Community Events for Keiki!
This spring, Kailua Beach Adventures had the opportunity to put on and support several noteworthy events for the keiki of Kailua and Oahu. In March, we partnered with Quicksilver to host an event for the 6th graders of Kainalu and Ka'ōhao Elementary Schools, and this past weekend we supported the Boys and Girls Clubs of Oahu by providing an opportunity to introduce children to a plethora of watersports while educating them about ocean safety.
On Friday, March 15th, sixth grade students came to Kailua Beach Adventures to share their sustainable boardshort designs, receive autographs from professional surfers, and view a screening of the Quicksilver Generations movie. Surfers including Freddy Patacchia, Zeke Lau, Jamie Mitchell, and Joey Johnston came out to sign autographs and to select a winner of the creative sustainable boardshort art project.
Some students took the project to another level by collecting microplastics and waste from the beach and incorporating it into their design. Other students artistically depicted healthy aquatic scenes, and a few depicted side by side comparisons of a healthy ocean v. a polluted one. Students made it a tough decision for our judges - these sixth graders have talent!
We at Kailua Beach Adventures were overwhelmed by the turnout and the energy students and parents brought. Pizza was served, and a good time was enjoyed by all.
Later this spring on Saturday, April 20th, organizations including Hawaiian Island Creations, Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku foundation, Volcom, and more collaborated to get keiki of the Boys and Girls Club out on the water. The goal of this event was to introduce children to ocean sports and fitness.
For many keiki, it was their first time trying an ocean sport. Children rotated among four stations and had the opportunity to play volleyball, catch waves on a surfboard, boogie board, and paddle. The paddling station was comprised of outrigger canoes and SUPSquatches. Waves were caught and smiles were shared!
With over 40 volunteers and more than 100 children, the turnout was excellent and the energy that this event inspired was tremendous. We already can’t wait for next year’s event!