3 Tips To Help you Become a Better Outrigger Paddler

Credit: GettyImages:YASUYOSHI CHIBA

These past weeks have been very busy for Outrigger Canoe Clubs throughout Southern California as they conduct practices containing new incomers (Novices). The Southern California Outrigger Racing Association (SCORA) has become popular, since the introduction of the outrigger canoe at the Rio Olympics games of 2016. This weekend, I attended my first outrigger canoe practice after a six-month break. I noticed a vast amount of new paddlers; I can usually tell by the way they either: Hold a paddle, what size of a paddle they use, and their paddling technique. It is not my job to coach novices; however, I can educate them by sharing three useful tips to become a better outrigger paddler.

1. Find a Paddle that Suits You

When Paddling in an outrigger canoe finding the right paddle requires some special consideration when sizing a paddle. In the video attached, Dave and Meg Chun, owners of KIALOA paddles, shows us how to properly size an outrigger canoe paddle.

                       

2. Paddle on seat 3, 4 or 5 

The outrigger canoe has six seats. Seat 1 requires a paddler to set the stroke rate. Seat 2 follows and advises seat 1 to change stroke rates.  Seat 3, 4, and 5, are what is considered the engine room and seat 6 is the steersman. New paddlers should sit somewhere in the engine room because they are able to learn from experienced paddler by looking at the individuals on seat 1 and 2. In addition, new paddlers will be able to master timing in the water. Timing in the water is very important because the outrigger canoe glides on the water efficiently when everyone on the canoe is in sync. 

3. Ask questions

A paddler should always ask questions to improve their knowledge in the sport. I have noticed throughout seasons that novices tend to be shy. I was shy in my first season. Novices need to overcome their fear and fight for their goals. Asking questions to a coach or teammate can strengthen the understanding of paddling and the culture. 

These three tips were the fundamental elements that got me promoted to the top boat in my club after one year in the sport. I was always curious about what paddle to use. Carbon fiber or wood. I would size my paddle by learning from Dave Chun. When I first joined the outrigger club in Long Beach, Kahakai Outrigger Canoe Club, I was assigned to sit in seat five and spent the season mastering the seat. Not only did it teach me about timing and paddling technique but it also taught me about steering. And finally, till this day, I am always curious to improve my paddling technique. I am still questioning coaches from other canoes of ways to be a better paddler.