Participant Resources
Everything You Need for Paddle for Life 2026
Whether you're joining us for your first crossing or your seventeenth, this page brings together the official participant documents for Paddle for Life 2026.
These resources have been developed to help every participant understand their role, prepare for the voyage, and contribute to a safe, respectful, and successful event. Please review the materials that apply to you before event weekend.
Upon Registration
Participant Registration & Liability Waiver
Every participant is required to complete the Participant Registration, Rules & Liability Waiver before participating in Paddle for Life.
The waiver is completed as part of the online registration process. A downloadable copy is available below for your reference before registering.
Resources for Every Participant
Every participant should review these documents before arriving for Paddle for Life.
Paddler Safety Protocols
A quick-reference guide covering personal readiness, mandatory pre-event requirements, on-the-water expectations, water changes, marine wildlife protections, cultural reminders, and emergency response.
Lānaʻi Cultural Protocols & Land Stewardship
Learn how we honor the people, places, and traditions that make this voyage possible. This guide covers mālama ʻāina, camping expectations, sacred places, arrival protocol, and respectful conduct while visiting Lānaʻi.
Safety & Medical Assistance Protocol
An overview of Paddle for Life's medical support system, emergency communications, medic boat positioning, heat illness prevention, drowning response, and what to expect if medical assistance is needed during the voyage.
Water Change Safety Protocols
A quick-reference guide for safe paddler transfers during water changes, including canoe procedures, zodiac procedures, and accountability.
Role-Specific Resources
Serving in a leadership or support role?
These resources apply to participants with additional responsibilities during Paddle for Life.
Team Captain Safety Protocols
For Team Captains responsible for crew preparation, Float Plans, equipment audits, launch procedures, communication, water changes, and team leadership.
Escort Boat Captain Safety Protocols
For Escort Boat Captains overseeing vessel readiness, marine operations, communications, crew management, and emergency response.
Event Safety Operations
Behind every Paddle for Life crossing is a coordinated safety operation involving escort vessels, medical personnel, event leadership, and communication systems. The following documents provide additional insight into how the event is managed.
Comprehensive Safety & Medical Response Protocol
The master safety document for Paddle for Life 2026. It consolidates the event's safety, medical, operational, and cultural protocols into one comprehensive reference for leadership, safety personnel, and anyone who would like a deeper understanding of how the voyage is managed.
Emergency Action Plan & On-Water Communications
Emergency communication procedures, response hierarchy, VHF radio protocols, severe weather response, and emergency contact information used during the event.
Safety Boat & Medic Boat Positioning Protocol
Illustrates how safety boats, medic boats, and backup medical personnel are positioned throughout the crossing to provide continuous coverage across the fleet.
Weather Monitoring & Go / No-Go Protocol
Describes how weather and ocean conditions are monitored leading up to the event, the decision-making process for launch, and the criteria used by event leadership to modify, delay, or cancel a crossing if conditions become unsafe.
QUESTIONS?
If you're unsure which documents apply to you or have questions about any of the participant resources, we're happy to help.
paddle4life@pacificcancerfoundation.org
Phone
(808) 242-7661