Outrigger Crew Roles

Photo ©Allison Delong

Every member of an outrigger crew has an important role to play, according to where they are in the boat.

Seat 1 (noho ‘ekahi)

• Sets the pace of the stroke.

• Communicates with steersperson (kapena) regarding position of bow (ihu) and helps steer from the front.

• Alerts paddlers (na hoe wa’a) and steersperson (kapena) of what lies ahead.

• Not a power seat.

Seat 2 (noho ‘elua)

• Provides feedback to Seat 1 on rate

• Must match #1 on exactly on entry and exit.

• Helps turn the wa’a (canoe), especially on tight turns.

• Leans on front iaku (boom) when wa’a is stationary to prevent huli (flipping over).

Seat 3 (noho ‘ekolu)

• Leads starting and closing wa’a chants.

• Checks for na hoe wa’a (paddlers) readiness.

• Calls changes.

• A power seat.

Seat 4 (noho eha)

• Rests on rear iaku when wa’a is stationary to prevent huli (flipping over).

• Bails when needed.

• A power seat.

Seat 5 (noho elima)

• Assistant steerer, helps to steer when needed, or takes over steering if kapena can not steer.

• Bails when needed.

• A power seat.

Seat 6 (noho eono)

• Steersperson (kapena) of the wa’a

• Keeps paddlers (na hoe wa’a) focused and boat moving forward.

• Alert to all conditions around the wa’a.

• Responsible for the safety of crew.

• Gives directions to crew.

• Prime motivator.