OUTRIGGER PADDLES & PADDLING

Six Man (OC-6) Outrigger Racing

New Paddle Graphics for 2010

Most outrigger racing can trace its roots to one of two Polynesian cultures; Tahitian or Hawaiian. Traditionally outrigger canoe racing took place in a canoe with six paddlers. For the most part racing in the United States is an outgrowth of Hawaii’s open ocean racing scene, with the major events being focused on the open ocean island crossing between Moloka'i and Oahu. These races include the men’s Molokai Hoe and the women’s Na Wahine O Ke Kai.

If racing a canoe across one of the world’s most turbulent channels is too intimidating, there are a many other entry level races where you can gain experience. The reality is that all outrigger clubs welcome new paddlers and provide structured coaching for those new to the sport. Canoe clubs are the foundation of outrigger paddling and provide not only instruction in the basic techniques used in paddling, but extend a feeling of family or “ohana”, for which Hawaiians are famous.

One Man (OC-1) and Two Man (OC-2) Outrigger Racing

In the early 1990’s kayak builder John Martin of Hawaiian Designs looked at the rudderless Tahitian flat water canoes that had been imported to Hawaii and decided to build a rough water OC-1 (Outrigger Canoe for 1), the “Honukai”. The Hawaiian outrigger scene was changed forever. Designed to surf the prevailing northeast swells between the islands of Moloka'i and Oahu, the solo canoes were not only fast, but user friendly for first time paddlers.

Beyond the scope of individual or pair racing, the solo canoe has become an essential training tool for any paddler serious about OC-6 racing. Pat Erwin, coach of six time Moloka'i Hoe winners, Lanikai Canoe Club says, “If you are fast in a one-man, you are probably going to be fast in a six-man”. The OC-1 is the optimum tool for learning to paddle efficiently and is an effective tool for quantifying an individual paddler’s performance when making team canoe selections.

Recreational Outrigger Paddling

Outrigger paddling is a popular form of fitness training. Benefits include a great upper body workout, as well as cardiovascular endurance. Paddling tends to be “easy” on the body, free from the impact associated with other endurance sports. The use of one man and two man canoes for recreation and surfing is also very common. One of the extra bonuses of paddling as a fitness activity is the quiet one can find on the water, away from street noise and crowds.

Outrigger Paddles

Outrigger Paddle Rules

Outrigger paddles used in OC-6 races must conform to the rules of the sanctioning association. While this may seem like a confusing situation, most associations tend to follow the Oahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Associations (OHCRA) canoe paddle rule. Why? OHCRA is the largest association and is the sanctioning body for the Moloka'i Hoe. All KIALOA Hybrid and wood outrigger paddles designed for OC-6 use are built to the OHCRA rule and are legal for use in all of Hawaii’s outrigger races. Any single bladed outrigger paddle may be used in OC-1or OC-2 racing, whether it is wood or full carbon. Ultra-light full carbon outrigger paddles might seem the obvious choice, as they tend to be the lightest construction material, but Hybrid style paddles tend to be the dominant type of paddles on Hawaii’s solo canoe scene.

KIALOA Hybrid Outrigger Paddle

KIALOA's Hybrid outrigger paddles are constructed of a carbon blade with a wood core, a triple laminated wood shaft, and a hand shaped wood t-top all of which conform to OHCRA race rules. All of our hybrid outrigger paddles have a 10 degree single-bend at the blade. Hybrid outrigger paddles tend to be the most popular in the racing scene. Whether it is the shock absorbing qualities of the wood shaft, or the slightly heavier weight which makes control of the paddle easier in the wind and surf, the vast majority of hardcore paddlers choose Hybrid outrigger paddles.

Outrigger Paddle Shape

KIALOA offers a variety of blade shapes designed with different applications in mind. The overall guiding principal is, the slower the craft the smaller the blade. The strength, fitness and technique of the paddler contribute to craft speed as much or more than the craft itself and factor heavily into your choice of outrigger paddle. Understanding how you are going to use the paddle and your own experience and strength will help guide you to the perfect paddle. Keep in mind that full composite outrigger paddles are not sanctioned by OHCRA for six man paddling in Hawaii.

Here is a general guide for KIALOA's outrigger canoe paddles.

• Lanikai: This is our largest blade, ideal for Men's OC-6 distance and regatta paddling.
• Axel II: The all-in-one blade, ideal for men's OC-1 and men and women's OC-6.
• Hollyakala: Designed with women in mind, good for both men and women in the OC-1 and women in an OC-6.
• Wacky Shaft: This S shaped shaft was designed to relieve stress on the wrist and forearm. It is a full composite outrigger paddle and comes with any blade choice.
• Wacky Helium: This full composite paddle is our smallest blade for outrigger and is only available on a wacky shaft. Ideal for one man distance racing and surfing.
• Keone: This is our full carbon outrigger paddle with an Axel II blade, ideal for one man paddling for both men and women.
• Wood Paddles: KIALOA has a variety of wood paddles. The same principles apply with regard to the size of the blade. Some paddlers prefer the more traditional wood models for their natural beauty.
• Keiki Kalo: This all wood paddle is designed for kids. The shaft, blade and t-top have all been sized for smaller hands and the material is designed for strength and endurance.

Outrigger Steering Paddles

KIALOA currently has two outrigger steering paddles in our line-up, the Biscuit and the Foti. Both of these paddles are hybrids and have a 5 degree bend. The steering paddle arguably takes the most abuse in the boat and KIALOA's have been tested by the best.

• Biscuit: This blade was designed for calm to mid-water conditions. It is lighter and has slightly less surface area than the Foti which allows the steersman to paddle more while steering. It is ideal for regatta racing and paddle-steering across lakes, rivers and bays as well as mild to mid ocean conditions.
• Foti: This blade was designed with the Moloka'i Channel crossing in mind. It has a larger surface area which is required to maneuver a boat in bigger water conditions. This Foti is ideal for big active water that may require stronger corrections. It is also good for smaller or less experienced steersmen as the larger blade adds force to your corrections.

Further Help Choosing a Paddle