Outrigger Canoeing is a small paddling discipline in the Ontario region. Originally founded in Hawaii, Outrigger Canoeing (or OCing) can be lots of fun in the waves and it’s an endurance sport. The outrigger, or ama, provides stability to the boat while maintaining a streamline design, paddlers steer with the use of a rudder & foot pedals.
Club members are welcome to sign up to do some OCing, either casually or seriously. However, some paddling experience & training on how to use the boats safely is required. If interested, there are a few OC races in Ontario, including the Toronto International Outrigger Challenge which has a ‘short’ distance race of 5km. As mentioned it is an endurance sport!
Alternatively, OCing is a great cross training method for dragon boat paddlers as they quickly learn to find water connection since they are alone in the OC, opposed to being one of twenty paddlers in a dragon boat. Competitive dragon boat teams regularly use OCs for individual paddle tests, usually of 150-660 meters.
If you are interested in Outrigger Canoeing with us on a regular basis please contact us.
