Mollymook Outrigger Canoe Club
Outrigging
Is for everyone!
There are many traditions and ceremonies associated with outrigger canoes owing to the important role they played in Hawaiian and other island cultures. The canoe provided access to food, news from afar, defence, recreation… much faith was placed in the canoe to ensure the safe return of loved ones from across the seas. Although many of these reasons no longer apply, the values and sense of community embodied by these cultures are very much a part of Mollymook Outriggers.
The Spirit of Aloha
Each letter of aloha stands for an important value. We should remind ourselves of these values and apply them every time our canoes bring us together:
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Akahi: to be kind to one another
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Lokahi: to bring unity and harmony
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Olu’olu: to be positive
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Ha’aha’a: to be humble, be willing to be a servant and share ‘space’
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Ahonui: to be patient and to show perseverance
Blessing Ceremony
The most important ceremony for all new canoes is that of a blessing. Participating in a blessing ceremony is a must for every outrigger paddler. It brings the canoe to life and leaves you with sense of pride and respect for our canoes, our sport and our team mates that goes way beyond training, racing and winning or losing.
Traditions
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Treating With Care – always handle our canoes with the utmost care and respect as you would a faithful friend.
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Pointing the Outrigger to Sea – where possible we always try to park the outrigger with the eku (bow) pointing towards the water or out to sea.
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Never Step Over A Canoe - always walk around it.
Our Fleet
MOCC has a fleet of "state-of-the-art' racing canoes. We have two OC6 ultralights at Ulladulla harbour and anticipate the arrival of our newest canoe early 2025. These impressive high-tech Ultralight canoes are light, fast and strong. Additionally, we have three excellent OC6 canoes and an OC3 located at Burrill Lake for our training. MOCC also has several club OC1s, OC2s available for club members to use.
Safety
Outrigging is a water sport, hence there is every chance that you will get WET. Be aware of your own limitations and don’t attempt to do anything on the water that could place you or any other crew member in danger. At all times we must respect our environment and stay safe.
AOCRA regulations state that each paddler must be able to swim 400m and tread water for 10mins. Each paddler must participate in annual swim/huli drills to ensure they meet this requirement. Until a paddler meets these requirements they may continue to paddle but will be required to wear a PFD (Personal Flotation Device).
If you have a medical condition you must get written approval from your GP indicating that outrigging will not negatively impact your wellbeing. If you are pregnant and want to continue training, you must obtain a medical clearance from your GP. It is advisable to make your crew aware of any condition that may affect your wellbeing, eg diabetes, epilepsy, pregnancy, asthma.
As we are on the water during daylight hours recommended attire includes:
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sports sunblock
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a long sleeve rash shirt
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cap
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sunglasses
Hydration is very important in our sport. It is also a very good idea to wear a camelpak hydration hose system during a race/training to top up your water levels . Hydrate pre/post race/training.
Hypothermia is a concern when paddling in cold/windy conditions or when your body cools down after a race. Wear warm protective thermals, including gloves and booties.
Personal flotation devices (PFDs) must be carried in the canoe for all OC1s, OC2s and OC6s. The wearing of PFDs will depend on weather conditions and/or race rules. Leg ropes need to be fitted to OC1 & OC2 canoes when training/racing as per AOCRA requirements. Carrying a flare and or phone is also highly recommended.
Our canoes and equipment are kept clean and maintained to a safe and acceptable level for outrigging. The President and /or a Committee member should be notified of any damage to club equipment and arrangements will be made for appropriate repairs. f
