A huli or capsize is a common outrigger occurrence both during training and regattas. It also tends to occur when the surfs up or conditions in general are less than ideal so every crew member must know what their role is before going out. A huli recovery can be done in less than 15 seconds but it needs teamwork and practice.
Preventing a Huli
Preventing a huli is always preferable and all paddlers need to be aware of the ama position and prepared to lean to prevent it lifting excessively. Keeping a balanced canoe will not only aid paddling but minimise huli's so when paddling do not lean over the gunnel's (unless attempting to prevent a huli) and maintain body weight in the center of the canoe during changes. A canoe can also be pulled out of a huli by strong paddling, it is at most risk when paddles are out of the water and momentum is less.
Righting the Canoe
Once you find yourself in the water perform a role call. Starting at Seat 1 each paddler calls out their seat number 1.. 2.. 3.. 4.. 5.. 6.. It is everybody's responsibility to ensure the safety of others. Work as a team and communicate. In a large swell point the canoe perpendicular to the waves and aim to right the canoe (lift) as the swell passes underneath, this will help remove water from the hull. Once everyone is accounted for each seat has a specific role.
Seat 1
Gathers paddles and floating gear.
Seat 2 and 5
Swim to the ama. Push the ama up (kick with your legs) while 3 and 4 pull the iako/gunnel.
Seat 3 and 4
Swim to the non-ama side of the canoe. Climb up the side of the canoe using the end of the iakos, reach over the canoe and grab the iako or gunnel. Pull the iako/gunnel up as the ama is lifted to flip the canoe upright.
Seat 6
Make sure all paddlers are accounted for. Provides direction and support, everyone else listens and acts.
Get In and Bail
The lightest paddler enters from the ama side first and quickly starts bailing. Paddles are put in the canoe. Once the canoe starts to lift out of the water other paddlers enter one at a time and bail. Do not get in the canoe until you are sure there is enough leeway to prevent to the canoe from swamping. If required to keep the canoe pointed in the right direction Seat 6 should be the second paddler in. When bailing use a fast swinging motion to scoop and rapidly throw the water over your shoulder. Each 25mm (1 inch) of water is equivalent to the dead weight of an extra paddler.
Paddle
Once everyone is in, Seats 1, 2, 5, and 6 start paddling. Seats 3 and 4 continue to bail to lighten the canoe. If the huli occurs in breaking water then you want to get out of there as quickly as possible (or you will be doing it all over again..and again..).
Someone Else Huli's
If another canoe huli's it is your responsibility to ensure that they are safe. In a regatta AOCRA rules state that you must check that all 6 paddlers have surfaced, are safe and assist if required or you will be disqualified.
