Tikanga
There are some tikanga, or rules, around using the waka. Some of these rules are purely practical; others are to do with using waka in a culturally respectful manner.
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The Steerer is the person responsible for the waka and the people in it. Please always listen to what the Steerer asks you to do. The Steerer will be an experienced paddler with a good understanding of weather conditions, safety considerations etc.
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Please do not step over the waka; walk around the waka if you want to get to the other side. This is part of showing respect for the waka.
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Get into the waka from the left side (the ama - or outrigger) side. This helps prevent the waka from capsizing.
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Do not stick the blade of your paddle into the sand. Rest the blade on your foot, or hold it up the other way (with the handle in the sand). Treat your paddle with respect.
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We respect our waka, and each other. Be encouraging to other paddlers.
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We say a karakia, or prayer, before paddling. This helps us to remember to respect the Ocean, our waka, and each other; and to get into the right frame of mind for paddling. We all have our hands on the waka while we say the karakia. The words are on a laminated print-out in all the waka. But if you want your own copy, find below the most common karakia we use (here with the English translation so you understand what it means, but we only use the Maori version):
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We also say a Karakia when we paddle back to shore. This Karakia was written by a MWAC member, Kyle Gribben in 2005.
Seat positions and roles in the waka
Before you get in the waka, and usually before saying the karakia, your steerer will let you know where to sit in the boat. Each seat in the OC6 has a slightly different role. Here is a very basic outline of those roles:
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Seat one: This person sets the pace and the rhythm for the rest of the waka. The person sitting in seat three will be following the person in seat one - your paddles should be exactly in time.
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Seat two: The person in seat two has the job of keeping exactly in time with the person in seat one. This is slightly tricky because when in seat two, you can’t see when the seat one paddle enters and exits the water.
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Seat three: The person in seat three usually calls the “hups”. This person is responsible for deciding how many strokes everyone should take on each side of the waka before changing over. This person will say “hup!” every 15 strokes or so; then everyone will do one more stroke, and then, in unison, swap sides. The person in seat three is also sitting in the Engine Room of the waka, and will usually be a good strong paddler.
Seat four: The person in seat four is in the Engine Room of the waka (along with the person in seat three) and needs to be a good strong paddler.
Seat five: The person in seat five may work with the steerer to steer the waka (the steerer lets you know if they want help).
Steerer: The steerer steers the waka and is responsible for the safety of the waka and everyone in it.
General rules
Everyone works together as a team.
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When everyone is in the waka and ready to paddle, the steerer will call:
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Hoerunga! Which means: paddles up! Everyone raises their paddle in the air above their heads. This shows the steerer that everyone is ready.
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Hoerere! Which means: paddles ready! Everyone lowers their paddles down to the water, in the paddle starting position.
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Hoe! Which means: paddle! Everyone starts padding, following the person in front of them, perfectly in time.
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