Experimental Paddle Day information

• We practice at Lexington Reservoir in Los Gatos (see map to the right) at the public boat ramp
• Everyone is welcome to try out for up to 2 times in a period of 2 weeks before becoming a member
• Please wear comfortable clothes that are suitable for water. Regular shoes will not be allowed in the canoes due to safety reasons. Water shoes or flip flops are ok.
• Please arrive time for practice to receive safety & paddling instructions
• We highly encourage you to reserve a slot via the calendar below sp we can secure a slot. We can take walk-ins but these will be based on availability of seats at the day
• Please click in the Event Calendar then click in the date you would like to join. Please read the description for the event and notice that we have limited seating in the canoes. You will then need to email us at kamaliiokekaiofficers@gmail.com so that we can confirm we have a slot available for you. This process will all be done via emails so please inquiry with at least 2 days notice. We look forward to meeting you!

Safety Protocol

Safety Procedures and Requirements

• The canoe shall have a Personal Floatation Device (PFD) per paddler.

• Wear the PFD if you feel it necessary and non-swimmers are highly recommended to wear PFD’s all the time.

• Every OC6 must have two bailers and a dry bag safety kit with a VHF radio, and First Aid kit secure in the canoe.

• All Paddlers with the limited experience must be integrated within an experienced crew

• If you have a new or pre-existing medical condition you must be approved by your General Practitioner to say that outrigger canoeing will not impact or worsen your medical condition.  Notify the coach or the board of directors

• Sun protection:  As we are on the water during daylight hours,  KOKK recommends wearing sunblock that is suitable for swimming/sweat, wearing long sleeve rash shirt, hat and sunglasses.

• Hydration:  Hydration is very important in our sport.  All paddlers are highly encouraged to stay hydrated when participating of KOKK activities.

• Hypothermia:  Hypothermia is a concern when paddling in cold/windy conditions or when your body cools down after a race.  KOKK highly recommends that all individuals stay warm when participating of KOKK activities.

• Huli Procedure:  All paddlers will be trained in Huli procedures, so they are prepared with knowledge and understanding on how to recover.  A Huli is when the outrigger looses balance and capsizes into the water.  This can happen with little or no warning.  Causes may include paddlers moving their weight side to side with paddle changes, wave and wind conditions under the ama. Remain calm, think, and act accordingly. Seating position duties- this is just a guide, if a situation does occur, the steerer will call instruction on who to do what role. As it depends on paddlers experience, strength and ability.
• Seat 1 Responsible for gathering paddles and personal gear (paddles, drink bottles etc.) that might be floating away.
• Seat 2 Along with seat 5, you are to swim to the ama and in timing with seat 3 & 4 as they lift the canoe, you are to push the ama up out of the water using a scissor kick for power.Seat 3 Along with seat 4, you are to climb over the canoe and lift the ‘lakos’(arms attaching the hull to the outrigger) to flip the canoe over to the correct side.
• Seat 4 See seat 3. 
• Seat 5 See seat 2.
• Seat 6 When the Huli has just occurred, you are responsible for making a head count to insure all paddlers have surfaced and are ok. You then give instructions to help flip the canoe back over. You are to look out for any dangers and make decisions to keep your team safe. 
• Once the canoe has been flipped over, seats 2 and 4 will enter the canoe and start bailing the water out. All other paddlers are to be hanging onto the canoe to keep safe.  Seat 1 can add all paddles and equipment back into the boat.  Do not try to bail from outside of the boat. Bailing is most efficient done in a seated position with a swinging action, scoop and throw. It is best to bail as fast as you can, so that when the boat is half empty of water, everyone can jump back in the and paddle to safer water conditions if needed.

Video of Huli drill (YouTube)

Club Code of Conduct

We believe that, in creating a team, we are doing more than just paddling together.  We are working to build community by creating and environment that is safe for all members to celebrate their shared passions.  As such, we are committed to protecting this environment through our Code of Conduct.  Each member is required to acknowledge the Code of Conduct before the season begins, and must abide by the Code of Conduct throughout the entire season.  Violation of the Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action including suspension-either temporary or permanently as determined by the Board of Directors.

I WILL:

• Treat myself, fellow club members, competing club members and the general community with respect, honesty, fairness and aloha.
• Avoid any situation which may lead to or be misconstrued as a conflict of interest.
• Accept responsibility for my actions and decisions.
• Not use profanity, vulgar language or demeaning comments.
• Participate in and support all club events and assist fellow members to the best of my ability.
• Be on time for training.
• Assist others in the launching, storage and cleaning all of club equipment.
• Respect the coach's instructions, decisions and have a positive outlook when receiving constructive criticism
• Pay my dues prior to participating in any club activities and events.
• Attend scheduled practices and notify my coach or an officer of the club when not able. 
• Not act in such a way that will reflect poorly upon The Club or the sport of outrigger paddling. 
• Show respect for the environment, especially the waterways on which we paddle.                                                                                                                

All members acknowledge that, having read and committed to each Code of Conducts above, they agree to adhere to these rules at all practice, races, fundraisers, other club events, or when representing the club in public.  

I understand that I will be held accountable for my behavior and that any violations of the above Code of Conduct may present ground for exclusion from club activities and events, suspension of membership or expulsion from the club.