Vocabulary: (see canoe parts photo)

1. 1. Ama – the outrigger on the canoe
   2. ‘iako – the bars that hold the ama to the va’a
   3. Muku – the ends of the ‘iakos that extend beyond the hul of the boat, opposite the ama side
   4. Gunnel – the lip or edge of the hull
   5. Hull – the curved inset of the canoe where people sit inside 
   6. Manu hope – stern end of the canoe
   7. Manu ihu – the bow end of the cane
   8. Huli – the va’a capsizing
   9. Va’a – the canoe
   10. Une – to lever, the action to turn the canoe
   11. Kahi – to cut, usually to cut in the same line as the canoe
   12. Ho’omaukaukau – are you ready, get ready 
   13. Imua – move forward
   14. Pa – hit the water and start the stroke strong
   15. Hoe – to paddle, paddle

Each va’a has a distinct personality/spirit and it will be different on the water compared to other canoes. The va’a is named after the fallen. 

The va’a is part of the team and protects/carries everyone in it. Be respectful and conscious of what mana (power and energy) is put into the va’a. 

Respect Tips

1. 1. When the va’a is lifted. make sure the ama is supported and off the ground to avoid cracks and breakage.
   2. Va’a should be carried and gently placed on the ground to avoid issues. 
   3. Enter the va’a on the left unless you are an adaptive paddler that needs a wheelchair transfer.
   4. Don’t step over the va’a.
   5. Wet the ama once it is in the water
   6. Respectful language in and around the va’a.
   7. Give mana to the va’a and it will care for you and your crew.

General Seat Jobs – be open to fluidity to accommodate our population’s changing needs.

1. 1. Seat 1: pace maker and timing guide, look out for objects in the path of the va’a.
   2. Seat 2: calls the changes, works with seat 1 to set the pace and length of the stroke by feeling the glide of the va’a (adaptive paddler)
   3. Seat 3: monitors the balance of the boat and keeps the paddlers paddling on the right side, ama watch
   4. Seat 4: power, monitor to maintain boat balance, bailer, sits on ama in times of need
   5. Seat 5: power, maintain boat balance and assist steersman if difficult water conditions (adaptive paddler)
   6. Seat 6: steersman, responsible and liable for the boat. Keeps the crew motivated, focused and in time with each other. Calls minor technique changes in the boat.

General Huli Drill – be open to fluidity to accommodate our population’s changing needs.

1. 1. Huli prevention- enter canoe from ama side, never stand in canoe, hula hips, don’t lean right, watch ama in choppy conditions, know the rigging of the boat, keep body centered, look over left side or ama side. 
   2. To ensure a safe and efficient recovery from a huli or capsize in the six-person outrigger canoe, paddlers must be knowledgeable on the following steps. 
   3. The boat has capsized. Check that the people around you are OK. 
   4. The captain should call out all the seat numbers to ensure all are well. 
   5. Each seat number has a job to do: 
      1. Seats 1 and 6 are to collect the paddles. 
      2. Seats 2, 3, 4,5  will make sure all paddlers are out of the va’a, especially the adaptive paddlers that are strapped to the backrest (in general the person in front of the adaptive paddler helps release the paddler from strapping in the boat)
      3. Seat 2 will go to the ama. 
      4. Seats 3 and 4 go over the hull of the boat by stepping on the ‘iakos then placing their feet on the mukus on the opposite side of the boat. They lean over the hull and grab on to the ‘iakos. 
   6. When the team is ready, seat 2 pushes the ama into the air; seats 3 and 4 pull the ‘iakos up and over the hull; seats 1 and 6 either steady the boat in the waves or assist on the ama (depending on weather conditions) while holding onto the paddles. 
   7. Once the boat is upright, seats 3 and 4 stay with the ama pulling their bodies out of the water onto the ‘iakos at the ama end; seats 2 and 5, and 1 and 6 get into the boat and start bailing right away. If an adaptive paddler cannot recover into the boat, the paddler will need help or get rescued from the escort boat. 
   8. Seats 3 and 4 get into the boat once it is more stable. Always bail and lean left. Paddle to safety if required.

Adaptive Equipment, Rigging, General Positioning, Paddling:

Because all of our participants have varying abilities, the equipment used will vary amongst different participants. Get to know the techniques to unstrap someone before leaving shore. At least 2 people for each adaptive paddler should know how to unstrap the adaptive paddlers in the boat.

1. 1. Seating – back rests, positioning, skin protection, strapping, ratchetting
   2. Paddle – gloves, taping technique
   3. Paddling – hit, power, exit, recovery
   4. Commands – changes, start, stop, back paddle, get ready, timing, power 10, uni, kahe 
   5. Transfers with chair and transfer board, fireman’s carry
   6. Risks of paddling – back/neck injuries, drowning, collisions, lost, marine encounters
   7. General – hydration, gear, sun protection, skin protection, warm-up, cool-down

Communication and Conditions

1. 1. Inform steersperson of medical conditions (seizure, heart conditions, temp regulation).
   2. Promote the least restrictive environment by empowering people to trust their ability and do what they can do. Communicate with participants their comfort and positioning before leaving shore. 
   3. Cognition – use simple direct language, make sure communication is reliable, check for jumpers or other risky behaviors.
   4. Motor – coordination, timing, grip, strength, balance
   5. Sensory – temperature regulation, vestibular, visual and tactile triggers
   6. Psychosocial – fears, panic, anxiety, distracting behaviors, directed behaviors
   7. Communication – deaf, simple directions, non-verbal, gestures,