OUTRIGGER CANOE PADDLING

Outrigger canoeing originated in the Polynesian islands, and it is a popular sport in Hawaii. Competition paddling is a challenging sport that involves training, commitment, and determination. Because outrigger canoe paddling is a sport with a deep culture and rich tradition, there are a few things to know before getting started. If you are unfamiliar with the sport, here is a quick breakdown of the basics.

ANATOMY OF A WA’A: THE OUTRIGGER CANOE

Called “wa’a” (pronounced Va-a) in the Hawaiian language, outrigger canoes get their English name from their outrigger or “ama” as they are called in most Polynesian cultures. The body of the canoe is long and narrow, with a rounded point at the front and back of the canoe. Outrigger canoes can be for one, two, three, four, or six people, respectively called OC1, OC2 and so on for however many seats the canoe has. Many canoe clubs use Hawaiian words to describe various parts of the canoe. A few terms to know include:

  • Ama: The outrigger that keeps the canoe afloat

  • ‘Akea: An outrigger canoe’s hull

  • ‘Iako: The plank that connects the ama to the canoe

  • Manu: The front most part of the canoe

  • Wa’a kaukahi: Single-hulled canoe

  • Wa’a kaulua: Double-hulled canoe

SIX SEATS, ONE TEAM

Like a soccer team has forwards and a goalie, each paddler has their own role in the canoe. While many outrigger canoe clubs teach their paddlers to sit in any seat, many paddlers will favor one seat in the canoe. A brief overview of each paddler’s role includes:

  • Seat One/Stroker: A stroker’s job is to set the pace for the rest of the canoe.

  • Seat Two: Paddlers in seat two must have excellent timing. As the first paddler on the opposite side of the canoe from the stroker, this paddler backs up seat one in setting the canoe’s pace.

  • Seat Three: Seat three is one of the power seats in the canoe, and typically calls. changes (though sometimes set two or four will call changes depending on the club).

  • Seat Four: Seat four is also a power seat that drives the boat forward.

  • Seat Five: Another strong paddler, seat five is the final power seat in the canoe’s engine. This paddler is also typically at the ready to back up the steersman if needed.

  • Seat Six/Steersperson: Seat six steers the boat and calls the shots in outrigger canoe paddling. This person’s job is to keep the canoe on course and keep the crew paddling together.

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