History of the Sport

The outrigger canoe is descended from the Polynesian seafaring tradition. The canoe was originally made of wood and seated a varying number of people. A stabilizer (the object that gives the outrigger canoe its namesake) is lashed to the side of the canoe giving the canoe added stability to navigate through rough ocean conditions. These boats were traditionally used as a primary means of settling and inhabiting the islands of the Pacific and, for thousands of years, served as the only means of transportation of people and goods around the Pacific Ocean.

This traditional form of transportation has since evolved into a racing and endurance sport. No longer limited to the Pacific Rim, outrigger canoe clubs are being established all over the world and continue to emphasize bravery, teamwork and respect for Polynesian traditions. New York Outrigger is proud to introduce this sport to the island of Manhattan and to host the Liberty World Outrigger Competition for some friendly competition between outrigger clubs from around the world.

Design of the Canoe

The narrow, tapered, boats are 40 feet long and accommodate six paddlers. The canoes were Historically made of wood but today's modern racing canoes are made of glass-reinforced plastic and weighing in at a light 400 pounds. A long, thin stabilizer (the outrigger) lashed to the port side gives the boat its distinctive look and stability. Rated as ocean-going vessels, the ability for the outrigger canoe to maneuver through rough ocean waves is dependent on the ability and strength of the six paddlers powering it.

The boats seat six paddlers. Each paddler has a distinctive role but all work in unison to move the boat smoothly, quickly and efficiently. The person sitting in the front, or seat one, is called the stroke. They set the pace for the rest of the crew to follow. Seats 2 and 4, sitting just in front of the wood struts that connect the outrigger to the canoe, have the responsibility of being aware of the surrounding conditions and keeping the outrigger canoe stable. Every other person paddles on alternating sides, ie) if seats 1,3 and 5 are paddling on the left, 2,4 and 6 are paddling on the right to keep the boat balanced. Seat 3 calls changes to let everyone know to switch sides. Seat 5 provides additional power needed to move the boat and aids the steersperson in complicated maneuvers. Seat 6 acts as the steersperson and captain of the crew. Just like the ancient Polynesians, a good crew requires strength, stamina, teamwork and skill to survive the rough ocean waters.