Paddling Safety

Hui O Mana Ka Puʻuwai CC Health and Safety Protocols

  • Kaʻaʻike pānaʻi (Transfer of Knowledge)

    Effective positive communication between club members enhances outrigger canoe paddling crew wellness and safety.

    Race Directors, club coaches, and division steerspeople share responsibility in communicating for safe paddling and club leaders want all members to advocate for keeping each other safe.

    Prior to paddling, coaches and/or steerspeople will brief ocean conditions. Safety precautions will be put in place to address potential hazards.

    Steerspeople in each crew division are responsible for making sure the canoe is rigged appropriately for ocean conditions and that all safety gear are in place. All crew are invited to steersperson meetings to assure that more than one crew member heard the race instructions to support the steersperson.

    In an OC 6 crew race, the steersperson is the spokesperson for the crew and will lead and direct during the race. A pre-brief is recommended to go over the race course and strategy along with huli drill reminders. It would be beneficial that a backup steersperson is appointed in case something happens to the primary steersperson.

    Everyone in the canoe is responsible for checking that the canoe is ready to paddle. Paddlers are expected to speak up if any safety concerns are noticed (refer to canoe safety and readiness).

    During races, race directors set race courses and monitor them for safety. Race committee will review race conditions and modify courses for safety as needed.

  • Kuleana (Responsibility)

    Individual crew responsibility includes:

    ● Know your seat role

    ● If you need help say so

    ● Be properly hydrated - bring hydration gear

    ● Wear PFD if needed

    ● Bring personal gear needed to support you during race

    ● Wear sunscreen and hat

    ● Treat open wounds accordingly prior to practice or race

    ● Notify the coach/steersperson of any health concerns that you have and are prepared with any prescription medications that you might need during paddling (seasickness, diabetic, need to wear PFD etc.)

    ● Know how to right a canoe-Huli drill

  • Mākaukau (Canoe Safety and Readiness)

    It is everyone’s responsibility to assure the canoe is safe and ready to be paddled.

    ● Paddlers should be maka’ala (alert, vigilant and watchful).

    ● The rigging needs to be intact and correct.

    ● The plugs need to be tightened.

    ● 2 bailers should be attached to the canoe.

    ● A spare paddle should be secured to the ʻiako.

    ● A cellphone or radio should be available for emergencies.

    ● A safety bag should be available for open ocean paddling.

    ● First aid and CPR training is recommended.

    ● Know your role in righting a canoe-Huli drill

ʻOhana (Family)

As a club, we embrace the Hawaiian values of love, support, and mutual care. Everyone in the club is equally important. 

Please treat each other with love and respect. In order for our club to get to the high performing stage, we will have to go through the stages of team development (forming, storming, norming and performing) and conflicts and disagreements might arise. 

Hui O Mana Ka Pu’uwai has two Sergeant of Arms who are available to mediate for conflict resolution (Ho’oponopono). We encourage paddlers to reach out to one of the officers and/or Sergeant of Arms if you would like support!