We have during the past 3 years, experienced an almost ongoing continual intake of new members, most of whom did not previously belong to a Hawaiian outrigger canoe racing club. Indeed, a majority of our new members had not paddled Hawaiian outrigger canoes before joining our Club.

The ‘originals’ at Maui Canoe Club all belonged to Hawaiian outrigger canoe racing clubs where they learned through hard knocks and a lot of shouting on the beach from the coaches teaching what to do and what not to do. When we formed Maui Canoe Club we wanted it to be a kinder and gentler place that avoided shouting and harassment by coaches and other experienced and very competitive paddlers..

We achieved our objective to a large extent but with that said, new Maui Canoe Club paddlers have in many cases not been provided some vital training the lack of which is now emerging as a growing problem.... not a gigantic problem - but nonetheless, a problem.

From a training perspective -
as a new paddler, here’s some of what you need to know.

1. Everybody carries canoes (we use rollers) - there are no exceptions. If you have physical limitations, grab a seat anyway and do your little bit. When canoes approach the beach for a landing - without hesitation run down and help to bring the canoe ashore. Don’t just stand there waiting for a canoe ride with paddle in hand.

2. Get physically fit to the best of your ability. For many of us this means aerobic level exercise at least 5 days per week..... paddling, walking, jogging, swimming, etc. We are not providing canoe rides. Your Captains are going to be asking more and more from you in preparation for that day when sea conditions mean we need every canoe occupant to be a strong paddler. It’s a matter of crew safety. ETIQUETTE - continued....

3. It is you who decides whether the sea conditions are safe for you. Don’t wait to be assigned to a crew ready to launch then decide you would rather not paddle. When you arrive at the beach - take some time to look at the ocean and you decide whether you believe it is safe for you to paddle.

4. There is no perfect crew. Only the Captain decides whether his crew is able in consideration experience and paddling strength, and sea conditions. If a Captain is dissatisfied with the paddlers he is assigned - he will make changes or he will decide not to go onto the ocean. Trying to seat 36+ paddlers for a session at times is more art than science. Sure, we would like to seat spouses or friends in the same canoe but there are times when this is not practical - please don’t get into discussion or debate on this subject with whoever is managing the beach - it’s not helpful.

5. Never ever enter into a debate with a Captain - on the water this behavior can endanger the whole crew. When sea conditions are at all challenging - don’t talk period. If you have issues, save them until your canoe is safely situated back on the beach - then, ask the Captain for a ‘de-briefing’ with the whole crew participating. Don’t gossip after the fact about who did what - it’s not helpful. Keep your complaints within your crew and leave them behind on the beach when you go home.

6. Be nice and respectful when dealing with your Captain - without him, you don’t paddle. Each Captain has the absolute right to decide whether you occupy his canoe. Serving as a Captain is a very onerous responsibility - your Captain is trained to a standard second to none in the Hawaiian outrigger paddling community on Maui. Take time to read the Safety Checklists published on our Club website to get an appreciation of the full protocol that governs our Captains’ behavior.

7. When the canoe comes ashore, the Captain remains in command until the canoe is placed back on the tires or until it is turned over to another Captain. The Captain decides where to place the rollers and when to move or stop the canoe or when and how to rotate the canoe after a bow-first landing. Instructions by other are not helpful. ETIQUETTE - continued....

8. During whale season - swimming is restricted - a potential $10,000 fine for an offence is a deterrent. Swimming from the canoe at any time requires your Captain’s permission - ask. And remember - whenever the canoe stops or swimming is underway - crew sit on the port gunwale or i’ako to reduce the risk of a huli.

9. If you tire during a paddling session and/or you need to hydrate - simply say “seat 4 out” and stop paddling for however long you need (keep in mind we are not hauling freight or providing canoe rides). When recovered - simply say “seat 4 in” and resume paddling. Always bring water to drink - at least 1 pint for each hour of paddling. If you don’t hydrate regularly - you can become a burden to your crew.

10. Arrive at the Club site at least 10 minutes before the scheduled launch time. Paddlers who arrive after we set crews may be asked to wait for the next session. Full members have priority rights on seats until crews are set - thereafter, Provision Members have equal rights and should not be bumped.

11. Keep the canoes clean. Before your canoe is put back on the tires, wash the interior with seawater and bail it out. Work as a crew to clean the canoe, to move the canoe onto the tires, to cover the i’ako , and to cable lock the canoes and rollers. We are a Club operated 100% by volunteers - everybody is expected to help.

12. During the winter season especially, we educate many mainlanders and others from far away places to paddle Hawaiian outrigger canoes - it is our kuleana. Make all newcomers feel welcome on our beach and in our canoes - you’ll be the better for the experience. Help with the waiver paperwork; help with teaching newbies how to get into the canoe and how to paddle; help to give out the paddles. We are a Club operated by 100% volunteers - don’t wait to be asked - just pitch in and help.

13. We respect the Hawaiian culture. We never sit on or sit in a canoe while it is on the beach unless we are giving instruction. We never cross over a canoe - we walk around it to get to the other side. We never drag a canoe on the beach - we carry it or use rollers for the whole journey. ETIQUETTE - continued.... We give our canoe operating commands using the Hawaiian language. The names of our canoes are in Hawaiian (one is Tahitian). We always situate our canoes with the bows facing the ocean - ready to fight to defend our beach. We never put the blade of our paddle in the sand.

14. Hawaiian outrigger canoe paddling is a physically demanding activity and it can result in injuries and even death - read the waiver of liability you signed. On one hand, we make ever effort to mitigate danger through training but with that said, the activity is at least as risky as downhill skiing. We paddle from time to time in very rough seas and wind and surf conditions and we make no apologies for that. For some of us, challenging sea conditions are part of the thrill; for others it is not their cup of tea.

I recall a day at our beach when the waves were crashing, the wind was whistling, and the surf was up. A couple of dozen of us were watching ocean in amazement - when along comes one of our most experienced Captain/surfer and says - “any strong paddlers want to play?” Almost instantly, there were 5 volunteers and away they went and they had a blast. This Captain decided it was an opportunity - each of the crew members made a personal decision to participate - that’s the way we operate.

Aloha

PS. Kuleana (Hawaiian) is one’s personal sense of responsibility. A person high in this value will be quick to say, “I accept my responsibilities, and I will be held accountable.” As a value Kuleana speaks the workplace language of self-motivation, effective delegation, ownership, empowerment, and personal transformation. Pronunciation Guide: Kuleana (Koo-lay-ah-nah)

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