First Time Joys on the Water:
How Barbie and Katrina Found Their Way to Winds & Waves Weekly
Sixteen-year cancer survivor Barbie Walla Omernik is no stranger to embracing life. Ever since her diagnosis and recovery, she and her daughter Katrina Mleziva have lived by a simple but powerful mantra: “When was the last time you did something for the first time?” It’s a question that’s guided them to everything from road trips and parachute jumps to scuba diving and rugged hikes - but neither imagined it would one day land them on a sailboat.
Earlier this year, Katrina moved back to Green Bay after several years living and working in Florida. Looking for ways to reconnect with the community - and maybe meet a few adventurous souls - she spotted an ad for the Open House at Windjammer’s Yacht Club. With nothing to lose and plenty of curiosity, she attended.
That’s where Katrina first encountered the crew from Green Bay Sail & Paddle. Among the smiling volunteers and friendly conversations, she was offered a chance to ride on a Hobie Wave catamaran. “Why not?” she thought. She climbed aboard and, within minutes, felt the kind of joy that only a new experience can bring - sun on her face, wind in her hair, and water stretching out in all directions.
Later that day, she called her mom. “You’re going to love this,” Katrina said, sharing every detail. For Barbie, that was all it took. She signed them both up for Winds & Waves Weekly, Green Bay Sail & Paddle’s summer sailing class that welcomes people of all skill levels – every Monday night for the entire season.
The surprise? They always thought sailing meant you had to buy a boat - something expensive, complicated, and out of reach. But learning to sail on someone else’s boat? That was real freedom. No maintenance, no mooring fees - just pure experience.
Now, every week, mother and daughter find themselves back on the water - laughing, learning, and soaking up the moments. They both agree: Green Bay Sail & Paddle is a hidden gem and a true asset to the community. It’s opened up a whole new world that was sitting right in their own backyard.
Because for Barbie and Katrina, staying young isn’t just about age. It’s about saying yes to something new. And this summer, that something was sailing.
