Schofield brings Hawaiian canoe culture to area
David Schofield has brought a bit of Hawaiian culture to the Cape Region.
In 2021, Schofield moved from Hawaii to Lewes, where his mother Patricia lives, and established the nonprofit New Hope Canoe Club Ministry – Team Atlantic.
Schofield, who is pastor of New Hope International, International Church of the Foursquare Gospel, started the spiritual-based outrigger canoe ministry in spring 2022.
The team has been active for the past two years, competing in races, giving demonstrations and training weekly throughout the year.
While living in Hawaii for 16 years, Schofield became an avid outrigger canoe paddler, taking part in a history dating back more than 2,000 years. The Atlantic team's sister club is the New Hope Outrigger Canoe Ministry in Oahu, which was founded in 2000.
He helps members learn the art of paddling an outrigger through training sessions and races. Workouts and training are available for people of all skill levels, including those who have never paddled before, he said.
Training sessions take place on Delaware Bay and the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal, depending on weather and wind conditions.
Schofield said the club is faith-based but everyone is welcome to get involved.
“The traditional Hawaiian canoe clubs have been structured as faith-based but you need not be Christian to join,” he said. “It is a no-pressure environment, and if you are Christian, there will be ministry time in and out of the canoe.”
Schofield said he hopes others will embrace Aloha as a way of life through the canoe ministry.
He said the essence of the word is its components: Akahai – kindness; Lokahi – unity; Olu'olu – to be agreeable; Ha'aha'a – humility; and Ahonui – patience.
For more information on the club, contact Schofield at 808-347-2587 or go to HOEPAA4JC@newhopeatlantic.org.
Recruitment sessions
Recruitment meetings are planned on the following dates: 3 p.m., Saturday, April 27, Crossing Church, 15183 Coastal Hwy., Milton; 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 1, IV Drip Bar, 20819 Coastal Hwy., Rehoboth Beach; and 3 p.m., Saturday, May 4, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 200 Second St., Lewes.
