Membership Policies

O Kalani Outrigger promotes the Spirit of Aloha and an open forum of communication. It is each member’s responsibility to connect with our Ohana (family) by respectfully voicing their opinions while also contributing to the betterment of our club. Each member agrees to and understands the expectations outlined below. O Kalani is a 100% volunteer organization, and we depend on the participation of all members to create a fun, clean, safe, inclusive space for all paddlers.

As a member of O Kalani Outrigger Canoe Club, you are not only joining a great community of people but are representing and fostering the sport. Your membership includes access to the O Kalani yard and gym workout space, use of the fresh water/boat cleaning facilities, and open invitation to team practices run by dedicated volunteer coaches.

  1. General Expectations of Membership
  2. Caring for Club Property and Equipment
  3. Sportsmanship
  4. Personal Property
  5. Safety
  6. Annual Canoe Storage
    1. Storage Terms
    2. Annual Participation Guideline for Canoe Storage
General Expectations of Membership
  1. I will respect the rights, dignity, and worth of myself and others.
  2. I will respect the environment.
  3. I will adhere to policies and rules set out by O Kalani and its governing organizations.
  4. I will pay membership dues and canoe storage fees in full within 30 days of published due date (March 1, annually) or in installments according to a pre-arranged written agreement with the Treasurer. Individual fees may be waived at the discretion of the board of directors for above and beyond service to O Kalani or for financial hardship.
  5. I will make a good faith effort to volunteer for, participate in, and support O Kalani’s activities, such as work-days, open/novice practices, races, and other social or community service events.
  6. I understand O Kalani makes official communications via e-mail through TeamSnap; therefore, I will keep an active e-mail on record within TeamSnap so I am informed of club news and announcements. It is my responsibility to stay informed of club information via TeamSnap.
  7. As a coach or steersperson, I will:
    a. Treat each paddler with respect and dignity.
    b. Make crew decisions based on fair and equitable standards.
    c. Be available to answer questions and foster an environment of open communication.
    d. Lead by example.
    e. Seek assistance from the Head Women’s or Men’s Coach or President to resolve conflicts.
  8. I will follow the procedure for voicing my concerns or complaints regarding coaching or the management of O Kalani or the paddling program as follows:
    a. I will talk with a coach privately.
    b. If I feel my concern/complaint has not been addressed, I can talk to the Head Women’s or Men’s Coach.
    c. If I still feel my concern/complaint has not been adequately addressed, I may talk with the O Kalani Board President or Vice President. If a matter is brought to the President’s or Vice President’s attention, the President or Vice President will automatically bring the matter before the O Kalani Board of Directors for resolution.
  9. I will ensure all visitors sign waivers before paddling with O Kalani or from O Kalani’s site.
  10. I will inform visitors of club policies and procedures and validate they can swim and/or are outfitted with an appropriate personal flotation device.
  11. I understand minors (under 18-years-old) are welcome to practice and paddle at O Kalani if accompanied by a parent or guardian. Minors unaccompanied by a parent or legal guardian may only participate in club-sanctioned practices under the supervision of a club-designated coach or practice lead with written consent from the parent or legal guardian on file. They may not use club facilities or equipment outside of a practice.
  12. Members who store watercraft at O Kalani may not be members of other NCOCA outrigger organizations. If the member enters NCOCA races, the expectation is they race with O Kalani (unless an arrangement is made with coach approval to loan/sub out the member to another NCOCA organization in an ad hoc manner).
  13. If I loan my personal canoe to another paddler, I understand that I do so at my own risk. I am responsible for ensuring the equipment is in working order, and the paddler can use it safely.
  14. I will not loan my personal canoe to a minor outside of a sanctioned and supervised practice unless a parent or guardian is present.
  15. I will not borrow another member’s canoe or other equipment (iakos, seats, etc)  without their express permission.
Caring for Club Property and Equipment
  1. I will care for and respect canoes, equipment, and O Kalani’s site.
  2. I will refrain from leaning against or stepping over canoes.
  3. I will take care when moving canoes (e.g., lift, not drag).
  4. I will help rinse, transport, cover, and secure O Kalani’s canoes after use.
  5. I will keep O Kalani’s site clean and free of litter.
  6. I will ensure that O Kalani’s site, including the containers, is secure upon leaving.
  7. If a club canoe or other equipment is damaged, I will notify a coach or board member immediately. If I borrow a privately owned canoe and it is damaged, I will notify the owner immediately.
  8. I will obtain approval from the Board of Directors to borrow an OC-6 outside of sanctioned practice times.
  9. I understand club-owned canoes (OC-1s, OC-2s, OC-6s) shall only be used at sanctioned practice times or by approval of a coach or board member.
Sportsmanship
  1. I will cooperate with and respect the coaching staff and their decisions. This includes the setting of crews for practices and races.
  2. I will accept feedback, constructive criticism, and instruction with an open mind.
  3. I will demonstrate good sportsmanship at all practices and races.
Personal Property

Personal property should be respected at all times. Personal items left or temporarily stored in the O Kalani site are the responsibility of each individual member. O Kalani accepts no liability for damages or theft of equipment or members’ personal property including canoes and surf-skis, paddleboards, backpacks, clothing, paddles, or other items that are stored at members’ own risk. OC-1 and OC-2 canoes and surf-ski storage can be accommodated for members on a first-come, first-serve basis, space-permitting in coordination with the O Kalani Board and the canoe storage terms set forth. An annual fee must be paid for storage of such watercraft. No personal property or equipment other than temporary/daily storage of paddles, personal clothing, practice gear, etc. is allowed at O Kalani’s site. Unsecured property may be donated, discarded, or removed from the site with no notice. 

Safety

Safety is paramount both on and off the water. Violence or illegal drugs, in any form, will not be tolerated. On-water safety protocols must be followed. For example, before taking the OC-6 on the water for practice, it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure the canoe is properly equipped with at least 6 personal flotation devices (PFDs), 2 bailers, 1 bucket, and 1 backup paddle. If you cannot swim, you are required to wear a PFD while in the canoe. It is each member’s responsibility to carry a PFD while on an OC-1.

I understand that it is my responsibility to uphold the Member Code of Conduct. I understand that O Kalani promotes an open forum of communication, and l should follow the procedures to make myself heard. I understand that I have the power and responsibility to make a positive difference as a member of O Kalani. Given just cause, I understand that the Board of Directors reserves the right to revoke my membership.

Annual Canoe Storage

O Kalani maintains a rack for members’ personal OC-1, V1, and OC-2 canoe storage. Surfskis are permitted if space allows and at the discretion of the board of directors. Members must be in good standing, with fully paid membership dues and rack fees, and agree to the Storage Terms (below) to store personal property in O Kalani’s rack. A minimum annual participation guideline is also established for the privilege of rack space. See Annual Participation Guideline section detailed below.

Storage Terms
  1. Storage spots are intended for OC-1s, OC-2s, and V1s owned by active O Kalani Members. Surfskis and stand up paddle boards may be permitted only at the discretion of the board of directors for active members.
  2. O Kalani Outrigger Canoe Center assumes no responsibility for theft or damage to member-owned OC-1s, OC-2s, V1s, or surfskis.
  3. Member is in good standing and either fully paid in annual dues or on a board approved payment plan.
  4. Fees set annually by the board of directors. For the 2023 season (March 1, 2023 to February 29, 2024), fees are $125 per storage spot and are due March 1 with the annual dues payment. Storage obtained after March 1 will be prorated to the first day of the following month from when storage was granted. Individual fees may be waived at the discretion of the board of directors for above and beyond service to O Kalani or for financial hardship.
  5. Requests for private boat storage must be made in writing to the Secretary (secretary@okalanioutrigger.org) and will be ranked based on the date on which they are received. The Secretary will maintain a waiting list.
  6. One storage spot is available per fully paid member on a first-come, first-served basis as space allows. Additional spots will be granted to members provided no member is on the waiting list at the start of a season.
  7. One storage spot may be carried over from year to year per member. Members may need to vacate additional storage spots for those members on the waiting list seeking a first spot as of March 1, determined by participation level in the club.
  8. Coaches are granted one storage spot at no cost.
  9. The secretary will maintain an inventory indicating which member is assigned to each spot.
  10. Should a member vacate a spot before the end of the season, a prorated storage fee from the first day of the next month will be refunded to the member upon request. The spot shall be made available to the next member on the waiting list.
  11. Members may not transfer a vacated spot directly to another member. The spot shall be made available to the next member on the waiting list.
  12. O Kalani-owned canoes are guaranteed storage. Should O Kalani procure additional canoes, they shall be given priority for storage. 
  13. Boat storage is available for active paddlers only. O Kalani is not a general storage facility. The Board of Directors reserves the right to remove canoes that belong to inactive paddlers to make room for active members on the waiting list with 30-day written notice. In such an event, a prorated storage fee shall be refunded to the inactive member.
  14. Members who store watercraft at O Kalani may not be members of other NCOCA outrigger organizations. If the member enters NCOCA races, the expectation is they race with O Kalani (unless an arrangement is made with coach approval to loan/sub out the member to another NCOCA organization in an ad-hoc manner).
  15. Members may not loan a personal canoe to a minor outside of a sanctioned and supervised practice.
Annual Participation Guideline for Canoe Storage

A minimum of four (4) participation hours per year are required for each personal storage slot at O Kalani (e.g., if you have two slots, you must contribute 8 participation hours, at a minimum, per year). Hours from all owners may apply to a shared watercraft.

Examples of participation and hours awarded are outlined below, and additional opportunities may be available depending on club needs.

  • Participate in an NCOCA race (must practice with the club, and show up to help rig and/or derig canoes) – 1 hour / race
  • Event Lead Planner for any of O Kalani sponsored events including Season Kick off Viva Aloha, 4th of July Parade, Wicked Fun Race, End of season party & site clean up, Holiday party – Varies
  • Attend cleaning / maintenance day (typically at least two held per year, one in fall and one in spring) – 2 hours
  • Participate in 4th of July parade or trailer decorating – 2 hours parade, 2 hours decorating
  • Support an O Kalani hosted race or other event (day of or advanced planning) – 2+ hours
  • Serve on the O Kalani Board – 8 hours / year
  • Serve as a Coach or Sunday Practice Lead (approx. biweekly for the season) – 8 hours / year
  • Assist with Sunday or beginner practice as a backup to the lead (e.g., help steer a crew, teach new folks OC-1 skills, etc.) – 1 hour / practice
  • Serve on an NCOCA committee (e.g., Race Representative, Safety) – 8 hours / year
  • Serve on/lead board approved committee with set annual goals (possible examples include fundraising, community outreach, beach cleanup, site beautification, etc.) – Varies
  • Support ongoing maintenance activities with advance notice to board or committee chairperson (e.g., wash skirts after race, wash site towels, help restore iakos, etc.) – Varies

For availability and more information about storage, contact secretary@okalanioutrigger.org.