Development of OSC’s Steering Corps
The objective of the program is to provide a comprehensive course for novice, intermediate, and experienced paddlers. This course includes lectures and logged hours on the water in an OC6, covering key areas such as responsibility, techniques, safety procedures, ocean awareness, racing strategies, equipment management, and skill development across diverse ocean conditions.
Accredited steerspeople (AS) will volunteer to help support/facilitate the lecture series, OC6 steering sessions, huli recovery practices, orientation meetings/paddles, and be a representative of the Steering Corps to the Board of Directors.
Text and Resources: Outrigger Canoeing, The Art and Skill of Steering by Steve West; Kanu Culture Publications; available for purchase. Additional video resources are offered on the OSC website
Lectures: Lectures are scheduled to take place in person, with possible access via Zoom pending confirmation. Place and time TBD.
Equipment: The Club provides a limited number of steering blades for individual practice. Each student is required to bring a personal steering blade of the appropriate size to all classes and paddling sessions. Mentors will assist any Steersperson in Training (SIT) in selecting the suitable steering paddle.
Log: SITs are asked to record their steering experiences, including date, time spent on the water in seat 6, crew members, water and weather conditions, challenges faced, and questions for any AS. These entries will be reviewed with an Accredited Steersperson Mentor (ASM) through in-person, phone, or classroom meetings. Sample log
OC6 Steering Time: Group steering practice takes place at scheduled times, with priority given to SITs and current ASs. Remaining seats are available to others interested in steering. Additional practice can be arranged by participating in other OSC groups or reserving a canoe via the OSC website or emailing leurs56@gmail.com.
Water practice will consist of two-hour paddling sessions. During the session, every crew member will rotate through all seating positions, ensuring that everyone experiences seat 6. This rotation not only maximizes individual and team development but also guarantees a challenging fitness paddle for the entire crew.
Steering Lecture Series
Open to all members – OSC TeamSnap signups
Prior to each lecture, there will be a short, round table discussion for current ASs and registered SITs.
#1(Date/Time)
Topics: Course description; club expectations, steerers responsibilities, accountability, liability; steerer profile; steering paddles, steering strokes, commands and communication; risk management, equipment check, dry bag, bailers, radio, pre-launch huddle (paddler check-in, life jackets), launching & retrieving OC6 back to site.
#2 (Date/Time)
Topics: Safety; incident reporting, huli recovery (practices & prevention drills), crew setting, captaining, beach launch/landing, general water conditions.
#3 (Date/Time)
Topics: Evolution of canoe design, canoe types; components and accessories; rigging materials; rigging know-how, rigging process (lashing, lashing with rubbers, quick straps); steering blades.
#4 (Date/Time)
Topics: The Physics of the Hawaiian Canoe; How Ocean Forces Effect Steering Decisions or Na Wahine 2012; local marine currents & conditions
#5 (Date/Time)
Topics: Race strategies (long distance, sprints, change races), turns; additional equipment (seat
padding, bailers, spare paddles, huli recovery rope); covers; tow rope, rigging box
Steering Orientation Meeting
Open to all members – OSC TeamSnap signups
- Objective: Outline the roles and responsibilities of the steersperson
- Provide an overview of OSC’s steering program and accreditation process
- Facilitate a question-and-answer session
- Duration: 1 hour
- Keynote speakers: Program facilitators, Steering Coordinator, Safety Officer, Head Coach
Steering Orientation Paddle (1x)
Open to all who attend the Steering Orientation Meeting – OSC TeamSnap signups
- Orientation meeting and follow-up paddle occur on the same day or within the same week as the steering orientation meeting.
- After completing this paddle, those interested in becoming a SIT can approach the Steering Coordinator.