Clearing up misinformation about Lewes funding

Timothy "David" Schofield Jr.

September 25, 2026

Event Date:

Wed, 09/23/2026 - 02:59 pm

I’m the head coach of the Hawaiian outrigger canoe club based in Lewes. I’m writing to clarify misinformation in Kerry Tripp’s recent letter to the editor about our club.

We are hosting our first Cape Henlopen Invitational Canoe Race Saturday, Oct. 17. The races will begin and end on the beach near the Lewes Yacht Club, and they’ve graciously allowed us to use some of their facilities. Lewes City Council has donated $1,000 to support the race (thank you, city council!) partly because this event brings Lewes some economic benefit. Paddlers from Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland and the District will stay in our hotels and eat in our restaurants.

The Tripp letter said city funding is “subsidizing the boat of the private yacht club.” That’s not correct. The city’s funding supports the race, not a Lewes Yacht Club boat. The Lewes Yacht Club is the host location. Our canoe club is not affiliated with LYC, but we are grateful for their support as well.

The letter also raised concerns about the event’s connection to a religious organization. I am a Christian pastor, but this event is being advertised to all canoe clubs on the East Coast. Participation is open to all paddlers with diverse backgrounds and beliefs. Religious services are not part of the event.

Outrigger canoe paddling is more than just a sport; it is a revered Hawaiian cultural tradition that honors the ocean and community in line with the literal meaning of Aloha, “Life Breath.” Paddling ritual includes gathering in a crew circle while someone offers a “pule,” a Hawaiian blessing that expresses respect for the ocean, the crew and community. While pule circle-ups are optional at these races, they are usually attended by paddlers of various spiritual backgrounds.

Lewes is a maritime community. Our canal, bay and ocean are part of our town’s Life Breath. Our club is the only Hawaiian outrigger canoe club in Delaware. We do children's programs and send teams to disaster areas to bring hope and help with recovery and restoration.

The club’s home is in the First Town in The First State, another thing Lewes can be proud of!

We hope Lewes’ citizens and visitors will come to our beach and watch these thrilling canoe races Oct. 17!

Mahalo piha (heartfelt thanks),

Timothy "David" Schofield Jr. MSc, MACM,
Chaplain
Head coach
New Hope Canoe Club Ministry - Team Atlantic

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