Amsterdam Outrigger Canoe Team

Aloha! 🌺

Thank you, team, for the royal treatment. It truly feels like a spa fit for a queen.

Алла Литвинчук Maaike van Dijk Andrea Adriaan Helga

Just two things left before we hit the water:
🌿 Varnish the wood.
🌊 Make the ama watertight.

Then I'll finally be ready for my first paddle in Amsterdam.

I couldn't be happier.

Yours,
Alela 🤙

Aloha!

Alela here, with some exciting news.

After a long and lonely winter by the North Sea, I have finally arrived at my new home in Amsterdam - the beautiful De Schinkel club on the Nieuwe Meer.

I'm so excited! This weekend I'll be enjoying a little spa treatment and a good polish, so I'll be ready to hit the water looking my best.

On my journey, I spent a night at the Bosbaan, near the national rowing centre. I attracted quite a bit of attention. It seems Polynesian outrigger canoes are still a rare sight here, and people started sharing my photos in their group chats. I must admit, I rather enjoyed the attention.

One gentleman, however, called me a "Kayak XXL."

Can you imagine?

I'm not offended, even though I'm most definitely a canoe. Besides, I know I've spent a little too much time ashore, so perhaps I do need to get back on the water to regain my elegant figure.

A special mahalo to Paul Hartog and Willem from RV Willem III Rowing Club for helping me safely reach my new home. I couldn't have done it without you.

I can't wait to meet my new paddlers.

See you on the water soon.

– Alela

Exploring beautiful Dutch nature and landscapes from the water.

North Sea fun. Esther Brix riding waves