OC2 Safety + Capsize Information
The follow are a few points you may wish to consider:
1. Like all outrigger canoes OC2s are unstable + tippy. Paddlers will tip them over so as part of their training, paddlers will need to know how to execute a ‘hulli drill’ i.e. righting the capsized canoe + getting underway again.
2. The OC2 should have a leg rope attached to the non-steerer paddler. The reason being is that in the event of a capsize paddlers may become separated from the craft as it can be blown away from the paddlers in windy conditions. Paddlers may need to abandon their paddles to swim after the craft but if they catch up to it + right it they will not have a paddle to propel the craft. A long Malibu surfboard leg rope is best.
3. Paddlers should have their accessories firmly fix to their body or the craft such as hats, sunglasses, drink bottles etc. 4. Paddlers who are not strong swimmers should wear a PFD/life jacket when paddling the OC2.
5. Paddlers should wear attire that they can swim in.
6. The following is an outline of the capsize (hullie) drill procedure:
· Most of the time the canoe will capsize to the non-ama side which will be to the right as the ama is on the left. (the ama is the float that provides stability)
· When feeling the craft capsize paddlers should just go with it + they will end up in the water between the ama + the upturned hull of the OC2.
· Both paddlers should firstly check that their co paddler is okay + not injured.
· At all times paddlers should hold onto their paddle. Never let go of it.
· The paddlers then need to right the OC2. Each paddler will position themselves, facing one another between the ama + the upturned canoe on the outside of the aku. They will each need to grip the hull + the front + back aku. On the count of three tip the craft over to an upright position.(the aku is the arm that holds the ama to the canoe, usually made of aluminium or timber)
· After righting the craft the paddlers will find that they are on the non ama side so they need to go under the canoe as the only way to get back onto the craft is from the ama side.
· After coming under the craft the paddler with the leg rope will find that the rope will be under the canoe from right to left so at this stage they should release the leg rope + bring it round to the left side of the canoe + reattach.
· Once the paddlers are ready to board the craft they should do one at a time.Seat two paddler being the first to do so. Paddler one should steady the craft by holding onto the ama.
· Paddler two should put their paddle between the craft + their body parallel to the hull. Alternatively paddler one could hold both paddles.
· Paddler two should then use both hands/arms to heave themselves back onto the craft + when on board grab their paddle from the water.
· Paddler two should then lean out on the rear aku to stabilize the craft.
· Paddler one should then heave themselves onto the craft using the same procedure as paddler one.
