The Outrigger Canoe
The most significant artifact in the history of the Pacific is the outrigger canoe. Micronesians, Melanesians and Polynesians were craftsmen of a stone-age culture who successfully carried out what is considered a monumental human achievement in the migration and settlement over an awesome expanse of the Pacific Ocean.
The outrigger ama (float) is the essential design modification which sets outrigger canoes apart from all others. It evolved through thousands of years of experimentation and it is the most efficient way to stabilize a dug out canoe. Traditionally, the ama has always been fitted onto the left side of the canoe and this remains the same for paddling today.
The Hawaiian outrigger canoe is one of hundreds of outrigger types across the region of Oceania, encompassing Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia. The ama is attached to the canoe hull by way of two iako’s (canoe spreader bars).
Many traditional skills are associated with the practicing of both the rigging and paddling of outrigger canoes. In relation to rigging, skill and knowledge of lashing techniques and the trim of the ama and iako in relation to the canoe are skills which can take many years of experience to develop. It is this adherence to tradition which makes outrigger canoe racing and paddling unique in a world where many traditions and cultural recognitions have been done away with. As a result of this the sport attracts people seeking not only an outdoor ocean orientated sport, but one which offers deeper cultural and spiritual significance.
History of Outrigger Canoeing
Outrigger canoe racing evolved as a natural extension of the peoples of Oceania’s use of these amazing craft for their everyday survival in fishing the oceans and in traveling between island groups, culminating in epic journeys of up to and over 3000 miles. These people journeyed in double hulled voyaging canoes which still exist today.
Canoe racing became an important part of island life, as much pride and prestige was placed on victory. During the European occupation of many of the islands, specifically in Hawaii in 1820, canoe racing was effectively banned and paddles were replaced with bibles. Later in 1876 King David Kalakaua reinstated the sport. By 1908 the first two outrigger canoe clubs were founded; Outrigger Canoe Club and Hui Nalu.
Hawaii became the birthplace of contemporary outrigger canoe racing, with a governing body being established in 1950 the Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association. The sport has since spread far and wide to Tahiti, New Zealand, Samoa, Cook Islands, New Caledonia, USA, Canada, France, England, Italy, South Africa, Guam, Hong Kong, Australia, Fiji and is expanding all the time. There are an estimated 35,000 outrigger canoe paddlers worldwide, and the sport is currently experiencing huge growth.