Canoe

Canoes

What is an Outrigger?

Outrigger Canoeing water sport originated in the Hawaiian region and is, in fact, the State Sport of Hawaii. The canoes have a single hull with an outrigger float (ama) on the left hand side for balance. The ama is attached to the hull via two iakos (pronounced arkoos).

The following points are from THE HANA HOU SERIES found at www.holoholo.org Respecting Your Outrigger © 1999 Kawika Sands:

“The following traditions should be respected and followed at all times.

  • Tying ti leaves to the canoe brings good luck.
  • Don’t step over the boats at any time; walk around the canoe. Stepping over a canoe brings it bad luck. Respect the competition’s boats as well.
  • Refer to canoe parts by their Hawaiian names.
  • Each canoe should be treated with the respect of a living person.
  • Do not sit in the boat on dry land (except for instruction), as the canoe is considered sacred and part of you. Treat the canoe as a person.
  • Do not swear or argue in or around the canoe. This brings bad luck and slows the canoe.
  • Before each race the team gathers to give blessings and prayers of hope and thanksgiving.
  • After each race the teammates greet each other and congratulate them on the race.
  • When the canoes are on dry land, the nose of the canoe should point to the water. The early Hawaiians did this out of respect for the canoe and its spirit.

The outrigger is made for rough water conditions and that’s what makes it so much fun. The paddle, or blade, used by the paddler is single sided, with either a straight or a double-bend shaft. A variety of boat types exist, including the OC1, OC2, OC3, OC4 and OC6 with the respective number of paddlers in each canoe. The steerer will always sit at the back of the boat.

OC6 Outrigger Canoe

This class of outrigger seats 6, each seat having the following role:

Seat 1: The pace setter (sometimes called the “stroke”). This person sets the pace for the entire canoe.

Seat 2: Replicates the rate of seat 1 on the opposite side of the boat.

Seat 3: One of the “engine room” and this person also calls the “changes” (hut).

Seat 4: One of the “engine room”, providing power to the canoe.

Seat 5: Is also one of the “engine room” but has the added responsibility of backing up the steerer if required.

Seat 6: The steerer. They have total responsibility for the safety of the canoe and its crew.

OC2 Outrigger Canoe

These canoes fit just 2 people. The front person steers the boat, while the rear person paddles in time, provides power and calls the changes (huts).

OC1 Outrigger Canoe

In this type of canoe you are the steerer, stroke, engine room and caller of changes – the complete package. Paddling an OC1, allows a paddler to refine their technique, as well as improve the amount of power each stroke generates.  The ideal canoe to learn on.