Canoe Safety

Outrigger Canoe Safety

Check Your Boat!

Before the canoe is put in the water, do a visual and physical inspection of the rope riggings. Ensure that they are tight. Try to wet the rigging so the ropes will contract and get tight. If you find your rigging is loose at all, notify your steersman. Check your ‘iako for cracks or structural weakness. Check that bulkhead and ama plugs are in and tight.

Check that you have at least two bailers per boat. Each crew must be responsible to check to see that they have bailers in the boat before leaving the dock or shore. Tie at least one bailer to a rope on one of the ‘iako. If any of the canoes need rigging before practice, all paddlers should help.

Personal Safety and Security

You should know how to swim at an intermediate level before paddling. If you cannot swim or cannot swim well, make sure you notify your coaches and wear your lifejacket. And make sure you remind them occasionally.

You should not wear or carry anything in the boat that you are not willing to give to the river, lake or ocean. If the boat should huli, everything goes into the water. Car keys, slippers, bracelets, watches, earrings, water bottles, and money has all been lost after a huli.

Content sourced from Kai Ikaika Paddling Club