Certification and Safety
Certifications
Wasabi values the safety of our boats and our paddlers, and we expect our paddlers to be knowledgeable and safe when paddling. We require that people using small boats complete a multi-step certification process.
- Paddlers must review the Small Boat, OC1 & Oc2 Protocols and view the videos listed on the Outrigger Certification and Safety page of our website page (below) Small Boat Videos
- Paddlers must successfully huli to be certified and will need to re-huli every 2 years to keep their certification current.
- This is followed by 3 on water mentored paddle sessions. Certifications and mentoring are offered throughout year.
- When reserving a Club boat, use the Small Boat Calendar on the Outrigger Program page of our website. The calendar requires you enter the full name of both paddlers Small Boat Reservation Calendar
Small Boat, OC1 & OC2 Weather Guidelines
Wasabi maintains small boats for use by club members after their completion of OC certification and huli testing. Individuals using small boats are likely to be directly affected by adverse weather conditions including cold air and water temperatures, high wind, and high flow rates. Wasabi has general weather guidelines in place for OC6/12s and dragon boats. Small boat users must abide by those guidelines and additional guidelines listed for OC1/2 use.
Mentored Paddle Certification for Small Boat Users
After completing the full small boat certification course, individuals need to participate in 3 mentored paddle sessions prior to being authorized as a private user of Club small boats. Click the green button to access the online form to log each session you complete. Upon completion of 3 sessions, you will receive process information for using Club boats from our Coordinators.
Wasabi small boats may be used for racing only after the paddler has been certified in transportation and carries liability insurance for travel. Any Wasabi crew may request to use club OC6s in races, and we always welcome people who wish to certify in large boat hauling and transportation.
Wasabi always welcomes paddlers who wish to learn how to steer OC6's. Our steerspeople are responsible for the boat's safety, and therefore need to complete a certification. To become a certified steer, paddlers will need to have 6+ practices of steering, docking, and navigating; will take a verbal test about general boat safety and logistics; and will lead a crew through a huli drill. Certified steers also should take the Coast Guard boating class. The OC Coordinator will consider waiving parts or all of the certification requirements for expert steers who have a proven record of steering on other teams.
Small Boat, OC1 & OC2 Protocols
Members who use the Club small boats are required to follow specific protocol for rigging, transporting and launching the outriggers. Instructions are outlined in the following videos. Certification is required for all individuals without supervision.
Loading & Hauling Wasabi Club Boats
Club Safety Policies, guidelines and considerations for proper transport of our small boats. Only certified members may transport Club boats without supervision.
OC6 Instruction
Rigging an Outrigger Canoe
Club OC6 rigging clinic instruction.
Club OC6 steering instruction.