MEET
Paolo
Born in Panama, Paolo spent much of his time on the Pacific waters of its isthmus. He found competitive paddling as an adult and has been active in the sport for the past 15 years. As a member of Team USA Dragon Boat, he has become a part of the coaching staff for the national crew. Outrigger paddling has been an evolution as he discovered the benefits of small boat paddling to improve his performance in both the OC-6 and dragon boat. The feel of community and friendship that comes from this sport is one of the main passions in his life. He joined the Puakea ohana as a Puakea coach in 2017. Every time he has the opportunity to work with someone new and watch them grow, he also grows as a coach and as a paddler.
Check out some things we're stoked about!
Key West Paddle Classic 2019
May 3, 2019, 8:00 a.m.
Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach
Click here to register
Key West Paddle Classic 2019
May 3, 2019, 8:00 a.m.
Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach
Click here to register
Key West Paddle Classic 2019
May 3, 2019, 8:00 a.m.
Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach
Click here to register
Roseanne Berger, Miami
Paolo is an amazing teacher and coach. He makes learning fun, and he knows a lot about paddling. He is always coaching, whether it is OC-6, OC-1 or other paddle crafts. He always has great training tips and drills. One time when we raced in the same race, he had finished his race and then came back to coach me on my last lap on how to catch waves. It was really nice since it was a rough day out there. He always seems to find coachable moments.
Garrett Fletcher, Pensacola
Working with Paolo has been invaluable for me as an athlete/coach. The main thing that separates Paolo as an exceptional coach is his ability to communicate a concept. Paolo is skilled in his knowledge of paddle mechanics, as are many coaches out there today, but what makes him a great coach is his ability to coach a concept. Paolo is patient and finds ways to convey the concept to the athlete. I have worked with coaches in the past who are incredibly talented or extremely knowledgeable and highly respected in their field. However, they fail to improve the athlete's performance because they are not able to communicate effectively with their athletes. As a result, all their skill and knowledge is wasted. Paolo is able to use methods that allow him to communicate with his athletes and improve their technique and performance, which ultimately allows them to reach their goals.
John Puakea, Puakea Designs
I have been paddling, coaching and working with Paolo for the last several years. When he asked to become a Puakea coach and for me to help him with what and how to teach, I was more than happy to do so. Paolo has a passion for paddling and teaching that doesn't come along every day. He has spent a lot of time studying, learning, and practicing how and what to teach to people. He has the ability to get what he is trying to say across simply, and that's important in coaching. I have spent time with him coaching, and he does a great job of getting his athletes together, motivated and on the right track. Paolo is also always open to learning more about the art of paddling and coaching. This, to me, is what makes him a good coach and will allow him to continue to be one as the sport grows and evolves.
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BE GRATEFUL
“Paddling has an amazing vibe. Call it living Aloha, call it positive vibration, call it respect for the ocean that gives us so much. Once you are a part of it and you feel it in your soul, it’s forever part of you and those you love the most.”