Outriggers for Canoes

Outrigger canoes were developed by cultures throughout the South Pacific and Indian Ocean, including indigenous tribes from New Guinea, Australia, New Zealand, Malay and Polynesia. An outrigger is a lateral flotation device attached to a canoe hull that gives the vessel more stability. These were developed mainly for long sea travel, traditional sea racing with some cultures and fishing. Though predominantly the same in design, several types of outrigger canoes are used for specific purposes.

  1. Surfing Outriggers

    • Surfing outrigger canoes are designed for maneuvering through heavy surf and in rough waters. These canoes are generally used for navigating around islands in high surf. Surfing outrigger canoes are generally 22 feet long and have high rockers to allow paddlers to get between waves. These canoes can typically carry up to four passengers.

    Double Outriggers

    • Double outriggers have two lateral flotation rigs on either side of the canoe hull. These canoes are generally used along with a sailing rig, typically for racing. Without a sail, the double outrigger is not as practical as a single outrigger. This is because in deep, rough water with heavy swells, the canoe hull loses contact with the water, and becomes suspended between the two outriggers. This results in poor handling and a rough time at sea.

    Solo Outriggers

    • Solo outriggers are also referred to as one-man outriggers, suited for only one person. These canoes almost resemble a typical kayak, with one seat positioned in the middle to help maintain center-of-gravity. Solo Outriggers are the smallest of the outrigger canoe varieties, generally ranging between 17 and 21 feet in length.

    Tandem Outriggers

    • Tandem outriggers are suited for two paddlers and are the most common of all outrigger canoes. These canoes, like the solo outrigger, have only one flotation rig, but have two seats. Generally, tandem canoes are about 25 feet or longer, and can be up to 15 feet wide from hull to rig. Often, the more experienced paddler sits at the front of a tandem canoe.