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Date: Dec 3, 07
From: Jan
Club: Jericho
Title: Steerers Survey 2007 - Terry Ku`auhau Wallace
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Terry Ku`auhau Wallace of Kona, Hawai`i recently distributed a survey
regarding steering an OC6. The following are the results:
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We received 55 answers to the survey from Hawai`i, California, East
Coast US, Canada, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong & Brazil.
Compliments to the Pacific Dragons OCC, Sydney, Australia, for
"letting me 'hook'" some of their excellent info" (why reinvent the
wheel?). Thanks also to Kanu Culture for the Art and Skill of Steering
- Technical Manual. Below are numbers, averages & answers as they fit.
We've tried to cover as many of the answers as possible. Many answers
were similar or the same from different people.
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1. How long have you been outrigger canoe paddling?
Answers ranged from one year to sixty years. Average: 19 yrs.
2. How long have you been steering?
Answers ranged from "just started" to sixty years
Averages: OC1 - 9 yrs, OC2 - 6 yrs, OC4 - 6 yrs, OC6 - 13 yrs, OC12
- 14 yrs, DRAGONBOAT - 4 yrs, SAILING CANOE - 3yrs.
3. Do you think "steering level" qualifications are necessary?
Most thought some qualification levels would be a good idea if for
no other reason than "the challenge" of it. The main reason stated:
SAFETY IS #1. Many stated that since the sport is expanding
exponentially, we should "get ahead of the game" for safety and
liability reasons. Only a couple remarked that "it ain't broke, don't
fix it" mostly due to complicating the sport, as in; insurance, Coast
Guard, local law & etc. I think this is a valid issue & should be
considered as well. Why? See above.
Standardize skill levels.
Pass on skills to the younger generation of paddlers.
4. What levels would you use?
Pacific Dragons OCC, Sydney, Australia uses a "No Level, S1, S2, S3
system." (I have shortened/modified this slightly plus dropping their
local rules)No Level - never steered or just a few times. Able to
steer only training sessions in closed water in presence of S2 or S3
in seat #5S1 Beginner - Basic control, limited experience & exposure
to conditions/situations. Able to independently steer training
sessions in limited conditions under supervision of S2/S3 in seat #5.
Able to steer in closed water or open water in calm conditions w/S1/S2
in seat #5. 5 sessions, 3 huli drills, demonstrated ability to steer
straight w/basic understanding of rules.S2 Closed Water - As above
plus: Proven ability to control canoe & right huli, command, knowledge
of rules & regs. Independently steer training sessions/races in closed
water or open water in presence of S3 in seat #5. Above plus: 10
sessions, 5 in wind/choppy, 5 night, command of 3 huli, clear command
& communications, final w/coach in seat #5 including turns. S3 Open
Water - All above plus; 8X open water, 5X wind/choppy, 3X huli w/&
w/out skirts, rules, changes, demonstrate to coach competence.
Clinics & workshops to offer; life saving skills, CPR, 1st Aid as
well as other issues.
5. Student, Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, Ho`okele
See above plus this general idea was most popular.
6. Who do you think would be qualified to "certify" a steerer?
Most thought coaches or advanced steers. Some mentioned a committee
from the local club or organization board since they are ultimately
responsible.
A written test on local regulations
QUOTE: "If someone is injured or killed, a lawyer in court might
ask; 'does your club have a captains competency test? NO? Why not?'"
7. Please comment on what steerers should know at each level.
See above Pacific Dragons. Other comments; common sense,
intelligence, safety considerations, rigging including emergency 'on
water' rigging, planning, command & control, strategy & tactics, CPR,
1st Aid, strategy & tactics, intuition, anticipation, plan ahead,
weather & water conditions including tides & reefs, who are other
steerers; i.e. #'s 1,2 & 5, maturity, assertive, confident in ability,
ability to coach, leadership.
8. Do you think a steerers size is relevant?
This question was general & generic & got all kinds of
answers.Basically, most thought 'height' or 'physical size' was not
relevant, but physical strength in harsh conditions was extremely
important. i.e. Moloka`i Channel, Hamilton Island. In relatively calm
conditions, it was considered 'better' to have a smaller, lighter
weight steerer.
9. Any other comments?
Some who had never heard the word "steerer" before, thought it is
valid, eliminating the clumsy term "steerperson" from use.
Most stated that steering skills come from "water under the hull"
over a long time. Quality teaching can speed up the process and avoid
many mistakes which could be dangerous for other paddlers.
SAFETY, SAFETY, SAFETY. "We are in a potentially dangerous sport in
a hostile environment." The steerer is responsible for the other
paddlers.
"Consider that your paddlers may have people who depend on them, a
spouse, children and others. If anyone is injured or dies, you as the
captain/steerer may have to explain to the dependants what happened
and perhaps why you were incompetent."
Again, many thanks for participating in this survey.
Terry Ku`auhau Wallace
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