Newport Aquatic Center going down under for competition

Project Pride , Newport Aqua. Cent. Kayak/Canoe teamThe center’s program for at-risk youth is raising money to pay its way for world championships in outrigger canoeing.The Newport Aquatic Center’s Project PRIDE is about to make a splash on the international scene.

The center’s program for at-risk youth is raising money to send its canoe and kayak team to the World Va’a Sprint Championships in New Zealand this March. Sam Couch, the team’s coach, said $7,000 has been raised for the trip, but that the team needs $8,000 more to cover all of the costs.

If the group can’t raise the entire amount, the Newport Aquatic Center will cover the remaining costs with a loan that will need to be paid back before the program can purchase any more equipment.

“If we don’t get the money before we leave, the team is going to be in a hole for a while and we’re going to work to fundraise for a while,” Couch said. “We’re pushing forward with the idea that we’re going to go and suck it up afterward.”

The competition will involve outrigger canoes, also known in Polynesian as va’a.

Project PRIDE (Parks and Recreation Inspire Dignity and Esteem) provides youth from economically disadvantaged backgrounds with the opportunity to train and compete through the Newport Aquatic Center.

The program had a stellar year in 2005, finishing first in the 19-and-under Catalina Challenge and the 16-and-under Queen Lilo Race in Kona, Hawaii.

Moussly Palacios, a freshman at Orange Coast College, is one of the program’s top success stories. Palacios grew up in Santa Ana and was introduced to kayaking through Project PRIDE.

“Where I grew up is not a very motivating area,” Palacios said. “If I wasn’t paddling, I might have fell in with gang activity.

“But the people here at the NAC, everyone will teach you anything if you are willing to work.”

As an 11-year old, he knew nothing of kayaking or canoeing. One day at a summer camp in Santa Ana, one of the counselors asked if he wanted to try kayaking. He agreed to give it a try, then immediately asked, “What is kayaking?”

After initially being scared of the sport, he has warmed to it. In seven years as a member of the program, he has placed in eight different events at the national level.

Palacios said he has learned responsibility and the importance of teamwork from his experience.

“On crew, timing is crucial -- we unite together [in strokes] -- to move the boat faster,” he said.

“I also remember times when I knew I could have done better in competi- tions if I would have practiced more.”

Palacios has also found time to give back. Working as an employee of the city of Santa Ana, Palacios transports youth to various after school programs.

A. J. Buffalaini -- a 17-year-old from Newport Beach -- learned strength training and also how people from different walks of life can cooperate.

“The guys, we’re like a big bunch of brothers,” the Newport Harbor senior said.

Buffalaini said he believes the NAC team has a good chance at the World Sprints.

“It’s going to be tough, but I think we can keep up,” he said.

The team practices Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. before proceeding to weight training.

On Sundays, the team trains for two more hours, starting at 7 a.m. In addition, many members work in smaller groups to prepare

“They’re pretty fired up,” Couch said. “They’re training and getting ready. Right now, they’re trying to get the workouts in and grinding away. Once they get a little closer [to the World Sprints], they’ll get more excited.

“Right now, it’s matter of getting the workouts in.”

For more information on the team or to make a donation or sponsorship for the World Sprints, call Couch at (949) 246-2538.

* Staff writer James Lee contributed to this story.