Hood River Outrigger Canoe Club

Racing

This year's race schedule includes three club committed races, two possible long distance change out races, a possible sprint race and two fun club bbq’s that will include some fun racing. We have set aside race specific training, as well as some afternoon downwind runs when conditions are right. All members are encouraged to race at a level in which they are comfortable. 

Along with coming to race practices, which all club members are invited to, it is important do additional training to achieve your best performance. You should be paddling in the canoes or SUP or other small craft 4 days a week, cross training one day a week and doing strength workouts once a week. Include stretching, hydrating and eating nutritionally every day and you be in great shape! Also, visit links that coaches suggest like this flavor of the week:  Sprint Race Document on setting up for a turn and video links  race turns and 1500 World sprints

Race Practice Days: Friday and Sunday mornings (times subject to change)

Crew Selection Criteria

Seating crews for race boats is always a puzzle, but we will follow the criteria as best possible and it will be the deciding factor if we have to make a choice between two paddlers. Remember, a success for any of our boats or paddlers, is a success for us all. We are one as a club and the strength of our team comes from us all truly putting the whole team ahead of ourselves. Each race will have a criteria level assigned to it and we will strive to seat as many boats as we can with the club members that are available, motivated and qualified to have a safe and inspiring race.

 Level 1 (RATI)

*Age group:

*Commitment: Evidence thru regular attendance to practices and effort to always improve.

*Experienced paddlers mixed with novice paddlers

Level 2 (Rooster Rock, sprints)

*Age group

 *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 thru regular attendance to regular and race practices and effort to always improve.

* Attitude: Maintain a positive attitude and spirit of Ohana at all times, with all members

Level 3 (Gorge DW Challenge, PNW Challenge, Catalina Crossing)

*All level 2 criteria plus:

*Seated for best results with crews that blend well in strength, timing and skill.

* 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 reenter the canoe from the water

* Physical fitness for endurance evidenced.

*Commitment: An average of 3 practices attended a week for the previous month and all race specific practices the week or two before the race.

 *Time trials in an OC1 or OC2 if needed for final selection.

“When we are in the canoe, we are one paddler, one heart and one spirit. It is rare to achieve this, but when it occurs, effort becomes effortless and one transcends the limitations of the ego. All becomes one and the true essence of paddling is experienced.”