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Clinic Topics

Steering Clinic: Introduction to Steering

Everyone should know how to steer. This Clinic is for any paddler, advanced or beginner, who knows NOT how to steer or is just beginning to steer. Jim Foti, steersman since the age of 6, will teach you the fundamentals and mechanics of steering, when to use the different methods, for how long and why. It will outline the roles a steersperson plays as well as the roles of all the other seats, and why it is so important for all paddlers in the canoe to have a knowledge of steering. By the end of this session, you will have a grasp, if not be well on your way to steering an OC-6. Two day clinic: 4 hours on day one and 2 hours on day 2. 10 persons maximum.

Advanced Steering: Regatta Sprinting and Turns

You already know how to steer but need to sharpen up your skills in regatta sprint races with turns. Regatta steering leaves little margin for error. Learn or review where and how to line up your canoe, how to predict the effects of different ocean conditions, what to look for when heading to your flag, where to line up the canoe for the approach to the turn and how to execute the pivot and escape route. Hear the advice and suggestions that Jim Foti, steersman with more OC-6 sprint victories than anybody in Hawaii’s history has to say. Improve your confidence and performance with discussion, Q and A, and on the water practice. Steerspersons of any experience level can benefit from this clinic. One day clinic, 4 hours. 8 persons maximum.

Advanced Steering: Open Ocean and Downwind Surfing

You already know how to steer but need to sharpen up your open ocean and downwind surfing skills. A good steersman can make a good crew great! But a good crew without a good steersman will never be recognized. This clinic focuses on how to effectively and efficiently steer your canoe in the open ocean. Jim Foti, Lanikai Men’s premier steersman since 1986 and winner of 5 Molokai Hoe races, will share his knowledge. He will help you understand what to be aware of, what to look for and how to read the water. You will learn how to capitalize on opportunities, create opportunities and minimize mistakes. Improve your confidence and performance with discussion, Q and A, and blue water practice. We’ll help give you the tools to become the best you can be. 2 day clinic: 2 hours day 1, 4 hours day, 2 to 6 persons maximum.

Basic Paddling

Our most general clinic is geared toward those who are relatively new to paddling. Because club coaches may have tens of paddlers from a range of experience levels on their crews, they may not have the resources to give new paddlers a proper fundamental education about paddling. We take it from the ground floor and build up: receive one-on-one attention including video analysis of your stroke, learn technique drills and spend time on the water solidifying what you learn. Learn to assess weather conditions and ocean safety, as well as protocols for managing yourself and your crewmates should crises strike. Finally, appreciate team dynamics, the distinctive contribution that each seat makes in an OC-6 and how OC-1 paddling can contribute to the success of an OC-6 crew. We’ll give you the information and direction you need to become a better paddler. For levels 2 – 4.

Advanced Steering: Regatta Sprinting and Turns

For those who are already confident paddlers, but want reassurance they are on the right track, and/or reassert discipline into their training, we offer a clinic that focuses on the finer details of technique and training. This clinic is similar to the basic paddling option, but accelerates through basics and is generally a faster pace with more paddling. For levels 4 – 6.

Advanced: OC-1 Surfing skills

Surfing the ocean is perhaps the funnest form of paddling. One of the greatest freedoms associated with OC-1 is versatility in wave conditions. A defining mark of the best paddlers is their ability to catch swells of all sizes, coming from all angles and stringing it all together. Ocean surfing is also the best way to turn a monotonous workout into a stellar day on the water that leaves you hankering for more. Getting to that level of proficiency takes time in the ocean, but we can help accelerate the learning curve by sharing tips of what to look for and how to react. This clinic will take you into the deep blue ocean where you have the opportunity to try your hand at surfing with a coache(s) to guide you along and make sure you are safe. Please note that this clinic requires enough experience and competence to stay upright most of the time in the rough ocean. Consequently, this clinic is for intermediate/advanced, strong level 5 paddlers and above.
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Train at a Level That Is Best For You

Camps, Clinics, and Coaching are broken up by experience level. It is very important to select the appropriate experience level to ensure you get the most out of the coaching opportunities. 

Beginner (Level 1-3)

LEVEL 1 – Never before paddled. Might call an outrigger paddle an oar, and a canoe a kayak.

LEVEL 2 – Have paddled, but not for long. Are very novice and have never participated in any races.

LEVEL 3 – Have paddled for a year or so. Maybe have competed in a few local races. Probably only have paddled OC-6, but maybe have borrowed an OC-1 a few times.

Intermediate (Level 4-7)

LEVEL 4 – Have paddled for a few years now and am starting to get competitive in either or both OC-6 and OC-1. Know the basics well, but don’t have a lot of experience in open ocean, and long races.

LEVEL 5 – Now you are definitely a paddler, having competed in numerous races over the past 3 or 4 years, you are no longer in the beginning novice category with your club and you feel you know what you are doing. Maybe you own an OC-1 and are starting to feel like you are getting pretty good in the calm and mild seas.

LEVEL 6 – You are a long time member of a club, you own an OC-1 and race both OC-1 and OC-6 regularly. Might have some open ocean experience, but need to improve your skills in the big water and surf.

LEVEL 7 – Regatta season, OC-6 distance and OC-1 distance.  You do it all. Have experience in the open ocean, but still haven’t figured out how to make the ocean work for you. However, in flat races you place respectably well in the OC-1 division.

Advanced (Level 8-10)

LEVEL 8 – I own five paddles, each for a different paddling condition. I am comfortable in the open ocean and big water. Have done many races of all sorts, not just local races. Are able to read the water well enough to keep up with a fast group in a good downwind surf run.

LEVEL 9 – Very good, experienced paddler. Very competent and confident in the open ocean, rough water. Paddles all types of canoes and pretty much kicks butt. Have a solid resume of races done. I could (and probably do) coach.

LEVEL 10 – Molokai Hoe? No big deal. You are the best of the best. Paddles everything well in all conditions, paddles a lot and has been “there” time and time again, with a long resume of success and accomplishments.

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