Those who love fresh air, sunshine and being on the water will find the sport of their dreams in paddling an outrigger canoe. An outrigger canoe differs from a traditional canoe in that it has one or more lateral support floats known as outriggers, fastened to the outside of the hull. Many find joining an outrigger club gives them the thrill and excitement of paddling with others while improving their skills during races with other teams. Joining an outrigger club requires adherence to the group’s rules.
Joining an Outrigger Club Can Be Lots of Fun
Coming aboard as a club member
A number of clubs exist in Hawaii, California and other states. A good way to get involved with the sport is to start with an introductory paddle, advises an outrigger club in Santa Cruz, CA. After the first free introductory paddle, new member candidates may join the club members for additional outings for a set fee per session. Frequent paddlers are asked to pay annual dues for unlimited access to club equipment and coaching resources. Annual dues vary according to age and whether the new members are paddling for fun or competition. Depending on what time of year the new member joins, they either pay full price or prorated fees.
A club located in San Francisco advises potential new members to show up at one of the group’s weekday afternoon practice sessions, arriving early to fill out application paperwork. No experience is necessary, but paddlers should wear warm athletic clothing and shoes that can get wet, plus a set of dry clothes for afterwards. Another club in Marina, CA., schedules its hula and paddling registrations at different times of the year. Annual membership dues are payable immediately upon registration, and minors under age 18 must have a parent or guardian join as an associate member.
Different rules for different outrigger clubs
Other outrigger clubs located in Hawaii have their own set of regulations. One, in Honolulu, is a private club, and new membership is by the invitation of established members. Paddlers interested in climbing into an outrigger canoe with these club members will need two sponsors who are current, eligible members. The sponsor must have known the candidate for at least two years. Otherwise, candidates must be a member of another club that has reciprocal privileges in order to obtain a membership card.
Another group, located in Waikiki, invites interested paddlers to stop by the site at any scheduled practice time to talk to a coach. A prerequisite to joining its outrigger canoe club is filling out the Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association Insurance Form, which releases the club from liability. To become a member, the paddler must be able to swim. Novices may paddle with the outrigger club for two weeks with no obligation. After that, they are expected to join the club either as a recreational or competitive swimmer. When filling out the appropriate application, candidates will need to pay their dues and provide proof of ID.
Some basics to remember
When joining, making sure to thoroughly read the membership packet will give candidates a good sense of what to expect. An outrigger club in Seattle requires paddlers to pay their dues after four practices, or they will not be allowed to practice or take part in any races. All paddlers are expected to carry personal medical insurance. Additionally, paddlers must become members of USA Canoe and Kayak. A club in Portland, OR., formed as a nonprofit, welcomes couples as well as families.
To make it easy to decide whether to join, this club offers a trial period arrangement, where new paddlers can attend outrigger practices as a non-member/trial paddler. After approval by the club president and head coach, an established member may extend trial privileges to a potential new member for no more than one month. Trial paddlers pay a $10 one-month fee. If they decide to join permanently they will pay the remaining balance of their annual membership.
So if you enjoy gliding along the water on an outrigger canoe with your fellow teammates, give outrigging a try. Geography is no problem, because there are outrigging clubs located far inland as well as along the coastal areas, and the sport is open to all skill levels. Happy paddling.
Photo source: ewen and donabel
