Safety

It is the responsibility of each paddler to adhere to the following rules. The rules are designed to promote safety for yourselves and fellow paddlers.

1. The Steersperson of each boat will ensure the following:

2. Each paddler will WEAR a life jacket until the water temperature is at least 60 degrees F or above. (October - May). THIS IS NOT OPTIONAL. 

3. During rough weather the outrigger should be kept at least 100 meters from the shoreline. If a huli occurs, this distance will allow time for the paddlers to right the boat and bail before hitting the shore or docks.

4. While in the cold water season (October - May) it is recommended that paddlers keep canoes in the Bay area for training. This is especially important in stormy weather.

5. Please use the sign out sheets on the notice board - stick to the destination you have written down. All paddlers must complete a small boat orientation before taking out OC-1's and OC-2's.

6. If you cannot swim or swim well make sure you notify your steersman (coach) and wear your life jacket.

7. Do not paddle in the dark.

8. Do not paddle alone if possible.

9. Wear a leash in the small boats.

10. Again, ensure the entire crew is familiar with the huli procedure.


HULI

In Hawaiian, the word "huli" means to turn over.

If you huli your canoe
First and foremost, count heads to make sure everyone is ok. Seat 6 is in command and gives all commands.
Check for partners: 1 and 2; 3 and 4; 5 and 6. If anyone is missing, seat 6 will assign a paddler to take two lifejackets and search for the missing paddler.

Next turn the boat back over
Position the boat sideways to the prevailing swell.
Seats 3 and 4 position themselves over the hull on the side opposite the ama to help pull the boat over (stand on the ends of the iakos)
Seat 1 collects the paddles swimming front to back.
Seats 2 and 5 position themselves at the ama, push down on the ama and then lift the ama to help turn the canoe over
Seat 6 controls the actions

When you have turned the boat over

Seat 5 gets back in the boat to start bailing
Everyone else should move to the ama sike and keep the boat steady.
Trade off bailing duties until the boat is at least 75 percent dry.
During this time seat 1 should be putting paddles back in the boat.
When the water is about ankle deep get back in the boat from the left (ama) side and begin paddling (don't worry about finding the "right" paddle. At this point only seat 6 needs the correct paddle for steering. For now, seats 1,2, and 3 paddle, seat 6 steers, and seats 4 and 5 KEEP BAILING.

Note: If you need to switch paddles later, turn to your left (ama) side when passing paddles back and forth.