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OC-6 Outrigger Canoe Positions
The OC-6
Outrigger canoe contains six seats for 6 team members that work together as a
team in unison to keep the canoe on a steady course and at a desired speed.
The 5 paddlers, paddling alternately on each side of the craft, combined
with the steersman can make or break a team if they do not know the roles Each
position has certain roles they must fulfill to ensure the
Six paddlers in the canoe all working in unison, but each with a role to play.
Each paddler from seat number 1-5, paddles alternately on the opposite side from
each other.
Stroke and Number Two
The stroke sits in the very front seat of the canoe. Paddlers one and two, are
primarily concerned with ensuring the rhythm and pace of the paddle strokes,
which seats, three through five follow.
They paddle on opposite sides and as such neither has a paddle to follow. The
stroke at the front of the canoe must set a more or less consistent pace which
varies according to the nature of the race and water conditions, but usually
between 65-75 strokes/minute, whilst the paddler behind in number two seat, must
follow in perfect time, mirroring the strokes pace so as the power distribution
remains equal and synchronized down the length of the canoe.
The stroke's job is crucial in ensuring the consistency of the crew working at
an optimum pace and rhythm. When rounding markers, the stroke and number two
work together to turn the front of the canoe.
Six Person Canoes
Seats Three and Four
Often referred to as Power Seats, the heavier, stronger paddlers will generally
take these positions. It is their primary task to provide the brute power
required to push the canoe along. Number four seat generally takes
responsibility for ensuring the canoe remains as dry as possible, bailing when
needs be.
Seat Five
Again a power seat but also needs to have knowledge of steering to assist the
steerer when necessary. They are also referred to as the keeper of the ama. This
entails that they must eyeball the ama (the outer float) to make sure it is
stable. If it looks at any time to be lifting threatening capsize, they must
quickly react to save it. Failing this, numbers three and four need to recognize
the predicament and also try to save a capsize. Number five must also take
responsibility for bailing if required should there be an excess of water in the
canoe as by the time water is collecting towards the aft end of the canoe, there
is definitely too much water inboard.
Steersman
The steersman, who is ideally the captain of the canoe calls the shots,
motivates the crew and sets the canoe up for the best coarse and catching the
swells. They plan and navigate a course and have a big responsibility during
sprint races, where they must set the canoe up for a good turn around the buoys.
They need to have a good paddling relationship with number 5 in protecting the
ama and indeed with all the crew. Steering a 40ft plus canoe on the open ocean
in rough water is an art form. Those that learn their trade well can be
considered masters of a task which requires intimate understanding of the
dynamics of the ocean and the nuances of the canoe and crew.
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