Running head: ELEMENTS OF THE OUTRIGGER STROKE TECHNIQUE

Elements of the Outrigger Stroke Technique

Tina Indalecio
California State University Monterey Bay

IST511 Writing Workshop

Professor Wisdom
December 2, 2014

ELEMENTS OF THE OUTRIGGER STROKE TECHNIQUE

Abstract
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

ELEMENTS OF THE OUTRIGGER STROKE TECHNIQUE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABSTRACT........................................................................................................................2
Elements of the Outrigger Stroke Technique.......................................................................5
INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................................5
Goal Statement.................................................................................................................5
ANALYSIS..........................................................................................................................5
Needs Analysis.................................................................................................................5
Learner Analysis..............................................................................................................6
Workplace/Environmental/Setting Analysis....................................................................7
Literature Review/Environmental Scan...........................................................................7
Task/Work Analysis.........................................................................................................8
Goals and Instructional Objectives................................................................................10
DESIGN.............................................................................................................................11
Test Instruments.............................................................................................................11
Organizational, Delivery, and Management Strategies..................................................11
Instruction......................................................................................................................11
DEVELOPMENT..............................................................................................................11
Description of Tools Required for Development of Plan..............................................11
Instructional Materials and Strategies to be Developed................................................11
IMPLEMENTATION........................................................................................................11
Delivery.........................................................................................................................11

ELEMENTS OF THE OUTRIGGER STROKE TECHNIQUE

EVALUATION..................................................................................................................11
Formative Evaluation.....................................................................................................11
Summative Evaluation...................................................................................................11
APPENDECIES.................................................................................................................11

ELEMENTS OF THE OUTRIGGER STROKE TECHNIQUE

Elements of the Outrigger Stroke Technique

Introduction
Goal Statement
The goal is to teach the learners (the Kai Elua Keiki Team) the basics of the outrigger
stroke technique and how to apply it on the water, while in a six-man canoe.
Analysis
Needs Analysis
The learners (keiki) are new to the sport of outrigger; in addition 95% of them have never
participated in a water sport before. There are approximately 30 new keiki paddlers that need
instruction. In order to learn how to paddle and move the canoe properly, training is needed to
teach the elements of the stroke. A comparative need exists to teach the correct stroke technique,
in order to compete against other keiki teams at a competitive level. Many of the other teams
have experienced keiki paddlers, who regularly compete in local, national and international
races. In addition, as a coach, there is a felt need that exists to improve the teams stroke
efficiency and technique, for both performance reasons and safety reasons.
Of the twenty-seven outrigger canoe clubs, in the Southern California Racing Association
(SCORA), sixteen have competitive keiki programs. The individual club determines training and
coaching programs, and each club is required by SCORA to ensure all paddlers are prepared to
race, understand race rules and have general water safety awareness training. The keiki do not
come to the program with these skills, and must learn them through instruction and applied
practice.
Currently the keiki have no understanding of basic stroke technique, the performance gap
is very large, but can be corrected to provide general knowledge and understanding, with proper

ELEMENTS OF THE OUTRIGGER STROKE TECHNIQUE

instruction. Mastering the stroke technique will not be possible with instruction alone, applied
practice and modification of technique based on the type of canoe will be necessary. However
the purpose of this instruction is to teach the basics only.
It is possible to create online modules, videos and printed instruction materials, in
addition to field based coaching to help the keiki achieve a basic understanding of what the
proper stoke technique is and how to apply it on the water. When instilling a more structured
stroke training practice, it may result in keiki drop off. Meaning some keiki may opt to not
compete because they are just looking for more of a recreational sport. However, that is not a
deterrent to implementing the instruction because the goal is to train keiki to be competitive
paddlers, not recreational paddlers.
Learner Analysis
The learners consist of children aged 10 to 17 years old. They come from diverse ethnic
and economic backgrounds. Approximately 70% of them engage in other sports, however only
5% have in the past or currently do other water sports. 95% of them have never paddled in an
outrigger canoe before. The group is comprised of 60% males and 40% females. There are 2
children with learning disabilities. Many of them are highly motivated to learn how to paddle,
while a small percent of them have been encouraged by their parents to engage in a sport
activity. There are no known health issues, other than asthma. There are no children with
physical limitations.
Keeping the group motivated, engaged and focused will be a challenge. They will need
constant stimulation and breaks in learning to hold their attention. However by teaching them
new skills, giving positive reinforcement, breaking up instruction with fun teambuilding
activities, giving them jobs such as water safety captain, maintenance captain, steersman, etc.

ELEMENTS OF THE OUTRIGGER STROKE TECHNIQUE

provides variety in the instruction time as well as helps create a level of accountability for each
learner and build confidence as they learn more about paddling.
Workplace/Environmental/Setting Analysis
The setting is online, at home, on the beach and on the water. Online tools and printed
tools can be used for the learner to visualize, examine and discuss the elements of the stroke, and
how it translates into an efficient way to move the canoe. At home and on the beach, physical
exercises can be developed to help reinforce muscle memory and technique. On the water they
will apply the stroke technique while a coach observes from in the canoe and outside the canoe.
The goal is to view the learner from all angles, assess technique and correct/reward as needed.
Time trials performed twice a season will also be used to measure improved stroke performance
and technique. The learners will also be filmed regularly to view, assess, and correct stroke
issues as they arise.
The learner will need access to the Internet, and transportation to practices. Poor weather
and/or poor attendance can impact field based instruction time, without actual application of the
stroke on the water, the training will not be as effective. Access to canoes could also inhibit
instruction, however every attempt is made to accommodate practice times to eliminate that
concern.
Literature Review/Environmental Scan
There are several informal articles and videos on the Internet that describe the outrigger
stroke technique. Outrigger canoe clubs, athletes, and coaches post the majority of the content.
There are some clinics offered on the mainland and in Hawaii to help athletes learn and practice
the stroke. The learning methods vary from text only discussing the stroke, to instructional
videos, and then with clinics employing a combination of learning methods including actual

ELEMENTS OF THE OUTRIGGER STROKE TECHNIQUE

application of the stroke. What is important to note is that there is not a universal agreement on
the exact proper stroke in the paddling community. Some individuals prefer a shorter faster
stroke to the longer slower stroke of others. Water conditions, canoe type, size of paddler, and
racing conditions all play a factor in stroke technique. Most of the scholarly articles available on
the topic focus on stroke rate as it applies to body movement (Sealey, Ness, & Leicht 2011) and
athlete postural stability (Stambolieva, Diafas, Bachev, Christova, & Gatev 2012). Other
articles address how stroke technique can attribute to back injuries in female outrigger paddlers
(Sealey, Leicht, & Ness 2010) and how the stroke changes at different paces (Zahlka, Mal,
Mal, Doktor, & Vtrovsk 2011). There is limited scholarly content on this subject.
The existing literature on this topic supports that multiple types of instructional materials,
such as visual aids, text, and videos are helpful and necessary to teach the proper outrigger stroke
technique. In addition, without actual application and practice, it is not possible to learn or
master the stroke. A psychomotor learning domain with articulation as the domain level is
supported by the existing literature and would be most appropriate for this topic.
Task/Work Analysis
The learner is coming to the task with no prior knowledge. It is necessary to address the
task analysis as both a topic breakdown and a procedural breakdown. The main topics to be
covered are considered components of the stroke, they can be broken into the catch, the drive and
the release & recovery. The procedural task analysis must be highly detailed and include at
minimum the following items for the learner to follow:
I. The Catch
1. Sit in the canoe facing forward and stay centered.

ELEMENTS OF THE OUTRIGGER STROKE TECHNIQUE

2. Ensure the paddle is facing the correct way, angle of the blade should appear at a
45 degree angle to the water.
3. Hold the paddle handle with the left hand and position the right hand
approximately 4 inches up from where the paddle shaft and paddle blade meet.
Hands should be approximately shoulder width apart when extending the paddle
straight out in front of the body.
4. Extend the paddle outside the right side of the canoe, with the blade above the
water.
5. Lean forward slightly, creating a triangle with the arms, body and paddle.
6. The left arm should be slightly bent with the left hand at head height, slightly
above eye level.
7. Right arm should be fully extended, parallel with the canoe gunnels and not bent.
8. Both legs should be bent with feet flat on the bottom of the canoe.
9. Slightly extend the right leg out and tuck the left leg behind the seat of the canoe
to lock the body into the canoe seat.
10. Plant the paddle blade into the water by moving the body forward slightly, and
twisting with the back to extend the reach.
11. Ensure the blade of the paddle is fully buried in the water.
II. The Drive
12. Begin to untwist to the right and sit up as the blade travels through the water
towards the body.
13. Keep the right arm straight; do not bend the arm to pull the blade through the
water.

ELEMENTS OF THE OUTRIGGER STROKE TECHNIQUE

10

14. Engage the back, and push on the bottom of the canoe with the right foot to gain
leverage through the stroke.
15. As the paddle blade approaches mid thigh, prepare to pull the blade from the
water.
III. The Release & Recovery
16. Slightly lower the left hand below eye level.
17. As the paddle comes out of the water begin the reach back to the catch.
18. Keep the blade low to the water, approximately 4 to 6 inches.
19. In a very controlled manner, do not swing the body, smoothly rotate back to the
catch position and begin the stroke again.
20. Repeat steps 1 to 19 at least 20 times, then switch sides.
To continue the lesson, there will need to be detailed instruction on doing what is called a
change-over, which then transitions the learner into the stroke on their left side. Hand
placement can be confusing to the new learner, therefore visual demonstrations, will be
extremely helpful to show them how to execute the stroke, and change-over properly.
Goals and Instructional Objectives
By employing the psychomotor learning domain with articulation as the domain level, the
learner, given a standard outrigger canoe paddle, and access to a six-man outrigger canoe, will
execute all components of the outrigger stroke, 20 times on each side, in order to move the canoe
forward in the water with their teammates. Successful rotation and stroke form through the
water, and adhering to not bending the bottom are, will be required. Stroke efficiency will be
measured by how long it takes to travel a set distance, measured at minimum of 2 times over the
paddling season.

ELEMENTS OF THE OUTRIGGER STROKE TECHNIQUE

Design
Test Instruments
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Organizational, Delivery, and Management Strategies
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Instruction
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Development
Description of Tools Required for Development of Plan
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Instructional Materials and Strategies to be Developed
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Implementation
Delivery
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Evaluation
Formative Evaluation
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Summative Evaluation
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Appendices
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

11

ELEMENTS OF THE OUTRIGGER STROKE TECHNIQUE

12

References
Force production in outrigger canoeing. (2002). Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport,
5(4), 37.

This article measured stroke force of outrigger canoe athletes. The athletes were seated in
one man canoes and asked to increase their stroke rates until 100 strokes per minute was
reached. After assessing all twelve paddlers it was determined that stroke rates between
80 and 90 strokes per minute provided the greatest force production in the outrigger
paddlers.

Sealey, R. , Leicht, A. , & Ness, K. (2010). The effect of different outrigger canoeing paddling
techniques on back movement and potential back injury risk in females. Journal of
Science and Medicine in Sport, 13, e67.

Sealy, Ness and Leicht examined the effect stroke technique and rate had on back injuries
with female outrigger paddlers. They assessed the Tahitian, Hawaiian and Australian
strokes. They found that the outrigger stroke is similar to rowing but greater than
kayaking. The Tahitian stroke was faster and shorter, the Hawaiian stroke was longer and
slower and the Australian resulted in a mid-range flexion and rotation. It was determined
that the Australian technique was the one les likely to cause injury of the three.

Sealey, R. , Ness, K. , & Leicht, A. (2011). Effect of self-selected and induced slow and fast

ELEMENTS OF THE OUTRIGGER STROKE TECHNIQUE

13

paddling on stroke kinematics during 1000 m outrigger canoeing ergometry. Journal of

Sports Science and Medicine, 10(1), 52-58.

Sealy, Ness and Leicht examined how stroke rate effected body kinematics of female
athletes. They found that the slower longer Hawaiian stroke rate had more torso flexion
and twist than the Tahitian stroke with is shorter and faster. The conclusion was that
although the slower rate increased torso rotation the risk for back injury could be offset
by the slower movement.

Sly, N. , Humphries, B. , Stanton, R. , & Abt, G. (2000). Kinanthropometric and physiological

characteristics of outrigger canoe paddlers. Journal of Sports Sciences, 18(6), 395-399.

Sly, Humphries, Stanton and Abt explain the physiological characteristics of outrigger
canoe paddlers at the end of the race season. They examined body stature, endurance,
aerobic power, muscular strength paddle force, and flexibility of 21 athletes. They found
that paddlers had some slight variance between their dominant sides and that the athletes
should be concerned about strength imbalances due to stroke technique.

Stambolieva, K. , Diafas, V. , Bachev, V. , Christova, L. , & Gatev, P. (2012). Postural stability

of canoeing and kayaking young male athletes during quiet stance. European Journal of
Applied Physiology, 112(5), 1807-1815.

ELEMENTS OF THE OUTRIGGER STROKE TECHNIQUE

14

Stambolieva, Diafas, Bachev, Christova and Gatey examined the postural stability of
young canoeists against non-athletes. They found that when they tested the two groups on
stable and unstable ground it proved their hypothesis that the canoeists have a different
sensory integration as a result of their sporting activity.

Zahlka, F. , Mal, T. , Mal, L. , Doktor, M. , & Vtrovsk, J. (2011). Kinematic analysis of

canoe stroke and its changes during different types of paddling pace - case study. Journal
of Human Kinetics, 29(1), 25-33.

Zahlka, Mal, Mal, Doktor, & Vtrovsk discuss how body and hand positions which
are changed during different racing paces impact boat velocity. They examine stroke rates
during regular race starts, flying starts, 200m pace, 500m pace, and 1000m pace. They
found that paddling technique does not change significantly at different paces. In addition
change in canoe velocity is mainly apparent at the start as a result of needing more
strokes to reach the highest velocity in the shortest amount of time.