OUTRIGGER PADDLERS GUIDEBOOK
Kent Island Outrigger Canoe Club (KIOCC)
Kent Island Yacht Club • Chester, Maryland
E Lauhoe Mai Na Wa'a A Pae Aku I Ka 'Aina
"Paddle As One Until The Shore Is Reached"
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| http://www.kiocc.com |
The Spirit of Aloha
by Kawika Sands
In the beginning A (pronounced "ahh"), the eternal light giver, created Namaka O Ka Hai (the great power of the sea). But A saw the seas were alone, so he freed the force Pele. Pele created the lands. To keep them above her jealous sister, she constantly renewed them. The people who found these lands named it Hawai'i hailing it as a place of blessed "alo" or "aloha" meaning "in the presence of A". Life in old Hawai'i was a spiritual experience. There was aloha everywhere; in the people, plants, animals, rocks and reefs. Even in the canoes and paddles and the tools used to make them.
Aloha means mutual regard and affection and extends warmth in caring with no obligation in return. It is the essence of relationships in which each person is important to every other person for collective existence. It's to hear what is not said, to see what cannot be seen and to know the unknowable.
It is this concept more than any other that distinguishes the Hawaiian culture. It also allows an outrigger canoe club and its members to grow and thrive. A club's leaders, more than any other, should understand, and be possessed of this concept. It is not enough to be in charge, one must lead by example. Aunty Pilahi Paki described in this unuhi laula loa (free translation):
| The Meaning of ALOHA | |
|---|---|
| Akahai: | kindness, expressed with a feeling of tenderness, |
| Lokahi: | unity, expressed with a feeling of harmony, |
| 'Olu'olu: | agreeable, expressed with a feeling of pleasantness, |
| Ha'aha'a: | humility, expressed with a feeling of modesty, |
| Ahonui: | patience, expressed with a feeling of perseverance. |
These are the traits that express the charm, the warmth, the sincerity, the generosity and the love of an intangible substance or spirit known to many in Hawai'i nei as "aloha".
Aloha no, a hui hou!
Kawika Sands
San Francisco
'A'ohe hana nui ke alu 'ia. (142)
"No task is too big when done together by all."
-from 'Olelo No'eau: Hawaiian Proverbs & Poetical Sayings by Mary Kawena Pukui.
Welcome to Our 'Ohana!
Every race is an occasion for the celebration of team spirit, the challenge of competition, the test of determination, and the solidarity of club pride.
'Ekahi, 'elua, 'ekolu... imua lokah!!
"One, two, three... onward together!"
'Ohana o ke kai!
"Family of the sea"
(KIOCC's spirit cheer).
Our Vision
KIOCC's philosophy focuses on perpetuating the Hawaiian culture and spirit through outrigger canoeing. We work hard to combine an appreciation for family, nature, community, and competitiveness while having tons of fun.
History
Founded in 1997, the Kent Island Outrigger Canoe Club (KIOCC) is hosted by the Kent Island Yacht Club, offering the finest venue for paddling on the East Coast, with easy access to the eastern Chesapeake Bay. KIOCC offers a warm 'ohana (family) to the sport of competitive Hawaiian outrigger canoe paddling.
In 1998, KIOCC entered its first season in the East Coast Outrigger Racing Association (ECORA), participating in the various races on the East Coast and hosting the first annual Kent Island Cup on Labor Day Weekend. In our second season, we added a second OC6, Force Five canoe and our race weekend grew from 5 entries to 15! This was a true testament to the development of the sport, the commitment of our team, and the support of Kent Island Yacht Club. In 2001 KIOCC introduced a new race format for the Kent Island Cup-a 35-mile around the island relay. 2001 also saw KIOCC members participating in the 50th Annual Moloka'i Hoe at the Senior Masters level. In September 2002, KIOCC entered its first masters mixed crew in the Catalina Island race.
In addition to the ECORA Racing season, KIOCC participates in events like the Wye Island Maryland Regatta, the Blackburn Challenge along Cape Ann, Massachusetts, and a variety of boating festivals to promote the sport and the spirit of aloha. The club has also received recognition in numerous publications from the Baltimore Sun to the Chesapeake Bay Magazine (December 2001).
Club Fleet
KIOCC currently fields two Force Five OC6 canoes:
- Maka Uli Kukana (Black-Eyed Susan) and
- 'Aina 'Olu Ola (Land of Pleasant Living)
as well as a Duke OC4 canoe:
- Pukini (Puddin') owned by Jim and Debbie Hall and shared with the club.
And our 2003 arrival - a Mirage OC6 canoe:
- 'Ohana O Ke Kai (Family of the Sea)
The club fleet also includes a number OC1s and an OC2, all of which are owned by individual members.
2007 Officers
Voting occurs in the fall for the following season. This allows the new president to attend the winter ECORA meeting.
PRESIDENT - Debbie Hall
The president's job is to call and run all meetings, collect dues and handle the treasury, and report KIOCC finances to its members.
Along with the vice-presidents, the president coordinates the Kent Island Cup, coordinates decisions concerning uniform and t-shirt designs, makes minor purchases and presents major purchase proposals to the members for vote, oversees the keiki and novice programs, coordinates equipment maintenance, and oversees the updating and maintenance of scrap book, web page, brochure, etc.
The president must be a Kent Island Yacht Club member. The position is a one-year term with no limit to the number of terms an individual may hold this office. All KIOCC members vote for this position.
VICE-PRESIDENT(S) - Tristan Stewart
The vice-president(s) handle(s) the administrative jobs for her/his respective crews, collect(s) race fees, and create(s), maintain(s) and distribute(s) team rosters.
Along with the president, the vice-president(s) coordinate(s) the Kent Island Cup, coordinate(s) decisions concerning uniform and t-shirt designs, make(s) minor purchases and present(s) major purchase proposals to the members for vote, oversee(s) the new paddlers, coordinate(s) equipment maintenance, and oversee(s) the updating and maintenance of scrap book, web page, brochure, etc.
The vice-president(s) is/are not required to be (a) Kent Island Yacht Club member(s), but members are preferred for this/these position(s). The position(s) is/are one-year terms with no limit to the number of terms an individual may hold this office. Recommendations for this position are presented to the club by the president and KIOCC members vote for the vice-president of their gender.
2007 Coach
COACH - Jim "Slicko" Hall
The coach is elected to design a practice plan for the season, act as coach, and turn practices and race decisions over to the steersmen when appropriate. The coach and steersmen are expected to run practice under the developed guidelines. The coach calls crew for each race and every attempt will be made to include those who are interested in racing. Priority will be given to those paddlers with the best technique and those that blend best with the rest of the team.
The position is a one-year term with no limit to the number of terms an individual may hold this position. All KIOCC members vote for this position.
IMPORTANT: Keep Slicko & your mates happy – get to practice on time!
2007 Practice Schedule
| Tentative Practice Schedule (call to confirm) | |
|---|---|
| March | Saturday & Sunday: midday, weather permitting. Scheduled by email. |
| April | Saturday: 10:00 AM – beginning April 1, 2006 Monday: 6:00 PM - beginning April 3, 2006 Wednesday: 6:00 PM - beginning April 5, 2006 As weather permits, notified by email. |
| May into September | Sunday: 10:00 AM - beginning May 21, 2006 Monday: 6:00 PM - Assigned Race Practice Tuesday: Off Wednesday: 6:00 PM - Assigned Race Practice Thursday: 6:30 PM - Women's Team Practice - beginning May 18, 2006 Friday: Off Saturday: 10:00 AM (some 9:00 AM) - Race Practice LONG (10 to 25 miles+) |
| September - March | Weekends: as weather and interest permit. Notified by email. |
Schedule Changes: As the summer starts to take hold and the bridge traffic starts to mount - we will adjust Saturday and Sunday times as necessary to avoid delays getting to practice - so be aware that a change WILL happen.
Once the season progresses we will add Tuesday and Thursday nights, which will be more geared toward sprints and interval training. Thursdays is most likely going to be video and race night.
Cancellation: Occasionally practice may be cancelled or rescheduled if the canoes are at a race or if weather prohibits safety on the water. Check the website, email, and make sure your cell phone is available for the phone tree.
Interval Training: tractor pulls, sprints, you know - the “fun” anaerobic stuff held during assigned race practices
New to Paddling or KIOCC: New paddlers, paddlers transferring from other clubs, and recreational paddlers are welcomed. FIRST TIME PADDLERS - SUNDAYS ONLY UNTIL OTHERWISE MOVED TO ANOTHER DAY AND TIME (probably 2 sessions or as viewed necessary)
Open Practice: open to all interested paddlers. Experienced team members are encouraged to attend open practices to help train new paddlers.
Team Bonding: After practice team bonding opportunities abound with food and beverage at KIYC or BYOF/B by tailgate or under a pavilion. Off-season we gather for food, fun, and any excuse will work for us.
2007 Race/Event Schedule
Dues cover the cost of liability insurance, canoe maintenance, club expenses, ECORA Club membership, and grounds fees for the season.
KIYC Members
$10 PER YEAR - KIYC members are still exempt from the bulk of the dues. This small fee covers your membership to ECORA.
NON-KIYC Members
$155 PER YEAR - breaks down to about $25 per month for a six month season, April through September. Should we paddle before April and/or after September, no additional fees are required. Team members are encouraged to pay in one lump sum. Your dues must be paid in full, for the current month, prior to participation in any race.
Dues will be pro-rated for paddlers who join us later in the season at about $25 per month based on the same six-month season. Those joining mid-month, will be assessed about $5 per week for that month.
New & Recreational Paddlers
The first 3 practices for paddlers are free. Paddlers who decide to continue on past these free practices can pay either $26.00 per month or $104.00 for the year. Once assigned to a competitive practice session, the amount already paid will be credited toward club dues.
Please make checks payable to KIYC/Outrigger and give them to Debbie Hall or Tristan Stewart.
Equipment
PADDLE: $120-$200
It is best to have everyone in the boat using the same style of blade. As a result we encourage new paddlers to purchase the Gillespie Standard 100. However, you will notice that not all of the competitive paddlers are using this. We are working towards uniformity, but are not quite there yet.
- Single vs. double bend: Some members use a single bend paddle while others use a double bend.
- Wood vs. carbon fiber vs. hybrid: Most team members use wooden paddles that weigh from 16-24 ounces. Others use carbon fiber paddles that weigh around 10 ounces. A newer paddle type is a hybrid with wood shaft and carbon fiber blade.
- Paddle Width: Most paddle blades are 9-9.5" wide.
To size yourself for a paddle, you need to sit in the position you are in the canoe. Sit on a hard flat surface with your feet bent. Raise one arm straight up into the air and have someone measure from the floor to the first joint at the top of your middle finger. Check out "Measuring for a Paddle" Xylo Bladz <www.xylobladz.com/measurepaddle.htm>. Be certain to ask other paddlers and try a few blades before you purchase one.
Gillespie paddles can be purchased from Pacific Rim Paddle Company <www.pacificrimpaddle.com> (we have their catalog, just ask) or directly from Brad Gillespie <www.gillespiepaddles.com>. He sells some used and discounted paddles.
STEERING BLADE: $120-$200
All paddlers will be asked to learn to steer the canoe. If you are assigned to steer on a regular basis, please purchase a steering blade.
HYDRATION SYSTEM: $20-$100
We paddle long distances. As a result hydration is a critical aspect of this sport. A break in your stride to hydrate is a disruption to the entire boat. It is just as important that you learn to take fluids while paddling as it is to learn the proper stroke. Please use your hydration system during practice. Loose water bottles sliding around the bottom of the boat are unacceptable.
Other Expenses
RACE FEES: $25-$50 PER EVENT
Currently, all race fees are the responsibility of the individual paddlers. Obviously, the total will be consistent with the number of races you enter. All race fees must be paid in sufficient time for our officers to submit the entry by the required date. Officers are not responsible for paying the total fee and collecting after the application is submitted.
TRAVEL & LODGING: $AS REQUIRED
We usually share hotel rooms to help defray the cost. Paddlers need to make the arrangements necessary to arrive in sufficient time for a race.
ENERGY FOODS: $AS REQUIRED
Gu and Power Gel, Power, Luna, and Cliff bars, Cytomax, Mannatech, and others. These foods are important on distance paddles to help you recharge and "stay in the boat." Most bars and gels cost a dollar each, although the cost goes down when purchased in quantity. Talk to experienced paddlers to get a better idea what works.
VACATION/ANNUAL LEAVE
Take the day off before the race!
There is more than just racing that needs to be done.
The boat needs to arrive the afternoon before, to be unloaded from the trailers, and rigged. One car will be asked to follow the trailer to each race venue and back. This helps with (a) lane changing and (b) flat tires.
It is wise to tape in your gels (Gu, Power Gel) the night before. Dew makes it difficult to do this in the morning.
If we are renting a boat to another team, we need to help them to ensure that (a) they will rent from us again and (b) our boat is rigged and handled appropriately.
We also need everyone after the race to unrig and load the canoes on the trailer.
Appendix 1 - What to Bring to Practice
Essentials
A change of clothes in case you are cold after practice, or in case we huli. There are showers at the yacht club. Ask someone for the code to get in.
| Paddle | Some times we forget the obvious! |
| Hydration system | Water bottles are fine in the new and recreational paddler crews. They are not okay in the competitive program. We paddle long and hard in the competitive program. You will need fluids and calories. |
| Food | Nutrition and healthy glycemic levels are important. Whether on long distance paddles or surviving tractor pulls, make sure you have a couple Gus or Power Gells with you. You may even want to carry an extra Power Bar in your hydration pack. |
| Hat and sunscreen | Be sun safe. |
| Shorts | Board and river shorts dry fairly quickly. Some of us wear Neoprene paddling shorts. |
| Shirts | While cotton is good, we recommend technical fabrics that keep you warm when it's cold and cooler when it's warm. Many of the women wear bikini tops, bathing suits, or jog bras, depending on the temperature. We have team Capilene® shirts for sale. When you are invited to move up to the competitive team, the women have selected a team suit fabric. Contact Deb Hall for more information. |
| Shoes | Most of us paddle barefoot as it allows you to "feel" the boat with your feet. A few wear diving booties or water socks. |
| Paddling Gloves | This is a personal preference. Some of us use them and some do not. |
Table of Contents 
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Who Does What and Why?
| Seat 1 | Stroke | Sets a consistent pace and keeps the strokes long; the rate varies from 60-70 strokes/minute depending on conditions. Has a natural sense of timing and rhythm and is aware of where the boat, the crew, and water are at all times. |
| Seat 2 | Supports seat 1 and keeps the opposite side of boat in sync by mirroring seat 1. Alternate to Seat 3 in calling changes. Watches the ama especially when the canoe is stopped. Like seat 1, has good sense of timing and can mirror the body movements of seat 1. Keeps 1 motivated. | |
| **Not only must the stroke rate set by seat 1 be matched by every paddler in the canoe, but the stroke form needs to be the same throughout the canoe. Entering and exiting the water at the same time ensures that power distribution remains equal and synchronized throughout the canoe.** | ||
Seat 3 |
Caller | Power seat. Calls changes, can alternate with Seat 2 if needed. |
| Seat 4 | Power seat. Watches the 'iako in rough water. Bails the boat when needed ("lowest" point of boat at 4). The heaviest and strongest paddlers keep the canoe stabilized. | |
| Seat 5 | Power seat, watches ama; may share bailing duties if needed. May assist in steering in rough conditions. All around paddler who is able to work in concert with steer. | |
| Seat 6 | Steersman | Boat captain when underway. Moves canoe in the desired direction, keeps crew focused and in time. Has excellent water skills and knowledge. Is responsible for overall boat safety. |
Other than change calls, all commands will be called by seat 6, the steersman (ho'okele). The steersman is in charge of the canoe at all times.
Steersman's Commands
"Paddles Up"
Seats 1 - 5 lift their paddles out of the water and rest them on your lap or across the gunwales.
"Paddles Across," "Paddles Set," "Paddle Easy," or "Hit"
This sequence occurs to get the canoe started.
- Paddles Across indicates that all paddlers should place their paddles across the gunnels on the correct side of the canoe-odd seats on the left, even seats on the right.
- Paddles Set indicates that seats 1 - 5 should lift their paddles in the set position.
- Paddle Easy means to begin paddling in time with seat 1. Paddle Easy is used for warm up, while...Hit is used to start a race.
"Hold Water"
Seats 1 - 5 place their paddles in the water perpendicular to the hull, holding the paddle in place to slow or stop the canoe. Brace against the hull and the gunnels.
"Back Paddle"
This is used for maneuvering the boat into position, usually when coming ashore or lining up for a race. Seats 1 - 5 paddle backwards in time. Be certain to turn your paddle so it is angled backwards. Your blade is stronger this way and you won't risk breaking it.
"Timing"
The steersman will call "timing" (makia = focus) when the paddlers' strokes are out of sync.
"Power 10"
The steersman calls for higher power strokes to get the hull speed up. These are limited to 10 strokes each side for the number of sets requested by the steersman.
"Kahe Hema" (Crab Left)
Seat 1, and sometimes 2, reaches out to the left, plants the paddle blade deep in the water, and pulls the bow to the left. This assists the steersman in getting the boat turned.
"Kahe Akau" (Crank Right)
Seats 1 and 2 pull the canoe to the left or crank the canoe to the right. DO NOT PULL TO THE RIGHT. YOU RISK HULI-ING THE BOAT!
"Uni"
This is the first of two commands used for racing turns around buoys or other obstacles. Seat 1 holds (i.e., pokes) his/her paddle at an angle against the right side of the canoe. This action will move the nose of the canoe to the left. Seat 2 pulls left at the same time. All other seats paddle normally.
"Kahe"
This is the second of the two commands used in a racing turn. Upon hearing the steersman call Kahe, seat 1 comes across from the right side to the left side and joins seat 2 in pulling (or "crabbing") left. As soon as the canoe is almost out of the turn, the caller calls a Hut and everyone except seat 1 switches sides. The caller then calls another Hut in 10 strokes or so, so seat 1 can switch sides and get relief.
Caller's Commands
The caller, or kahea, (typically seat 3) ensures changes are made from one side of the canoe to the other to keep the paddlers from overtiring. The steersman may override the caller at her/his discrepancy. For example, the steersman feels the need to avoid huli and calls, "hoe ama" (everyone paddle left side) or needs to get the hull speed up and calls "2 sets, power 10."
"HUT!"..."HO!"
KIOCC uses a one "hut" change call. The caller will holler a crisp "hut" to prepare the paddlers for changing paddling sides. On the next stroke, everyone says, "ho," and everyone switches the side on which they are paddling.
The call needs to be absolutely consistent. Some get bored saying "Hut!" and change it to "Heeup!" or some other noise. This is confusing to the other paddlers (...especially if they're concentrating on their perfect stroke and not "whuts fer dinner" or their girl/boyfriend and the great time they had last night/gonna have tonight, etc.).
"AN EFFICIENT TECHNIQUE IS THE KEY TO ENJOYABLE AND FAST OUTRIGGER CANOEING. MARATHON AND OUTRIGGER RACERS WHO HAVE NOT ONLY TO SURVIVE MULTIPLE-HOUR RACES BUT TO FINISH STRONGLY, HAVE LEARNED A LOT ABOUT TAKING EFFICIENT STROKES."
In any endurance sport efficiency is the key to getting the best results with the least amount of effort and of all canoeing, outrigger and marathon racing puts the highest premium on efficiency. Observing a canoe race, you'll notice the leaders go by looking relaxed and going fast. Sometimes they don't appear to be working very hard. Then the rest of the teams follow, each one going slower but appearing to be working much harder than the leaders. What's going on here? Do the leaders have a much faster canoe? The fact is, they are simply much more efficient in their technique than the teams which they are beating.
Outrigger canoe racing is an endurance sport. The leaders of a cross-country ski race or a runner in a marathon or triathlon appear to be gliding along with minimal effort. Their motions are just enough to get the job done without wasting precious energy. Hence the rule in endurance sports: WORKING HARD DOES NOT ENSURE THAT YOU ARE GOING TO GO FAST!
"You can take your paddle and attack the water with it, straining every muscle in your body, throwing up big rooster-tails behind you, or you can slice your blade into the water, anchoring it solidly and using your entire torso, pulling it smoothly and evenly with much better results.
"Not only is good technique energy-saving and fast, it is easy to learn because it is so simple. Part of the learning process requires that you have a clear picture in your mind of how a paddler moves the canoe through the water.
"THE CANOE IS BEING PULLED FORWARD THROUGH THE WATER UP TO THE PADDLE, WHICH ACTS AS AN ANCHOR IN-THE WATER (AKIN TO A MOUNTAINEER CLIMBING UPWARD WITH THEIR ICE AXE). THE CANOE IS BEING PULLED FORWARD NOT PUSHED."
(The above material is excerpted from the 1995 edition of Kanu Culture by Steve West)
Remember to use your body in the stroke. Most new paddlers are all arms, attempting to generate all the power with the relatively small biceps and triceps muscles of the arms rather than using, in combination, the muscles of the torso and back which are far larger and more capable.
Having a good understanding of the proper technique and applying all your muscle groups will ensure prolonged and powerful paddling. You also need to understand and learn the proper techniques of entering and exiting your paddle blade and how and when to apply power.
Stroke Technique
The stroke is broken down into three phases:
1. Catch Phase (Kau)
The catch is that portion of the stroke where you get the blade of the paddle into the water.
a. Lean slightly forward and using your stomach and back muscles rotate (twist) around your spine dropping your shoulder and extend the paddle forward keeping the shaft of the paddle parallel to the side of the canoe. (This twisting will enable you to use the larger and stronger muscles of your back and torso). Your lower arm should be fully extended with your elbow straight. Your top hand should be at your forehead with the arm fully extended and the elbow slightly bent.
b. Once you have extended the paddle (reach) place the blade cleanly in the water without stabbing or splashing. Do not start the power phase of the stroke until the blade is deeply in the water (this will cause cavitation and you will not get full power from your stroke).
If you slice the blade in cleanly and buried the whole blade in the water you will have a solid ANCHOR from which you can pull the canoe.
REMEMBER A CLEAN SILENT ENTRY IS THE BEGINNING OF A GOOD STROKE. RUN SILENT, RUN DEEP.
2. Power Phase (Huki)
The power phase is that portion of the stroke where you move the canoe forward.
a. Make sure your body is firmly positioned in the canoe to fully transfer energy from the paddle to the canoe. You do not want any extra movement in your arms that will absorb or deflect energy from moving the canoe forward. (This is accomplished by keeping your arms in the entry position.)
b. Push down and across your body with the top hand and untwist with an explosive movement driving down with your top hand and back on your lower hand to about your mid thigh.
c. Once your lower hand has reached your mid thigh release power and begin the exit.
3. Recovery Phase
The recovery phase is that portion of the stroke where you get the blade out of the water and back to catch for the next stroke.
a. Once the blade is at your mid thigh release power and either pull the blade straight out or slice it out to the side. This is done by rotating your top hand down similar to turning the steering wheel of a car.
b. Float the blade forward through an easy return to the start of the next stroke. Remember to feather your blade during times of strong head winds. You feather the blade by turning it parallel to the water during the recovery, which will reduce drag.
Remember, the recovery should be easier and slower than the power phase. There should be a 2 to 1 ratio between the recovery/catch and power phase. One beat for the power phase and two beats for the recovery and catch.
Helpful Hints
- Try paddling with locked elbows. This will force you to sit up and rotate. Add the minimum bend necessary to your arms for comfort later when you have mastered this.
- Try to keep a flat back and keep your chin up, this will afford the maximum oxygen uptake and will help keep your shoulder and neck muscles relaxed.
- Don't forget to get drive from your leading leg. Always keep the leg on your paddling side extended forward to help you brace - this means when you switch the paddle at a Hut, you must also switch which leg is forward.
- Keep your face muscles relaxed and remember to breathe! Breathing in synchronization with your paddling helps you maintain an even stroke.
- Keep your concentration in the canoe and remember that is it the thoughtful application of power that makes each and every stroke count.
- Concentrate on your stroke technique at all times especially when you get tired. Your stroke is the first thing that will fall apart once you start getting tired.
- Remember that the boat slows when the change is made, so make your last two and first two strokes on each side strong.
Safety First
The first and foremost rule of the club is to paddle safety. If there is any doubt about equipment conditions, water conditions, or paddler skills DO NOT TAKE ANY CHANCES. Stay ashore.
All paddlers must have a life jacket in the boat! Wear the lifejacket if it makes you more comfortable! If you are not a strong swimmer, be certain that the person paddling near you and the steersman are aware that you might need assistance if we huli.
Anyone with a medical problem that may arise during practice (including, but not limited to asthma, diabetes, heart complications, or special medication) needs to inform the coaches.
All paddlers must provide emergency contact information to the club officers. This includes name, relationship, and phone number.
Visually and physically inspect all the rope and snap lash riggings to be certain they are tight. Wet the rigging so the ropes will contract and tighten.
Two bailers should be in the boat. Tie the bailers to both 'iako so they do not float away if we huli.
The US Coast Guard requires that the canoe carry one PFD per person. Do not leave shore without them!
After practice is over, return the canoes to their tires, rinse off the canoes, especially the rigging, place the covers on the boats, and return the PFD's to the storage area.
Sooner or Later, You Huli
ALWAYS BE READY TO SWIM. DO NOT CARRY ANYTHING IN THE BOAT THAT YOU ARE NOT READY TO LOSE TO THE WATER (including wallets, pagers, jewelry, watches, clothes, cell phones, etc). Make no mistake about it, at some point in time you will find yourself in the water!
1. First and foremost, do not panic. Find your paired seat.
- Seat 1 and 2 find each other.
- Seat 3 and 4 find each other.
- Seat 5 and 6 find each other.
2. Collect paddles and hand them to Seat 1 (or Seat 6). It's particularly important to do this as soon as possible in rough or windy conditions.
3. The steersman is in charge.
- S/he will call for a headcount. It is imperative that the steersman account for everyone on the crew.
- Each paddler calls out their seat number in sequential order beginning with seat 1.
- Depending on conditions you may need to put on your PFD. If you want it on, put it on regardless of conditions!
4. If there are large swells, reposition the boat. Listen for directions.
5. Seat 1 collects the paddles, if possible.
6. Two people position themselves over the hull on the side opposite the 'iako to help pull the canoe over. The other two people are on the 'iako side to help lift the 'iako to turn the canoe over.
7. Once the canoe is righted, one person will get in and start bailing. Get back in the boat when the steersman tells you to. Do not hang on the boat while it is being bailed.
If we huli during a race, safety is the first priority. After that the steersman will be trying to get the boat going again quickly. Bailing needs to be done with a purpose. People may alternate bailing as arms start to tire. The steersman may have all but one seat start paddling as the last few inches are bailed.
Canoe Etiquette
It is believed that canoes have a life to them. Each has a distinct and separate personality on the water. The canoe is part of the team, and carries all paddlers safely onto the water and home again. We expect all paddlers to treat the canoes with respect and never take them for granted or treat them discourteously.
Never sit or lean on a canoe except in the designated seat area once the canoe is in the water. Even sitting in the seat on land can cause the canoe to crack. When canoes are lifted, be sure the ama and 'iako are supported and off the ground. Canoes should not be dropped, but set down lightly.
Don't step over the body of the canoe. If you need to move to the other side, walk around the canoe. It is a gesture of courtesy to the canoe to do so.
Canoe Parts
Photo courtesy Outrigger Rio Clube (Brazil) - www.outrigger.com.br
- aha (braided or twisted cord used in lashing the canoe)
- ama (float/ outrigger)
- hoe (a paddle; to paddle)
- 'iako (spars, boom)
- lupe (bow end of ama)
- kanaka (stern end of ama)
- kapua'i (part of 'iako between hull and ama)
- kua 'iako (portion of the 'iako lashed to the hull)
- kuamo'o (hull, keel)
- manu kupe (curved end pieces covering the fore and aft parts of the hull; to steer a canoe)
- manu hope (stern end piece)
- manu ihu (bow end piece)
- mo'o (gunwale)
- muku (ends of 'iako that extend beyond the hull)
- pale kai (splash board)
- pa'u (storm covers, spray skirts
- pikao (hull)
- wae (spreaders)
- wa'a (canoe, also va'a, waka)
- wa'a kaukahi (single-hulled canoe)
- wa'a kaulua (double-hulled canoe)
Rigging
Sennet, hand twisted from natural fibers, was the original cordage used to lash the 'iako to the ama and the main hull. While many lashing styles were used, the primary purpose was to ensure the canoe's safety. If lashings broke, they would not unravel because of the cord's interlacing and cinching.
Rigging is what keeps the main hull, the 'iako, and the ama together. An important part of paddling is to learn the culture. This includes learning traditional Polynesian lashing techniques. The KIOCC Force Fives and Duke are each primarily lashed using these methods. Secondary, or temporary, lashing can be made with modern snap-lashes. However, each paddler is expected to not only learn but to assist in rigging the boats. A video is available for team member use.
 'iako to wae and mo'o showing other important tools - tape measure, level, and line wax |
 'iako to ama showing a clean and strong connection in the final wrapping and knot |
Photos courtesy Outrigger Rio Clube (Brazil) - www.outrigger.com.br |
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Canoe Classifications
OC6 - Outrigger Canoe Six-Person
- Force Five
- Bradley
- Hawaiian Racer
- Malia
- Patterson
- Catamarany
OC4 - Outrigger Canoe Four-Person
- Duke
OC1 & OC2 - Outrigger Canoes: One-Person/ Solo & Two-Person
- Various Manufacturers/Models
Basic Vocabulary
- 'e'e: get in the canoes
- aloha: hello, goodbye
- anuenue: rainbow
- awa: harbor, port, cove
- hanohano: glorious, dignified, worthy of praises
- Hawai'i nei: alternate reference to Hawai'i; Lit. "this Hawai'i"
- heihei wa'a: canoe race
- ho'oama'a: train,work hard; practice
- ho'okele: attention
- ho'omakaukau: get ready
- hoe wa'a: canoe paddler, or to paddle canoe
- huki: pull, get into it
- huli: to turn or flip over
- ihope: backward
- imua: forward
- kahea: caller
- kahuna kalaiwa'a: canoe builder/carver
- kane: man
- kau: place, plant the blade
- Keneke Mokupuni: Kent Island
- le'ale'a: fun
- mahalo: thank you
- mo'olelo: history
- 'ohana: family
- 'okole maluna: bottoms up!
- paliuli: divine place
- pilialoha: friendship
- wahi paua: spiritual place
- wahine: woman
Hawaiian Voyaging Proverbs
Hana ka hoe, pa'a ka waha.
"Work the paddle, close the mouth."
Shut up and paddle - something we should all remember (and practice) while in the boat.
E kaupe aku no i ka hoe a ko mai. (319)
"Put forward the paddle and draw it back."
Go on with the task that is started and finish it.
E lauhoe mai na wa'a; i ke ka, i ka hoe; i ka hoe; i ke ka; pae aku ka 'aina. (327)
"Everybody paddle the canoes together; bail and paddle; paddle and bail, and the shore is reached."
Pitch in with a will, everybody, and the work is quickly done.
Ha'ule i ka hope wa'a. (489)
"Left in the aft of the canoe."
Said of one who comes last or is tardy.
Komo mai kau mapuna hoe (1836).
"Dip your paddle in."
Join in the effort.
Ho'okahi ka 'ilau like ana (1068).
"Wield the paddles together."
Work together.
E lauhoe mai na wa'a; i ke ka, i ka hoe; i ka hoe, i ke ka; pae aku i ka 'aina (327).
" Everybody paddle the canoes together; bail and paddle, paddle and bail, and the shore will be reached."
If everybody pitches in, the work is quickly done.
He po'e ho'opiha wa'a (897).
"Canoe fillers."
Useless people, like riders in a canoe who do nothing to help.
He hewa i Kapua ka 'auwa'a panana 'ole (1125).
"The fleet of canoes without a compass landed at Kapua by mistake."
Said of one who is off his course, mentally or otherwise.
Ola i ke ahe lau makani (2483).
"Life is in a gentle breath of wind." Said of a breeze on a hot day.
'A'ohe hana a Kauhikoa; ua kau ka wa'a i ke 'aki (139).
"Kauhikoa has nothing more to do; his canoe is resting on the block."
The work is done.
Hawaiian Voyaging Proverbs: selected from Mary Kawena Pukui's 'Olelo No'eau: Hawaiian Proverbs and Poetical Sayings (Honolulu: Bishop Museum Press, 1983).
Miscellany
Music
- Hawaiian 105 KINE [hawaiian105.com] (Honolulu, HI) - The Hawaiian music station
- KCCN FM 100 [www.kccnfm100.com] Honolulu, HI) - Hawai'i's favorite local jams
- KNBA 90.3 FM [www.knba.org] (Anchorage, AK) - Native American station with island music special on Sundays
Books
- Peter Buck. Arts and Crafts of Hawaii. Part VI, Canoes. Honolulu: Bishop Museum Press, 1957.
- Naomi Chun. Hawaiian Canoe-Building Traditions . Honolulu, HI. Kamehameha Schools Press.
- Tommy Holmes. The Hawaiian Canoe. 2nd ed. Honolulu, HI: Editions, Lmited, 1993.
- Ian MacMillan. Red Wind (Honolulu 1998).
- Samuel Kamakau, translated by Mary Kawena Pukui. Canoe Making, in Works of the People of Old: Na Hana a ka Po`e Kahiko. Honolulu: Bishop Museum Press, 1992.
- Polynesian Voyaging Society Collection. Canoe Terms. Kamehameha Schools Archives, 1960.
- Audrey Sutherland. Paddling Hawai'i & Paddling My Own Canoe. Rev. ed.. Honolulu, HI: University of Hawai'i Press, 1998.
- Henry Teuira and others. Voyaging Chiefs of Havai'i. Honolulu: Kalamaku Press, 1995.
Periodicals
- Kanu Culture [www.kanuculture.com] - annual paddling magazine
- Pacific Paddler [www.pacificpaddler.com] - da best monthly paddling magazine
Web Sites
- OC Paddler [www.ocpaddler.com] - news for outrigger paddlers worldwide
- Y2Kanu [www.y2kanu.com] - what's happening in Hawai'i
- Hawaiian H2O [www.hawaiianh2o.com] - links to clubs, products, events
- Hawaiian Language Web Site [www.geocities.com/~olelo] - Aunty D's top rated site
Food
- Lu'au King [www.luauking.com] - leis, poi, lomi salmon, and more
- Zippy's Restaurant [www.zippys.com] - local food, snacks, and other favorites
Congressional Representation
- Abercrombie, Neil (D) [www.house.gov/abercrombie] - 1st District, Hawaii (Honolulu and environs) - Democratic representative; ph: 202-225-2726.
- Akaka, Daniel Kahikina (D) [akaka.senate.gov] - Hawaii - Democratic senator; ph: 202-224-6361.
- Bordallo, Madeline - Guam - ph: 202.225.1188.
- Case, Ed (D) [wwwc.house.gov/case] - 2nd District, Hawaii (rest of the islands) - Democratic representative; ph: 202-225-4906.
- Faleomavaega, Eni - American Samoa - ph: 202.225.8577.
- Inouye, Daniel K. (D) [inouye.senate.gov] - Hawaii - Democratic senator; ph: 202-224-3934.
Top Ten Things We Don't Want to Hear in the Canoes
- Am I the only one paddling here?
- Your timing sucks!
- Is anyone steering this thing?
- Who invited him/her?
- Reach this!
- Where are we going?
- Who cut the cheese?
- Who threw out the anchor?
- I'm tired of hauling your ass!
- What's the ama doing over our heads?
Top Ten Signs You Know You're in Trouble
- Paddler #5 is slumped over his seat, passed out.
- Paddler #3 looks like she's stirring cream in her coffee.
- Everyone is leaning left and wearing life jackets.
- Your life jacket has a ten-pound weight attached.
- The DNR inspects your new beach and the Army Corps of Engineers shuts your launch ramp down.
- You pull into the parking lot and count six cars and see no canoe.
- You're on Rt-50 and people are playing Frisbee on the median.
- The stroker (or steersman) is blowing chunks.
- The Coast Guard is yelling, "You WILL put your life jackets on!"
- Moloka'i Hoe (or Na Wahine O Ke Kai) weather report: "Hot & Flat!"
