In the world of paddling, the rhythm of the ocean often mirrors the ebb and flow of life itself.
“I was in seat one, and I could hear them stop paddling, getting all nervous,” Sabrina recalls. “I was just yelling, ‘Keep paddling! Keep going! Paddle forward!’ while counting out the strokes.” Despite being thrown back by the force of the waves, Sa- brina’s focus remained unwavering. Clutching her sister’s hat, she held tight to the tangible reminder of her resolve, propelling her team forward as they prepared to take on the rest of the 20-something mile practice run. Sabrina’s determination and leadership propelled them forward, embodying the spirit of perseverance Orr instills within the team. Following the lead of her older sister, Gavriel- la “Gigi” Graves, Sabrina first joined Outrigger’s junior ranks in 2019. Over the years, Gigi and her friends taught Sabrina to love the sport, and the Club quickly became her sanctuary, oering a ref- uge from life’s challenges and a safe space to train and hone her skills. “With paddling, I feel a lot more connected to my communities,” she explains. “I feel more connected to the ‘aina, to the water. Even though it’s intense and it’s hard, it’s so peaceful and therapeutic for me.”
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FOR SABRINA GRAVES, a junior athlete at Outrig- ger Canoe Club and a senior at La Pietra – Hawai’i School for Girls, this sentiment rings especially true. “If there’s a wave coming, don’t stop paddling,” she says, recalling Outrigger Coach Darren Orr’s words of guidance. It’s wisdom Sabrina has taken to heart not only while racing, but also while navigat- ing life’s metaphorical waters. “When there’s a huge obstacle coming your way, ready to crash through your life, you just keep going–you just keep paddling. You show no fear and you charge through.” Orr’s words proved invaluable during a routine practice session that soon turned into an unex- pected challenge. Just o the shore of the Club as Sabrina and her teammates made their way to the channel, they were suddenly confronted by an espe- cially formidable set of waves.
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AMA | July / august 2024
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