Outrigger Santa Cruz actively trains new and developing steerspersons, with practice opportunities provided at the discretion of club and program leaders. For safety, everyone in the canoe should be capable of steering in an emergency, and paddlers in seats 1, 2, and 5 often assist the steersperson in seat 6. For this reason, every member is encouraged to attend training workshops. Club-wide steering competency is essential, and coaches encourage members to practice steering from multiple seats whenever conditions allow. The desire to learn to steer is at one’s own discretion and self-regulating. The pace of moving forward with the skills and acquired knowledge of seat 6, is set by the individual.
Steering an outrigger canoe is more than a skill—it’s a responsibility, an honor, and the heartbeat of every successful crew. As the steersperson, you set the course, protect the boat, and guide your team through changing winds, shifting swells, and moments that demand absolute focus. Whether you’re learning your first correction stroke or mastering the subtle art of reading the ocean, this is where confidence is built, leadership is fostered, and courage meets calm. Welcome to the seat where power, precision, and purpose come together one stroke and one decision at a time.
Given the steersperson’s responsibility for the safety of all crew and club property, only those who have earned formal accreditation are permitted to steer an Outrigger Santa Cruz six-person canoe. The sole exception is when an accredited steersperson is providing Indirect Supervision, including from a nearby canoe. A coach may request an accredited steersperson to provide indirect Active Supervision as long as the accredited steersperson agrees.
Accredited steerspersons (AS) with less than one year of accreditation should not supervise or mentor a Steersperson In Training (SIT) or other non-accredited steerspersons.
Incident Report Form
The incident report form is intended to be completed within 24 hours of an incident to capture accurate, timely details about any event that results in injury, damage, or potential risk. Please provide complete and factual information to help ensure proper follow-up, support, and corrective action can be achieved. Anyone can complete the incident report form including non-members. The form is confidential and only shared with members who have a need to know.
Steering Support Program
The Steering Support Program is designed to guide paddlers at every level—novice, intermediate, and experienced—through a dynamic, hands-on learning journey. Participants gain knowledge through focused lectures and logged OC6 water time, building confidence in core areas such as responsibility, technique, safety, ocean awareness, racing strategy, equipment care, and skill development across a wide range of ocean conditions.
Steering Accreditation
Steering accreditation for a traditional outrigger canoe is more than a credential—it’s a commitment to safety, skill, and cultural respect. Earning it means you’ve demonstrated the ability to understand the wind, waves, and crew, guiding the canoe with confidence while honoring the traditions that shape the sport. Accreditation ensures that every steersperson understands proper technique, emergency response, and the responsibility they carry at the back of the canoe. It’s an achievement that says you’re not just steering a boat—you’re safeguarding a crew, preserving a heritage, and helping keep the spirit of outrigger paddling strong for generations to come. If you are interested in becoming an accredited steersperson, please click on the following link to access the document: Steps for becoming an Accredited Steersperson.
Roles and Responsibilities
The roles and responsibilities outline who is accountable for each part of the steering accreditation process. Click the link below to access the document: Roles and Responsibilities for Becoming an Accredited Steersperson.
For a more detailed description of an Accredited Steersperson Mentor (ASM) Duties, view: Accredited Steersperson Mentor (ASM)
For a more detailed description of an Accredited Steersperson Evaluator (ASE) Duties, view: Accredited Steersperson Evaluator (ASE)
Steersperson In Training (SIT) Log
As a Steersperson In Training (SIT), you are highly encouraged to maintain a log of your progress. Your ASM (Accredited Steersperson Mentor) may want to periodically view your log. A blank log can be accessed at the following link: Steersperson In Training Log.
Steersperson Roster
To view the list of Accredited Steersperson Mentors (ASM), Accredited Steersperson Evaluators (ASE) and Accredited Steerspersons (AS), go to the OSC TeamSnap Roster. Each member that is accredited is listed in the “# / Position” column.
Steering Endorsements
Once you have earned your steering accreditation, you may pursue additional endorsements to steer the Double Hull (DH) Canoe and/or Unlimited (UL) Canoes.
For a list of Accredited Steerspersons who have achieved a UL and/or DH designation, please go to the OSC TeamSnap Roster. Each Accredited Steersperson who is endorsed, will have a UL and/or DH listed in the “# / Position” column.