Queen Lili'uokalani Outrigger Canoe Race

I recently participated in the world's largest outrigger canoe race, the Queen Lili'uokalani Outrigger Canoe Race, on the big island of Hawaii. Canoeing is a passion of mine. It can be an extreme sport, a relaxing recreational activity and a social outlet.

I have experienced the many ways that outrigger canoeing can be similar to business environments. But to start with, let's be clear about the difference between paddling and rowing, a kayak and a canoe or surf ski or SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard). Outrigger canoes are part of the Polynesian culture and were designed for battling conditions across the open oceans. OC6s (Outrigger Canoe with 6-persons) are common, but there are also OC1s and OC2s, fours and even 12-person canoes if you lash together two OC6's. We paddle outrigger canoes with one paddle per person and occasionally switch from one side to the other. But what most distinguishes an outrigger canoe from other water craft is the object that projects out on the left side called an outrigger (Hawaiian name 'ama'). It's designed to help for balance when surfing a wave. When you see someone lifting the ama, they are 'flying the ama'. Crew or row boats use two oars and the action is called rowing. Typically, the rower sits facing backwards and then rows. Kayaks and Surf Skis use one double-bladed paddle and then alternate from right to left. For SUPs, you stand up on the board and use a long paddle with one blade on the end. 

With this background, let's take a look at the positions in an outrigger canoe. Seat #1 is the stroker. They set a steady pace and also look ahead for any obstacles in the water. Seat #2 paddles on the alternate side and their job is to keep in sync with the rate of the stroker. If not, the rest of the canoe will not be in sync. Seat #3 is the caller. They call commands such as 'hut', to signal the members of the canoe to switch sides. The rest of the paddlers respond by saying 'ho'. Seat #4 and #5 are sometimes called the engine room as they provide power. Seat #4 is also a backup for #3 and seat #5 and can help steer when necessary. Seat #6 is the commander of the canoe and they are called the steers person. They essentially give commands that the entire team follows. When everyone is playing their role, the canoe glides gracefully and speedily through the water. But if just one person is not in sync, then there are problems and you can feel that things are just not right. 

The same things happen at work. When everyone understands and performs their role, things run smoothly. You might have a steers person in your business who is giving instructions to the team and setting the strategy. Your seat #3 caller is like your operations person who is ensuring things are running smoothly. Your #1 and #2 staff could be the employees that are setting the pace of the organization - sometimes fast, and sometimes slowing down to regroup. Four and five may not seem to have as many responsibilities, but when you need a backup at work and someone is absent, if you haven't trained anyone to fill in, things can fall apart quickly. And perhaps #4 just happens to be that happy go lucky employee that connects with everyone and keeps the atmosphere positive. And #5 may just be that steady strong contributor. You need all kinds of people to make a great team. 

When I paddle in an OC6, it reminds me that I cannot always go it alone and that my actions affect everyone on the team. If I'm not pulling my weight, or not engaging my paddle correctly, or if I'm not following the lead strokers, the rhythm can get off and can literally rock the boat. The canoe will struggle to glide forward gracefully and instead, everyone will feel the stress and anxiety. It's an analogy I think of often because whether it's on an outrigger canoe team or a business team at work, learning to work as a team is essential to each individual and the team's success. 

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Queen Lili'uokalani 50+ Mixed Crew - 5th place; September 3rd, 2022