A Polynesian paddling sport raced in a long canoe with a lateral float that stabilises the hull through ocean swells.
Origin and rules
Outrigger canoes are a millennia-old Polynesian innovation that enabled long voyages across the Pacific. Hawaii revived competitive racing in the early 20th century, and the International Va’a Federation now governs the sport worldwide.
How it plays
Standard crews race a six-seat outrigger called an OC6, with sprint events on flatwater and long-distance ocean races up to 50 kilometres. Solo OC1 and OC2 are also raced. Crews change paddling sides on call and may swap in escort boats mid-race.
Competition
The IVF Va’a World Sprint and Va’a World Distance Championships are the top events, along with the Molokai Hoe channel race in Hawaii. Tahiti, Hawaii, New Zealand, Australia, and Canada lead the sport. Outrigger canoeing is not on the Olympic programme.
Find more sports by letter
Outrigger Canoeing starts with O and ends with G. Browse other sports along the same letter.
Sports that contain a letter from "Outrigger Canoeing":