Tahoe Truckee Outrigger

Tahoe Truckee Outrigger

Club safety guide.

Info culled from other club documents

Huli

Avoid this if possible with the following preventative measures:

Huli line (When surfing).

Steersman’s responsibility.

2 and 4 responsibility.

Waves.

Changes (know what side you are on).

Capsize/recovery of the 6-person outrigger canoe

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.

The boat has capsized. Sometimes hulis do happen. If it does:

Personal safety first:

1. Exit the boat on starboard side (non-ama side), protect your head with your hand and stay under for 2 to 3 seconds.
2. Come to the surface with your hand over your head for protection (on the port side upside down, i.e. ama side).

3. Check for your “buddy”. Check that you and the people around you are O.K.

The steer’s person should call out all the seat numbers to ensure all are accounted for.

If anyone is missing check the other side of the hull first.

If the person is still missing then check under the hull a.s.a.p.

Coordinate the team and get this done fast!

Each seat number has a job to do:

• Seat 1 and 6 are to collect the paddles.

• Seat 2 and 5 are to go to the ama.

• Seat 3 and 4 go over the hull of the boat by stepping on the aikos then placing their feet on the mukus on the opposite side of the boat.

They lean over the hull and grab on to the aikos.

When the team is ready seats 2 and 5 push the ama into the air;

Steady the boat in the waves or assist on the ama into the air; seats 3 &4 pull the aikos up and over the hull: seats 1 &6 either steady the boat in the waves turning the bow into waves and wind. (depending on Weather conditions) while holding onto the paddles.

Once the boat is upright, seats 3 and 4 stay with the ama pulling their bodies out of the water onto the aikos at the ama end; Seats 2 and 5, and 1 and 6 are prepared to enter the boat and start bailing.

Lightest person (usually seat 1 or 2) enter hull from ama side and begin bailing. Second person enters boat and bails when appropriate. The remaining 2 get into the boat and start bailing when appropriate Always bail and lean left. (know what side you are on keep the boat stable).

Seats 3 and 4 get into the boat once it is more stable. members enter hull and start paddling while bailing still going on.

Put on dry clothes and paddle to safety if required.

JOCC Safety 1 March 2003

Source: JERICHO OUTRIGGER CANOE CLUB SAFETY SEMINAR

FEBRUARY 23, 2003 / Ocean River Paddling Club, Victoria, BC.

Of all our concerns including training, racing well and having a good time, the most important thing must be safety.

Typical Risks to an Outrigger Paddlers

Canoe Collisions- (injuries may result).

Drowning. – PDF only works if your wearing it assesses conditions and your abilities and take appropriate action.

Hypothermia.

Back and Muscle injuries (especially from lifting improperly).

In summer or tropical races: sunburn, heat exhaustion or heat stroke can be a

major problem.

Motorboat and collision injuries may result in water-change races (see other document).

Most accidents and injuries can be prevented and, where possible, we should try to deal with them in a preventative way.

Prevention of Accidents and Injuries

A. Plan Your Outing or Race Before You Go

Know weather, wind, water, tide and any unusual conditions (for example storms or lightening).

Tell people on shore where you are going and when you expect to return.

Bring proper equipment with you.

Don’t go if the weather is very bad, if your crew is not experienced enough to deal with the conditions, or if your equipment is not adequate (for example, no spray deck and winds are over 15 knots).

Check all your equipment and gear before you go.

If there is any significant wind, start upwind and finish your practice going

downwind.

Warm up for ten minutes and do a few minutes of stretching after your warm-up

and at the end of practice to avoid muscle injuries.

B. Have all the Right Gear

OC6:

Six lifejackets in the boat.

Wear lifejackets if any concerns about swimming ability or weather conditions.

Two bailers.

Carry a spare blade.

Carry spare rubbers in the event of ama detachment.

Use a spray deck if large waves or wind over 15 knots an hour. It is advisable to

carry a flare, whistles and a throw line.

In a long race or practice, have hydration and food supplies.

OC1:

Leashes are mandatory.

Lifejackets are mandatory on board and should be worn (Lifejackets only work

when you are wearing them!)

Recommended to have a whistle and a flare.

C. What to Wear in Order to Avoid Hypothermia

Your clothes should be layered with a wicking layer next to your body, followed by wool, neoprene or an appropriate vest (not cotton) and a windbreaker. Wear

booties or light sandals, but no shoes. A hat is a good idea and in summer, of course, sun glasses and sunscreen.

Hypothermia is your worst enemy, so make sure you are dressed appropriately

and are prepared to fall in and stay warm when you are totally wet.

D. Check Your Equipment Before You Go Out – Is it in good condition?

OC6:

Check both bow and stern bungs (air compartments). Check ama bung.

Check ama and iako ties for frays, loose line or damage.

Check all safety equipment required on board (life jackets, bailers, spare rubbers,

spare blade).

Check cracks, leaks or any damage to hull, ama or iakos.

Spray deck is required for any rough water. Ensure it is in good shape.

JOCC Safety 3 March 2003

OC1:

Check ama and hull bungs.

Check for any water in hull or ama.

Check for hull damage, holes, leaks.

Check rudder system.

Carry a life jacket on board. Wear it.

E. What to do if?

These are all real life examples that have occurred to our Club members.

Head Injury (from collision or ama injury): go to shore immediately, administer first

aid and call for help, if it is a serious injury.

Other injuries: pulled muscles, back injuries, etc. Return to shore immediately, if

the injury appears serious.

Hypothermia may occur to any crew member during a practice. Try to keep the

victim warm, out of the water and sheltered from the wind if possible and return to

shore immediately. Call for help.

When paddling in water-change races, be aware of boat propeller injuries and

head and chest injuries from hull or ama of canoe.

F. Collision

For example, OC6 hits a dolphin or dock causing damage.

Check for personal injury first.

Check to see if there is any leak or significant damage to ama or hull. Return to

base if any concern.

G. Swamping

Stay in the boat if it is still upright and floats and slowly have one person exit at a time to raise the hull.

If you are able to bail the hull, do so. If the hull is below the water line, do not

attempt to bail but huli the hull and proceed with huli instructions (below).

H. Huli

When shit happens, see above instructions.

For help or further information, call Jericho Sailing Centre Rescue or Coast Guard Rescue.

*Jericho Sailing Centre Association – Main Office 604.224.4177

*Canadian Coast Guard Air or Marine Rescue – 1.800.567.5111