for our community. We thank you for your words of encouragement, your positive thoughts and your prayers. We are so appreciative of everyone's support, kokua and aloha! Rest assured we will have many pictures posted soon, until then, please feel free to enjoy these few shots and be sure and check back soon for more. Until then, MAHALO and ALOHA!

MAHALO!

2010-10-06T13:14:00.000-06:00

Kalea would like to extend a huge MAHALO to all of those who have worked hard, and those who have supported our fundraising events! Because of everyone's hard work and support, we are well on our way to fulfilling goals that benefit the community as well as the team. It's an exciting time for us as we continue to grow as a team, and hone our paddling abilities, and increase our level of involvement within our community.
Currently, Kalea is focused on the upcoming Na Alaka'i O Ke Kai regatta later this month in Las Vegas, this is the FIRST time Utah is being represented in a canoe regatta and we are humbled at the opportunity to represent our community.
Again, MAHALO NUI to all of you who have contributed to the positive growth the team has so far enjoyed. We look forward to your continued support in our upcoming fundraisers, with the knowledge that what we do is for our community and for future generations. Please check back often, we will soon have more photos up for everyone to enjoy.

Me ka ha'aha'a
KALEA

The Beginning of KALEA

2010-09-09T10:15:00.000-06:00

So what happens when a bunch of local boys (both from Hawaii AND Utah) catch wind of an opportunity to explore our Polynesian roots and join a competing team of canoe paddlers?
The answer is simple.......WE DO IT!

So that's the resulting story of what happened when Uncle Mike Tejada introduced his Wa'a to the Lindon Harbor on Utah lake's East shore. The word spread quickly (via Uncle Mike, Johnny and Lincoln Tejada) through the tight-knit community of 20 and 30 something Polynesians that call Utah County home and most that heard of the opportunity were quick to give it a try, but simply "giving it a try" could be compared to only eating one slice of Papa Johns Pizza when sitting down to watch a 3 hour college football game on a brisk fall Saturday afternoon.
I can honestly say if you try this once YOU WILL be hooked.
I dont know if its the curiosity of perfecting the sport or the intense rush blessed upon the heads of the paddlers by the thousands of years of history that we have seen and heard stories of, but (for some of us) never experienced first hand.
Whatever the reason for the physical and spiritual addiction, we have began our branding, fundraising and preparation for competing in the LAS VEGAS regatta http://www.lvhcc.org/regatta.html in late October.

The title for our Hui that we have taken on is KALEA given by Tina Carden.

Here is a little history on the KALEA title and name, from her words...

Kalea as taught to me by a kupuna from Kaua'i, is the name of a current associated with Kaho'olawe, and especially used when undertaking a major voyage. Lea is also the name of one of the (few) female patron goddesses associated with canoes. Le'a, means joyful, evokes happiness, fun. Being skilled at wordplay, na kupuna put great stock in the ability to use one word that has many different layers of meanings including playing on different variations (lea - le'a).

So the mana'o with using Kalea was to invoke all three meanings. The current, as a living flow that continuously connects us to ka moana, to our culture, especially to our past. A piko, that enables us to gather strength, sustenance, mana. which serves as a guiding force to guide us forward.

The goddess Lea: that the intent and purpose of the organization is one that is pono and in keeping with our traditions. That the way the organization conducts itself would be in a way that is pleasing and appropriate thereby honoring those who have gone before. That by doing so we would gain protection, guidance, and inspiration spiritually.

Le'a: That the formation of the organization and what is put forth by its members are done so in a way that is enjoyable, welcoming, and joyful, rather than rigid, controlling and abrasive, So that all who would come into contact with the organization would be welcomed and feel joy at being able to connect to their culture and especially to one another, and perpetuate the flow of aloha.

So off we go with name, wa'a and paddling spirit in heart and hand to bring to ours and our families lives, a sport, activity, spiritual connection, means of travel etc. that has been passed down through our history and lately introduced to us by our friend and coach Uncle Mike.

Very special thanks to all that have coached, cheered on and supported in anyway our team, family and friends. Without you we would not be able to continue to learn and grow our new passion.

ALOHA!