About Coach Phil

Philip Diehl began paddling in 2000 at the age of 12 while growing up in Redondo Beach, where the sport quickly became a lifelong passion. He started his paddling journey with Lanakila Outrigger Canoe Club as a keiki, training alongside Danny Ching under the guidance of Danny, his father Al Ching, and his uncle Josh Crayton. By 17, Philip had already stepped into coaching with the Lanakila Juniors, where he discovered his passion for developing athletes and passing on the traditions of outrigger canoe.

While attending San Diego State University, Phil balanced his studies with paddling, training with Kai Elua, San Diego Outrigger, and Hanohano depending on his schedule. After graduating, he joined Oceanside Outrigger, where he has coached the men’s program since 2012, helping the crew grow in depth, skill, and competitiveness.

Beyond his club coaching, Phil has contributed to the wider paddling community in many ways. In 2014, he co-coached Team SD with Chris Hill for the Moloka‘i Hoe, ran technique camps across San Diego County, and launched SoCal Va‘a to support the sport’s growth year-round.

Most notably, Phil was named the Team USA coach for the Boys U16 and U19 divisions in 2025, a role he continues to hold. Guiding the next generation of athletes on the international stage, he is committed to developing young paddlers and ensuring Team USA remains competitive at the highest level.

In addition to his practical coaching experience, Phil has spent the last three years making training theory a personal focus. Entirely self-taught through books, podcasts, and ongoing study, he has immersed himself in modern approaches to endurance, strength, and recovery—bringing evidence-based strategies into his coaching to better serve athletes.

With decades of experience both on and off the water, Phil continues to bring passion, knowledge, and a strong sense of community to every paddler he works with. His philosophy centers on building strong fundamentals, fostering teamwork, and helping athletes reach their fullest potential while keeping the joy of the sport at the core.