Learn the Outrigger Canoe
Learn all the basics of this unique sport and techniques to help you perform to your fullest! This sport is a great full body workout, as well as a ton of fun!
Sign up for our 5-hour course, divided into 3 sessions: (See new dates below that were changed due to inclement weather)
- Friday, Jan. 12 from 6-7pm via zoom
- Saturday, Jan. 13 from 10am-12pm
- Sunday, Jan. 14 from 10am-12pm
Cost: $150Â
History of the Outrigger Canoe:
Outrigger canoe racing evolved as a natural extension of the peoples of Oceania’s use of these amazing craft for their everyday survival in fishing the oceans and in traveling between island groups, culminating in epic journeys of up to and over 3000 miles. These people journeyed in double hulled voyaging canoes which still exist today.
Canoe racing became an important part of island life, as much pride and prestige was placed on victory. During the European occupation of many of the islands, specifically in Hawaii in 1820, canoe racing was effectively banned and paddles were replaced with bibles. Later in 1876 King David Kalakaua reinstated the sport. By 1908 the first two outrigger canoe clubs were founded; Outrigger Canoe Club and Hui Nalu.
Hawaii became the birthplace of contemporary outrigger canoe racing, with a governing body being established in 1950 the Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association. The sport has since spread far and wide to Tahiti, New Zealand, Samoa, Cook Islands, New Caledonia, USA, Canada, France, England, Italy, South Africa, Guam, Hong Kong, Australia, Fiji and is expanding all the time. There are an estimated 35,000 outrigger canoe paddlers worldwide, and the sport is currently experiencing huge growth.
