Aaron Kagon
By Seth Rubinroit / Special to The Malibu Times
This profile on Pepperdine University’s men’s volleyball coach Marv Dunphy is one in a series on individuals in the community who are involved with the world of sports.
While many of his friends are lounging at the beach this summer, Aaron Kagon can be found far out on the ocean off the coast of San Pedro. Kagon, a 12-year-old entering seventh grade at Malibu High School, is an avid sailor with the Los Angeles Maritime Institute (LAMI). At least twice per month, Kagon participates in the Topsail Youth Program, where he learns to sail tall ships.
“We use the Sea to educate youth for Life,” the LAMI states on its Web site. Kagon has learned his share of lessons from the institute, and he takes pride in educating others. He helps teach schools, youths and nonprofit groups how to sail the tall ships, and has participated in fundraising efforts to help give underprivileged groups opportunities to enjoy adventures onboard the LAMI vessels.
How did you get into sailing?
I became interested in sailing when I was about five. I went on a sailboat for the first time, and I was hooked after that.
How did you find out about the Los Angeles Maritime Institute?
I found them when my mom was at a nonprofit conference, and met one of LAMI’s directors who invited us to go sailing with him.
What are your responsibilities on the ship?
Some of my jobs include unfurling the sails aloft on the mast, handling sails on the fore deck [the front of the boat] and being the helmsman, who steers the ship. Being a helmsman is not like driving a car. Well, maybe if a car was 100 tons.
What have you learned from your experiences as a sailor?
I have learned that teamwork is critical, especially when trying to set sails that weigh about 1,200 pounds.
Why would you recommend that someone get involved with LAMI?
I would recommend the program for people who are very adventurous, and who are not afraid of heights. I have learned many things you cannot learn in a classroom.
Over spring break, you were on the crew of the Exy Johnson, a 100-ton brigantine. What was that experience like?
The experience was exciting. It was fun teaching people who were over twice my age. It also was a big responsibility teaching people the right things to do, and not to untie lines [ropes] that should not be untied.
As you mentioned, you have taught older students how to sail a ship. Why is it important to you to pass your knowledge on to others?
It feels like age does not matter when teaching. I know a lot in this area, but I do not know very much about other subjects. It is also important because people will never know how to sail tall ships if more people are not taught. It is a dying art.
LAMI allows less fortunate students to come and learn how to sail these ships. How do they react when they have this experience?
The students mostly like the program. Some have never been on a boat before, and have had lives much harder than mine. Some are frightened on their first sail, but after awhile, they enjoy sailing.
What is the most frightening part of sailing tall ships?
The most frightening part of sailing is furling sails on the yards, which means being hooked up to a harness 80 feet above the deck.
What kind of reaction do you get when you tell people how you sail boats?
They are interested, curious about how everything works and wonder how young people like me get involved with olden-day activities such as this.
What are your other hobbies?
I like to draw pictures of boats, sail remote-controlled motorboats and play sea shanties on my accordion. I also enjoy reading the yachting magazines I subscribe to. In addition, I am a Boy Scout in Malibu Troop 224. I have a twin brother named Jacob who hates sailing.
What do you hope to do when you grow up?
I would like to go to the California Maritime College and be a captain on tall ships for a living. I w