Are you interested in racing with HROCC this season ? We'd love to have you !

• This is a group of paddlers with one or more years of experience and a willingness to commit to two or more of the regular season's races. See Racing Requirements and Criteria below. 
• Practices will be rigorous with endurance drills, technique critiques and practice races.
  
• The cost is $75. in addition to regular HROCC Membership.
  

Club Sponsored Races - The  Club will set boat crews, organize boat transportation, complete registration and communicate all race details. Crews will race as HROCC. Club boats are available for designated race practices as well as crew-ups before race day. 

Club Endorsed Races -  Crews are formed independently. Boat transportation, travel arrangements and registration is all organized by the paddlers. Crews can race as HROCC. Club boats are available for designated race practices as well as crew-ups before the race day.

2025 HROCC SPONSORED RACING 

CREW SELECTION CRITERIA

Seating crews for race boats is always a puzzle,

but HROCC coaches try to follow established criteria.

A success for any boat full of paddlers is a success for all.

We are one as a club and the strength of our team

comes from us putting the whole team ahead of ourselves.

We strive to seat as many boats as we can with club members that are

available, motivated, and qualified to paddle a safe and inspiring race.

All racers will be expected to help with loading and unloading of boats

for races in which they participate.

Each race will have a criteria level assigned. 

Level 1 (Rusty Iron, RATI Races)

• All levels of paddler from novice to experience

• Commitment: All paddlers are encouraged to sign up (early in the season) and attend early season practices

Level 2 (Rooster Rock Race, Sprints)

• Age group (if used by the race committee for unlimited classes)
• Technique: Consistent, correct use of the club designated, Puakea Tahitian technique (video evidence)
• Blending: Timing, body movement, power and teamwork meshes with other crew members (video evidence)
• Commitment: Evidence of commitment through regular attendance to club and race practices and effort to always improve
• Attitude: Maintain a positive attitude and spirit of O'hana at all times, with all members

Level 3 (Gorge DW Challenge, PNW Challenge)

• All Level 2 criteria met
• Physical fitness for endurance evidenced
• Seated for best results with crews that blend well in strength, timing and skill
• Time trials in an OC1 or OC2 if needed for final selection
• Two or more races completed within the last few seasons
• One or more downwind specific practices in strong winds completed for downwind races
  
• Successful Bracing and Huli experiences and ability to easily re-enter the canoe from the water
• Commitment: Average three practices a week throughout the summer and all race practices the week or two prior to race day

ENDORSED RACES

If you are motivated to participate in an out of area race (Queen's Race - Kona Hawaii, Catalina - Long Beach California, Na Pali Challenger - Kauai,  Da Grind, etc.. ), we encourage you to pull a HROCC team together on your own.   This should includes qualified steers and paddlers who have the skills to paddle the expected conditions.

HROCC coaches can help make sure you are able to practice together at some practices, help with registrations and canoe transport or rentals.

ALL logistics for these races, including crew selection, seat assignments, registration and boat rentals are the responsibility of the paddlers who commit to participating and the specific team leader

We look forward to a safe and exciting year on the water,

with our incredible HROCC Ohana and camaraderie!

Happy Paddling,

Race Director - Melissa McElderry

COACH'S CORNER

How to set for turns in Outrigger Canoes by Gabriel Jaramillo article

Race Sprint Turns video by Coral Sea OCC Steering Clinic

1500 Outrigger Canoe World Sprints Finals technique video