How to Paddle an Outrigger Canoe

Outrigger canoes come in four, six and 12-person varieties with the roles of the rowers being no different for each size. The sport requires precision, training and teamwork. Upper body strength and endurance are necessary as well.

Things You'll Need

  • Outrigger canoe
  • Life vest
  • Helmet
  • Paddles
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Instructions

    • 1

      Clarify each person's roles and responsibilities before entering the outrigger. The roles are stroker, steerer and paddlers.

    • 2

      Place the paddlers near the center of the canoe. Paddlers are the team members who are the strongest. The main type of strength required is bicep and tricept strength. Paddlers use their back muscles but not primarily. Paddlers are responsible for giving the boat its speed.

    • 3

      Choose the stroker, who sits at the very front of the canoe. The stroker should have strength, but more endurance. This is the most tiring position; the responsibility of pace setting and keeping is a dedicated and consistency-driven effort.

    • 4

      Position the steerer at the very rear of the boat. The steerer has the task of maintaining a straight course by maneuvering the canoe from left to right.

    • 5

      Set the boat in the water, push off and get in the boat. Insert paddles into the water simultaneously. Each person's paddle should be on the opposite side of the boat as those of the person in front of him.

    • 6

      Paddle by pulling backwards, removing the paddle from the water when your arms are bent. Bring the paddle back to the front, re-extend your arms and re-insert the paddles into the water.

    • 7

      Follow a rhythm of four or eight strokes on the left followed by the same number of strokes on the right, still alternating each paddler. Follow the stroker's commands, no matter what.