PNWORCA Race Schedule: https://pnworca.org/events/

HROCC RACING 2023

Are you interested in racing with HROCC next  season? We'd love to have you! The cost is $75 and includes 2-3 race practices a week in addition to the regular, club paddle sessions. This is a fun, all inclusive group and we welcome all those interested in racing. This year we hope to meet Wednesday mornings to work on intervals, technique, starts, strategies and team building. On Thursday evenings, we plan to hold downwind skills and practices, joining the Small Group Hatch Laps fun. And on top of that, we hope to make numerous weekend distance training runs for endurance. The club is committed to taking as many 6 man teams as possible to at least 5 of our area races. These include: ( mark your calendars)

April 22 Rusty Iron

April 29 Race Around the Rock

June 24 Rooster Rock

July 8 Gorge Downwind Race

August 5 Kalama Distance Exhibition

These races range in distance from 4 to13 miles and there will be published criteria later this winter on how we hope to seat the boats.

If you are motivated to go to an out of area race (Queen's Race, Catalina, PNW Challenge, Da Grind, etc.. ) , we encourage you to pull a team together on your own, which includes a qualified steers and paddlers who have the skills to paddle the expected conditions. The coaches can then help make sure you are able to practice together at some practices, help with registrations and canoe transport or rentals. 

Because the season starts so early, it's important to keep up your conditioning through the winter, paddling if possible. Watch videos on the Puakea technique and prepare to hit the water early in April with full neoprene, full PFD's and booties!

Be looking for the Cold Water Safety Policy.......Safety Pledge...published here soon.

SOME ADDITIONAL CLUB RACING INFORMATION........

Any HROCC member can race!  

To achieve your best performance we encourage:

• A nutritive diet
• Paddling Outrigger Canoes, Surfskis, Kayaks, SUPs at least four days a week
• Cross training once a week
• Strength training once a week
• Stretching daily 

• Attendance at race practices including downwind and journey runs
• Attendance at  club practices
• Attendance at race clinics

Seating crews for race boats is always a puzzle, but our 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. Each race will have a criteria level assigned.  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.

CREW SELECTION CRITERIA

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, Catalina Crossing,)

• 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

“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.”

We look forward to a safe and exciting year on the water, with our incredible HROCC Ohana and camaraderie!

Happy Paddling,

Coaches Bonnie, Dan and Sue

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