Paddling onward

The City College outrigger canoe paddling team has won again. This last month, they won three state championships and took third place at the U.S. National Canoeing Championships.

These canoe paddlers are currently enrolled in, or have already taken, PE 136 "Outrigger Canoe Paddling" taught by Mike Ofner. The classes take place on the beach at Stearn's Wharf twice a week, on Tuesday and Thursday. The class is good for one transferable unit, and can be taken as many as four times for credit.

Competitive athletes from the class train seriously from the middle of February until May, followed by races from May to the middle of September. Since the class was created, the team has won at least one state title or placed nationally each year.

"It is the best time to spend at Santa Barbara City College," said Cory Simpson, an athlete currently taking the PE 136 Outrigger Canoeing class for the fourth time.

"I met very good friends on the team," Simpson mentioned that he has taken other physical education classes, but PE 136 is his favorite.

"PE 136 is the beginning of a process of having fun and getting some kind of physical activities leading to more intense and physical activities for those who become more seriously involved," said Coach Ofner. "It is important to note the class serves both fun-seeking beginners as well as competitors."

Jill Denton has been taking the class for four semesters, and races for the U.S. National Team as well as the women's state championship team. "When you start paddling, you cannot stop," she said.

Each year, two weeks before the national championships, the paddlers go on a Santa Cruz Island training run. The team endures a rigorous 20-mile workout and then spends the weekend camping, resulting in quality team bonding.

"The Santa Cruz Island training run stays for the rest of your life. It is unforgettable," Denton said.

When asked whether or not the school rewards the team for its success, Coach Ofner responded, "Yes, a tremendous feeling of satisfaction both personally and team-wise. Their actual awards come from the Southern California Outrigger Racing Association."

"We find a direct correlation between how much fun we are having and how high we place in races," Ofner said. Six first-year paddlers and three second-year paddlers-all from the PE 136 class-placed third at the U.S. National Championships this past year.

Last season, the women's team won two state championships in both distance and sprints. The men's team won the state distance championship as well, while some paddlers from both squads participated in the recent third-place showing at the National Championships.

"Coach Ofner drives us to be successful and to be stronger," Denton Said.