A Simple Question

CoOP was sparked by a pivotal question from the Executive Director of The Makapo Aquatics Project, RJ Derama:

"How can we get a blind paddler in a one-person outrigger canoe by themselves?"

This question initiated a collaborative journey led by Dr. Mark S. Baldwin, then a PhD student at the University of California, Irvine. Guided by co-design and participatory design methodologies, Dr. Baldwin engaged directly with the paddling community, collecting insights and expertise from those with firsthand experience on the water. Working openly and iteratively in public spaces, the team's collective knowledge shaped CoOP's initial prototypes. The insights gained from this public, community-centered process became the foundation of CoOP's design and development. Over time, these prototypes evolved into the final iterations that still serve as the basis of the CoOP system today.

CoOP's design process and early adoption have been documented through various channels, including presentations at conference workshops, a peer-reviewed conference publication, detailed analysis in a doctoral dissertation, and features in popular media. These diverse forms of dissemination highlight the collaborative and inclusive approach taken in developing CoOP, emphasizing the vital role of community input in shaping assistive technology.

The Development and Evolution of CoOP

In 2018, CoOP's development process accelerated significantly. Between January and May, several iterations of the system were designed and tested, reaching a stable and functional state by late May. With the technology in place, the team began exploring the practice of using CoOP with blind paddlers. From June to late September, many miles were paddled as the CoOP team honed their approach to navigating a blind paddler in the open ocean.

The First Race

CoOP was put to the ultimate test in October 2018, when a blind paddler competed in the Off Da Couch race at the Newport Aquatic Center in Newport Beach, California. This marked a historic first—guided by an experienced outrigger canoe coach following alongside in a motorized boat, the blind paddler competed against sighted paddlers from across the country.

The Big Race

By 2022, CoOP had undergone several additional refinements, including the development of a custom steering controller, and had been used in numerous local races. That year, CoOP made its international debut at the Queen Lili'uokalani Canoe Races in Kona, Hawaii. Once again, the CoOP system enabled a blind member of Makapo's race team to compete side-by-side with some of the world's best outrigger paddlers, showcasing the transformative potential of the platform on a global stage.

A Bright Future

In the years since its inception, CoOP has evolved into a versatile platform, empowering individuals who are unable to steer themselves in an outrigger canoe. In addition to its continued use in recreational and competitive race events, its applications have expanded significantly, including:

  • Race Training Integration: CoOP has become an integral part of the Makapo race team’s training practices, fully supporting the rigorous training cycles used to prepare for the six-person race season.
  • Dragon Boat Support: The system has been deployed to assist the dragon boat community, enabling outrigger canoes to be used effectively for time trials.
  • Innovative Steering Solutions: A paddle-integrated steering system has been developed, enhancing paddler independence and enabling lower-leg amputees to steer an OC1 without additional assistance.

We have exciting plans for the future of CoOP. To learn more about the CoOP platform and explore opportunities to paddle with CoOP, feel free to look around and discover how you can get involved.