Pupukahi i holomua
Unite to move forward.
By working together, we make progress. This saying would be especially applicable to the Hawaiians on their canoes where each paddler would have to pull the paddles together on command in order to make the canoe move forward quickly.
We are not just a group of individual paddlers; we are teammates, a community, `ohana. Just as we must paddle as one to move the waʻa forward, we must work as a collective and put aside our differences to move forward our mission.
COCC Core Values
1. Safety
We put the wellbeing of our paddlers and community first.
- Prioritize safety during practices and races, especially when the water is cold or during inclement weather.
- Follow safety rules, club policies, and directions from coaches or steerspeople.
- Look out for one another on the water and speak up if something doesn’t feel safe.
- Refrain from using alcohol or drugs before or during paddling activities.
2. Respect
We treat one another, our boats and paddles, and our environment with care.
- Respect teammates, coaches, officials, and other clubs—both in words and actions.
- Prioritize productive and healthy communication through active listening and allowing for other’s opinions and concerns to be valued.
- Handle disputes or disagreements with care, patience, and calm communication.
- Communicate in ways that allow for participant’s feelings of both physical and emotional safety.
- Honor Polynesian canoe traditions and the waters we paddle.
- Respect the club’s canoes and communal property through responsible use and maintenance.
3. Community
We build belonging through teamwork, inclusion, and volunteerism.
- Welcome everyone regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ethnic or national origin, marital status, age, ability, profession, military or veteran status, or actual or perceived disability.
- Support and encourage one another, recognizing that everyone is here to learn and grow.
- Welcome paddlers of all skill levels, backgrounds, and experiences.
- Contribute time and effort to the club’s success—on committees, at practices and events, or through simple acts of help.
4. Humility
We act with humility and appreciation.
- We acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of the other club members, the coaches, and the board members.
- Represent the club with honesty, fairness, and humility at all times.
- Take responsibility for our actions, both on and off the water.
5. Stewardship
We care for our lake, our canoes, and our community spaces.
- Leave shores, lakes or the ocean, and facilities cleaner than we found them.
- Help maintain canoes, paddles, and equipment with respect and diligence.
- Promote sustainability and cultural awareness in everything we do.
Expectations for All Members
- Paddlers: Arrive prepared, listen to coaches, support teammates, and maintain a positive attitude.
- Coaches: Lead by example, promote safety, and foster growth and teamwork in every paddler.
- Board Members: Serve the club with transparency, fairness, and accountability. Decisions should always reflect the best interests of the entire membership.
Upholding Our Standards
This club thrives on trust and respect. If issues arise, we handle them with fairness, discretion, and compassion. The board may take appropriate action—including mediation, suspension, or removal of membership—if behavior consistently violates this code.
Our Commitment
We paddle as one team—guided by respect, courage, and aloha.
Together, we honor the traditions of outrigger canoe paddling and build a community that others are proud to join.