Are you ready for an exciting day of fun and connection? We are thrilled to announce that Makapo is hosting our first Ohana Days at the Newport Aquatic Center! Mark your calendars for March 8 and March 22, both starting at 10 AM. These events promise to be incredible opportunities for individuals with disabilities and their families to engage, paddle, and create lasting memories in a supportive community atmosphere.
Getting Here:
The Newport Aquatic Center is located at 1 Whitecliffs Drive in Newport Beach’s Back Bay. Parking is free in the lot and the unpaved lot adjacent to that lot. There will be signage to direct you to our meeting spot for you and your family/guides/companions to get you all to the right place.
Check In:
We will check everyone in at the welcome spot, ensuring waivers and pre event surveys are completed. The waivers are for our organization and the NAC. They also contain media releases The survey is a simple one word answer survey.
What to wear:
Board shorts, quick drying shirts, and flip flops work best. We are very much rooted in tradition, and we ask people to paddle barefooted. If there are medical or other sensory related issues with this, please let us know and we can definitely accommodate.
Hats and sunglasses are also a good idea. But please make sure that these are securely worn or have some kind of leash/cord in case they fall in the water and don’t float.
Facilities:
As our guests, you have full use of our member locker rooms. There are full restrooms with ADA compliant toilets and showers. There are 5 showers for use as well should you feel it necessary.
Safety:
Safety is our number one concern. And we will be providing everyone with PFDs. All guests at Ohana Day events are required to wear a life jacket, and if a guest is not able to properly wear one, we will not be able to have them on the canoe.
The canoe is very, very stable. The water in the Back Bay is flat. So there is no way to flip or fall in the water. You may get splashed, however, especially if the person behind you is your friend and is being mischievous. Paddling is a water sport. so just get over it and splash them back :)
Format:
We’ll split everyone into groups of 8 to 10. The first group will go through our intro and instruction as soon as we finish up our welcome remarks. Other groups are welcome to just relax and enjoy the outdoors. We’ll have Makapo Ohana there to learn more about each of you and keep everyone engaged.
We will prep the next group just before the first group gets back. Once they return, we’ll unload and reload people and send the second group on its way.
Depending on the size and group makeup, we’ll take everyone out for a suitable length. We also might be able to take people out a couple of times once everyone has gone out.
Food:
We have a catered lunch and covered seating for eating. If you have a reusable water bottle, we can fill it if you like.
Swag:
We may have some Makapo Swag for sale at the event. All proceeds go towards our programs. Credit card and cash are acceptable forms of payment.
Saying Aloha (Goodbye):
We’ll take a photo together sometime after lunch. Please don’t leave until after the picture :) After that your group is free to enjoy the NAC and our beach for as long as you like. There will be a post event survey sent to you or you can complete it with one of our staff.
We understand that this is a lot of information. So if there are any questions please reach out. We trust that all this information, though. Can go along way to making the day a great one and possibly alleviate any anxiety about getting on the water.
We can’t wait to meet you all!
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