Paddler Roles & Reputations (OC6)

In a 6 man outrigger canoe there are a variety of subtle role changes among the paddlers in a crew depending on what seat they are in.  These roles are often in constant flux from race to race, so individuals tend to pick up favorites and odd habits.  These roles also vary between teams, depending on their individual traditions and preferences.

There are some inevitable responsibilities/ requirements that accompany each role, as well as a few stereotypes that tend to spring from the paddlers who usually fill them.

Seat 1: The Diva / Princess

Seat ONE sets the pace, rhythm and stroke rate for the entire crew, so this role tends to lend itself to perfectionists and "Type A" paddlers who relish taking the lead and being the center of attention. ONE thinks they are Mick Jagger, the cats pajamas, the alpha and omega of the team, leading the charge into the frothy seas.  The crew wins and loses by their sweet cadence, their diligent consistency.

The seat is usually physically small, since lighter paddlers prevent the canoe from being too nose heavy.  This makes ONE a magnet paddlers with a Napolean complex.

All right, all right so they aren't ALL little whiny babies - in fact ONE is a seat of grueling endurance, focus and patience.  This seat weathers the worst of the choppy seas and wind, being one moment launched in the air and the next plunged completely under water.  (But trust me, you'll hear ALL about how brave and courageous they are later...)

Seat 2: The Slacker

Seat TWO is essentially the stroker for the opposite side of the canoe, but without any of the pressure or responsibility of ONE.  They follow, they follow, they follow.  This seat is often the ego booster for the Diva, caressing the ego of ONE, whispering sweet nothings in their ear and telling them they are the master of the universe.  Coddle away, TWO! That Princess up front needs to be constantly reminded of how beautiful they are - and enjoy that front manu, it makes an excellent back rest between runs.

Seat 3: The Cheerleader

There is always at least one energy hub in the boat, and seat THREE is a great place for them to be.  If you have a chatter box who never shuts up, someone who keeps the energy flowing, or someone who sounds like a feral wild animal when they yell, you may as well have them calling out the changes from side to side to give them something to do.

THREE will pass up messages from the back of the boat to the front, and vice versa.  A good caller will learn when to speak, and when to shut up.  They are the first member of the engine room, so they should also be complete power house who can pull a lot of water.

Seat 4: The Amma Whisperer

Seat FOUR is a work horse, a grunt, a beefcake, and the watcher of the precious amma.  If the canoe ever starts to flip over, seat FOUR is often the last hope of recovering it.  They should keep one watchful eye on the left side at all times.  They are like the orcs in Warcraft - muttering "zug zug" / "work work" to themselves constantly as they put the paddle in, pull the paddle out ...  driving everything they can down into their blade.

FOUR is also the key seat that feels the canoe lift at the exact moment it can catch a wave to surf a canoe, so having a seasoned surfer is helpful in FOUR.

Seat 5: The Middle Child

Poor seat FIVE never gets any credit for anything.  They are often regarded a wannabe steersman or as a "throw away" seat where novice, under fed weaklings or timing strugglers are banned.  However in reality, seat FIVE is a key part of the engine, producing an incredible amount of power and acting at any given time as the back-up steersman should the need arise.

Seat 6: The Slave Driver

Oh Captain, my Captain!  You are the mighty SIX, the leader of the crew, the shout of warning, the call to arms, the rudder of the ship!  You can be an arrogant prick, a silent watcher, a drunken fool, a pirate, a gambler, a wise sage or an epic war hero - but no two are ever the same!  The crew will live and die by the quick decisions, strategic risks and timely commands of SIX.

How do they sleep at night?