Canoe Communication Basics
While paddling there is appropriate communication standards that should be followed. These standards make sense to realize maximum team performance and minimum team stress! The following are parameters we all should follow:
The Steersperson – This is the only person in the boat other than the coach who should be giving orders or directions. Only he/she calls timing, calls paddles up, asks for draws left and right, etc.
Five Seat – Five seat can quietly communicate with the steersperson to assist in guarding the Ama. Five may be asked to pass on messages up the boat if the steersperson is looking to give direction in a way that can not be heard by other crews.
Three and Four Seat – Three or four seat calls the Hut for the team. May adjust the stroke count on their own choice prepared the team for buoy turn or in attempt to get one three and five on ama to stabilize. Can also call “Ama” if they see a problem coming or power set calls for pushes. These two seats are the “Engine Room” in the canoe.
Two seat – Seat 2 may ask Seat 1 to consider an adjustment in rate or stroke style depending on the feel of the boat. These requests are suggestions only. One seat will ultimately decide along with six if a change is warranted. Two seat will also pass on messages sent up from six seat via the back of the boat.
One seat – One seat does not need to talk to anyone other than two seat. He/she may ask two seat for advice on the feel of the boat or she may ask for a message to be passed back to six seat if she is considering a change that six should be aware of. One seat should never verbally attempt to change rate, instead, One seat should have some “secret” signals developed with her team to indicate, upping the rate, increasing the intensity for a pass, lower rate more power and other such strategy signals. Negative body language or head shaking is frowned upon and will only set a negative tone with the crew.
No one other than six seat and the coach should be giving directions in the boat. They are the only ones who can call “timing” and issue directions to steer the canoe. All others in the boat should only be offering positive encouragement to their fellow paddlers.