SAFETY:

Safety is of paramount importance. To be competitive and to win it is always important to be safe, so let's be careful out there!

LIFE JACKETS:

Always have them in the canoes, one for each paddler.

SAFETY BAGS:

They're full of all kinds of goodies that can help save your life. You'll find them in the practice box. Each team must grab one safety bag each before heading out.

BAIL BUCKETS:

Every canoe must have at least one, even though we never want to huli!

SWIMMING SKILLS:

All paddlers must be able to tread water and swim or you must wear a life jacket while in canoe.

DON'T FORGET TO:

Check weather conditions.

Bring warm clothes and drinking water

Wear thin layers during workout

Bring an inhaler if you need one, energy bars or quick snacks

Check rigging and plug the ama

Bring along a spare blade

Use common sense to ensure safety

Here are a couple of scenarios you probably never want to find yourself in: