4 principles of seat assignment

Ability
It's not enough to just have the physical skills, you must be committed to developing your mental aptitude, and display a positive attitude to continue learning and adjusting your abilities to blend with the other 5 members of your crew under any conditions. This can seem mystical, a skill that top coaches find challenging to teach. Achieving this skill is a lifetime pursuit and is what makes the boat rise and glide. The sensation of blending, not only with the crew and ever changing water conditions, but also with nature. This is what defines the essence of the outrigger experience. This is a master skill that only the elite paddlers possess. Blending with a crew well is so important, it can move a less fit paddler up into the top competitive crews. Often very fit paddlers find themselves not selected for top crews and this is the primary reason - not blending well.

Attendance
In OC6, when a paddler misses practice five others are affected.  In addition, the coach’s plans for that day’s workout can be disrupted.  Racers - All race specific & pre-race team practices are mandatory. If you cannot make a practice, training on an OC1, trail running or a gym workout can help the team reach its goals. If something unforseen happens, filling your empty seat is the responsibility of the paddler.

Punctuality
BE READY to get in the boat at the assigned time. That means all hands 15 min prior to help uncover the canoe, get gear ready and warm up your muscles. Practices are held rain or shine-only high winds and lightning will keep crews off the water. 

Attitude
Outrigger canoeing is a highly respected sport that is steeped in Polynesian tradition. Respect for our canoes, the culture, the equipment and each other at ALL times. Being eager and 100% committed to move the boat seamlessly through the water takes practice, selflessness and respect for the your team mates and steers person. 

race crew selection criteria

Perhaps the hardest job any paddling coach has is crew selection.  Deciding which athletes should paddle in what boat for what race is complex and depends on many constantly changing variables.  Blending with a crew well is so important, it can move a less fit paddler up into the top competitive crews. Often very fit paddlers find themselves not selected for top crews and this is the primary reason - not blending well.

Technical Paddling Ability
Body position and posture in the boat
Blade work/control
Ability to match & blend with others
Ability to adapt technique follow commands
Ability to adjust technique & power to suit every seat

Coachability
Being open to constructive criticism 
Making a visible effort to technique correct errors
Body awareness

Experience Level
Capacity for work and performance
Respect from fellow paddlers
Training Status (Fitness level)
Health status (injuries, physical limitations)
Athletes rate of recovery
Athletes body type (height, weight, body composition)

Psychological Traits
Ability to communicate with peers and coaches
Ability to listen well
Attitude - positive
Competitiveness - focused and eager
Honesty
Sportsmanship
Self Esteem