A huli is what happens when the ama rises up high enough out of the water that the canoe flips over, dumping its paddlers into the water. Every paddler should know 1) how to prevent it when you can, and 2) how to recover from a huli and get everyone safely back in the canoe. Huli practice is an essential part of outrigger training. Without practicing proper huli procedure, you can’t be considered safe to venture out on the open ocean.
So let’s practice a huli! Relax! It’s just water!
What to do when you huli
A few things to keep in mind to prevent a huli:
- Never lean to the right (away from the ama). Always paddle upright.
- If you see the ama start to lift, shift the weight in your hips to the left (towards to ama) to help push the ama down.
- If you are in seat 3 or 4, you can quickly reach out and press down on the ‘iako with your hand, or tap the safety rope tied around the two ‘iakos with your paddle.
Additional safety information for steersmen and coaches, is available on the SCORA website: