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
Hey everyone—I’m Angie Merritt, and I’m stoked to be on the Bend Oregon Outrigger Board. I’ve paddled with clubs like Niumalu and West Kaua‘i in Hawai‘i, and Benicia Outrigger in California. I did the Na Wahine O Ke Kai just into my second year paddling--I don't know that my then coach will ever chose to take a novice team on that 40 plus miles, ever again. But, I think this is why I'm so passionate on getting new folk hooked and racing.
I’m originally from South Dakota—aka the land of cornfields and zero oceans, just potholes of water. So my passion for outrigger was a plot twist! I even huli'd my first time ever in an OC, but I keep coming back for more.
Equipment Manager & Coach -
Todd Steinbach he/him
Aloha! I have been paddling collectively for 12 years and a member of this club 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 - Karie Kuiper she/her
Karie is in her third season with the club and officially caught the racing bug last year. She’s stoked to be part of the BOO ohana and loves the mix of hard paddling, good vibes, spending time on the Deschutes river and learning about Hawaiian canoe culture. This is her first season helping out on the board as Treasurer, collecting dues and keeping the club in good standing with the PNWORCA. 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 a canoe club. 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 this club grow, and he's passionate about helping ALL of our paddlers grow. He wants to share his knowledge with the club 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 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 the club forward in any way she can. It has been a privilege to see the club grow to include so many wonderful humans and she is looking forward to all the future successes.