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what's an outrigger? |
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| Forty-five feet of wave slicing machinery powered by six paddlers and attitude | |
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Outrigger canoeing began long ago as the principal form of transport for the peoples of Oceania, Polynesia, and numerous other island cultures. While traditional outriggers were carved out of a single tree trunk, modern fiberglass and composite versions embody many of the original design features that make this craft efficient and extremely seaworthy. The most obvious characteristic is the ama (the outrigger pontoon) which provides a high degree of stability without imposing significant drag. |
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| Today, outrigger canoeing continues as an important cultural activity, while providing competitive and recreational opportunities to outdoor enthusiasts around the world. Major races are now held across the Pacific and the eastern US. The traditional six person boat has been joined by single and double person versions (OC-1 and OC-2). | |
| Outriggers excel at long distance open ocean paddling, though they are also raced in short distance sprints. Paddlers switch sides every fifteen strokes to reduce fatigue -- this also results in a balanced body workout. |
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