All:
I'm posting this outside of my current role (29 days or so remaining) for dialogue/paddler feedback. I'm posting this as a paddler, not an officer of the club, and therefore not officially representing the interests/positions of the club on this point.
There are conversations within SCORA about new classes in SCORA for new open/unlimited canoe designs (think Kamanu and Livestrong if you have followed their developments). There is also talk of a standardized (would have to adhere to certain specs/limitations--hull design/weight/length) "high performance" California Class that could be used in SCORA.
Outside of SCORA, various associations in major paddling communities are opening up canoe designs for racing keeping the core attributes of the definition of an outrigger canoe intact.
Here are my thoughts
1. Which options would be best for SCORA?
A blend of unlimited and california class while keeping the traditional spec/bradley classes.
2. Why
(1) Progress and Design: While understanding the current design/weight limitations are designed to level the playing field (and you could say, make it all about the paddlers not the canoes), they are too limited to allow for significant progress in our sport. From what I understand, OC-6 canoe design has been frozen since Molokai 1976 when the Tahitians used a canoe that destroyed the competition--the rules were put in place thereafter to make sure it never happened again. As a result, evolution has stopped in Hawaii (which California followed), while in places like Tahiti, the rules are very loose allowing for creativity in the canoe design.
Secondly, while not an expert in the equipment guidelines in other sports, it appears that there is a fair amount of latitude in designing and creating high performance equipment that has steadily progressed over the years. While in outrigger canoeing, we have stayed with the same general design (with some hull modifications) for decades.
Lastly, as point of reference, look at what is happening in OC-1 (with limited rules on weight/fabrications/hull design--I could show up with almost anything at an OC-1 race as long as it has an ama and iakos, and not be questioned)-- there are multiple manufacturers, designs, configurations, materials etc.--freedom to design is creating an amazing array of canoes/designs and progressing the sport.
(2) Culture/Tradition: You may get some people saying we need to stay with the traditional design to respect the cultural heritage and significance of our sport, but as long as you keep some of the general parameters that truly define an outrigger canoe (iakos, ama, canoe, 6 paddlers), it will be respecting the roots/origins of the sport . Look at the canoe evolution in Tahiti, and they have stayed true to the general design of the canoe/sport.
Plus we will still be allowing for "traditional" fiberglass canoes for racing where it comes down to pitting crews against crews in the same designs (vs. the open class where the equipment becomes a potential factor).
That brings up the last point, fiberglass, quick straps, duct tape, pumps are already outside the realm of true traditional materials.
(3) Tahiti & Hawaii: The momentum is happening as witnessed by several races in Hawaii this year. If they are doing it where it is the state sport and a history of thousands of years of using canoes, then so should we sooner rather than later.
In Tahiti, its been done for years since the rules are much looser allowing for constant experimentation.
(4) Fun & Fast: In general, we race canoes to have fun, to go as fast as possible, and to surf--why would you want to put a limit on that?
(5) Costs: The Unlimited class will allow clubs to purchase high performance canoes that are currently being built in Hawaii or Tahiti (or anywhere else for that matter) if they have the funds. The California Class will allow clubs that may not have the financial wherewithal to still purchase a potential high performance canoe at a reasonable price (and much less than a traditional Hawaiian without the shipping fee, royalties etc.).
(6) Interest: It could provide more interest within the paddling community and outside the paddling community about the latest designs, materials, races etc. Look at all the hype in HI over the new designs--its created some excitement in the sport.
(7) Sprints
Limiting Sprints to ONLY the Spec/Mirages does make sense, where it can be crews challenging crews (not canoes vs. canoes)...this would also provide a forum for crews that may not have the lightest/fastest boat to beat crews that have the high-performance boats----giving them some bragging rights, and keeping things interesting. Think about a situation where the top five canoes overall win races, but a spec crew beats them in a Sprint race.
