Leadership
Aloha!
Aloha!
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors is elected yearly by our members at the end of each season to serve over the next one. Our members nominate each other to serve in one of 5 positions, elected through popular vote, and serve 1 year terms. Interested? Keep an eye out for a email requesting nominations in November.
Coaches
BOO is excited to have not one but two knowledgeable coaches this year. They are experienced and passionate paddlers who happen to serve on the BOD as well, but this is not a requirement to be a coach in our club. They are both always looking to learn and improve and are invested in helping us all succeed.
Secretary - Angie Merritt she/her
Jada moved to Bend from Maui in 2023 and knew she needed a way to stay connected to Hawaiian culture. When she saw the wa’a hauling up and down the Deschutes, she knew she had her answer. Jada joined BOO in the 2025 season as a first-time paddler and fell in love with the meditative and challenging nature of the sport. She was seeking cultural connection and a way to stay physically active, but paddling showed her so much more. Jada attributes her love of Bend to the ‘ohana she’s gained from being part of BOO, and is thrilled to serve as club Secretary.
Equipment Manager & Coach -
Todd Steinbach he/him
Aloha! I have been paddling collectively for 12 years and a member of BOO for the past 7. I was introduced to paddling while living in Hawaii and upon relocating to the PNW from Chicago, I jumped at the opportunity to paddle and race here in Central Oregon! Starting out in Seat 1 and working my way through to steering, I
have enjoyed my journey in the paddling world immensely! One thing I love about paddling is the Ohana and community that it creates. Going to races and seeing the same faces and meeting so many new ones proves that this sport is ever-growing! As one of your Coaches this season, I look forward to racing and working with each of you to become better paddlers and stewards of our land, waters and paddling culture. IMUA!
Treasurer - Abby Jerin she/her
Aloha! I’m excited to serve BOO as Treasurer. As a lifelong PNW resident, I have always felt most at home near the water... so paddling and the BOO Ohana feel like the perfect fit.
What I love most about this sport is the community: the way six people move together in a canoe, the friendships that grow on and off the water, and the way this club truly shows up for each other.
Seeing how BOO welcomes families and encourages the next generation to build a love for the water... that means the world to me. I love that my two boys get to grow up around outrigger canoes, and it’s been amazing to watch them feel included and excited about the river.
By day, I work as a mortgage broker and have spent almost 15 years helping people navigate the path to homeownership. Working with finances and guiding people through big decisions helps me keep BOO’s finances organized and strong so the club can continue to grow. Outside of work and BOO, I love paddle boarding and woodworking, and the occasional hike.
Favorite paddling moment:
Gliding with my eyes closed, feeling the succinct movement of the va‘a with everyone in perfect harmony, and leaving it all out there on the water.
Imua!
Vice President & Coach -
Marvin Balaoro he/him
As a keiki hearing how much fun paddling was from a friend, Marvin was crushed when his parents didn't let him join. It wasn't until he was an adult that he stumbled upon another opportunity. In 2008, Marvin started paddling and discovered how great ohana and camaraderie are. He started paddling in San Diego and then moved up to the Bay Area where he continued to paddle before ending up here in Bend.
Marvin's been lucky enough to have competed in numerous big races: Moloka'i Hoe, Na Pali Challenge, Pailolo Challenge (6x), Catalina Crossing (9x), and The Gorge.
Marvin's most excited about helping BOO grow, and he's passionate about helping ALL of our paddlers grow. He wants to share his knowledge and open up opportunities for everyone to experience everything that the outrigger community can offer both locally and away.
Favorite memories:
- Chicken-skin during the pule (prayer) on the beach before his first Pailolo crossing
- That same chicken-skin at the pule on the beach before his first local race
- Cheering on the women from the chase boat with the Na Pali coast in the background while they're neck and neck with another crew
- The ah-ha moment when he realized that paddling isn't only about what happens inside the canoe
Fun Fact:
Marvin's drawer of paddling jersey's is more colorful than a bag of skittles
President - Jordan Lewis she/her
Jordan has been paddling with Bend Outrigger since 2021. While knowing nothing about the sport, she caught the bug and joined race crews the next year. She refers to paddling as "yoga on the water", as there's always the tiniest ways to be improving with every stroke. She is learning to steer and encourages anyone interested to do so as well, as it's always useful to add skills to one's quiver!
Jordan started as Secretary in 2022 and is excited to help propel BOO forward in any way she can. It has been a privilege to see membership grow to include so many wonderful humans and she is looking forward to all the future successes.