Fitness review: outrigger canoe racing
If you love being on the water and don’t mind some friendly competition, outrigger canoe racing – or outrigging for short – might be the fitness thing you’ve been looking for!
I’ve always been impressed by people who do water sports like surfing, sailing, kayaking, rowing, dragon boating etc. Watching them carve up the water completely at home in their water world, has always struck a chord with me.
So when my nephew invited me to try outrigging, I couldn’t resist. This was my big chance to be that water person! But perhaps the biggest bonus was getting a strength workout, in a friendly and supportive environment with great water views.
The details:
Duration: 1 – 1 ½ hours including swim (optional)
Style: Sunday social paddle with the club members
Cost: Free for the first few paddles, then $5 thereafter. Check with the outrigging club.
Who’s there: Male and females, all ages – from 20s to 60s and kids too
What to wear: ¾ tights or swim/board shorts plus t-shirt. Swimmers underneath if you’re up for a swim. Bring a hat, water bottle and sunglasses and wear something to protect your feet if it’s a rocky launch point. Slather on the sunscreen.
What to expect:
Outrigging refers to the sport of outrigger canoe racing which started in Hawaii. Decades before it became a sport, it was the traditional mode of transport for many Polynesian and Melanesian cultures and is still used traditionally on many islands today.
Outrigging clubs run Sunday social paddles as a way to introduce newbies to the sport and their club. This is how many people fall in love with the sport and move on from social paddling to fitness training with the goal to compete in their first regatta. The sport is thriving and is overseen by the Australian Outrigger Canoe Racing Association.
The social starts early (around 7.30AM) with a safety briefing, short intro to the sport and a quick paddle technique session. If you’re up for it, you can then help move the outriggers (known as ocean canoes or OCs) down to the shoreline. This gives you the opportunity to get up close and personal with the 13.8 metre, six-seater canoes (an OC6) which you’ll spend the morning on.
Next, you’re paired up into groups of six and assigned a seating position and an OC. A club member goes with each group and takes the role of steering the canoe, sitting in seat 6. After a brief explanation of how to get in, the outrigger is pushed off from the shoreline and away we go!
The next 20-25 minutes is gentle paddling on calm water to a designated point (often another shoreline for a swim and a break) before returning to the starting point. If you’re lucky, you may see turtles and dolphins and to get the most out of your morning, take note of the following:
- Seating positions – in an OC6, each seat has a specific purpose. Seat 6 is reserved for the steerer who keeps us on course; seats 3, 4 and 5 are the powerhouse or engine room, with seats 1 and 2 responsible for setting the pace. Everyone’s role is important.
- Timing – in outrigging, paddling is done on alternate sides, swapping over at a set interval (example a count of 10) with is called out by a nominated counter. You will paddle on the opposite side to the person sitting directly in front of you.
- Technique – for us newbies, we think the paddling motion is instigated by the arms, but it’s actually not. The power comes from your lats (think upper back) and rotation of your torso (using your abs) to pull the paddle’s blade through the water. This is what makes it such a good workout. And don’t think your legs and butt are sitting idly. They’ll play a role in keeping you upright, and your back and core strong and long.
Would I recommend this fitness workout to a friend?
Absolutely. If you like the water, being outdoors and learning new things, this is definitely something you should try. I went to the Redcliffe Outriggers Club social paddle and have been back numerous times. If it wasn’t for my love of ballet, I think I’d take up this sport.
What I liked: the unintentional workout, being on the water, view back to land, relaxed vibe, comradery, sense of community.
What I didn’t like: it takes a few social paddles to get better at using your lats and rotating your body for a more even stroke. Until then, I’m sorry, your arms will burn!
What do I rate this fitness workout out of 5?
Fitness: 4/5 Strength and toning: 4/5
Weight loss: 3/5 Wellness (mind, body, soul connection) 4/5
What would I listen to while outrigging?
Has this review got you googling clubs who offer social Sunday paddles? Share your thoughts in the comments box below!
And don’t forget. If there’s a fitness workout you’d like me to review, email hello@askthatfitgirl.com
Till next time, Maryanne K
