Fitness review: V1 – outrigger canoeing
Do you love the water and want a workout that is challenging, yet relaxing at the same time? It is possible. What you want to try is the solo outrigging canoe style of Va’a, or V1 as it’s known in the paddling world.
Meet 48 year old Trudy. Trudy took up the sport of outrigger canoe racing five years ago, at the encouragement of her partner Lawrence, a keen paddler himself and a national champion in V1, with title wins in a range of paddling disciplines. While outrigging is familiar in many cultures throughout the world, Hawaii has made it into a modern-day sport. It is popular throughout the Pacific and is gaining ground throughout South America, Asia and Europe.
Trudy started out competing as a paddler in an OC6 – which stands for a six person (outrigger) canoe. It wasn’t long before she wanted to steer. After mastering that challenge, she learnt more about the sport and racing in different types of canoes. She’s a fan of V1, or Va’a, which is the traditional name for an outrigger that requires the paddler to paddle and steer the canoe at the same time. V1s differ from OC1s (one person canoes), which are equipped with a foot paddle and rudder to help steer.
While she’s yet to take her V1 paddling to the international arena, Trudy is currently training with a team of ladies to go to Tahiti to compete in World Sprints 2018.
The details:
Duration: Depends on fitness level and experience, for a beginner aim for 60 minutes on the water
Style: One person canoe, but can paddle as part of a group
Cost: Provided you have all the gear – free!
Who’s there: Depending on location, expect to see other paddlers, stand up paddle boarders, kayakers
What to wear: Shorts, t-shirt that you don’t mind getting wet. Hat, sunglasses. Be mindful it is a water sport and if the canoe tips, these items can float away. For this reason, don’t take expensive items.
Ask That Fit Girl > What should someone expect?
If it’s your first time in a V1, you may find it difficult to get going if you haven’t previously been in a watercraft such as a canoe/kayak before. This is because you’ll need to steer and paddle at the same time. You’re likely to feel more confident if you’ve had some experience in a similar water environment before.
One of the biggest things to get used to is the ama that’s located on the port (left hand) side of the canoe. As well as providing stability, it contributes to how you steer and paddle the V1 through the water. This can take a while to get used to, but once mastered you’ll notice a real difference to your paddling experience. Here are my three tips to make your first V1 paddle enjoyable:
Go with an experienced paddler – Having someone to paddle with is crucial if you’re a beginner and just starting out. There is lots to learn about this type of canoe and the subtleties with technique and timing. An experienced paddler will be able to give you advice and encouragement, and be there as a safety support too.
Use your core – While your upper back and arms get a workout, your core will too. It’s your core that you need to engage to keep you upright and makes sure the rest of the body has a strong foundation to draw from.
Have fun – Paddling is meant to be an enjoyable experience! Don’t take yourself too seriously, it takes a while to master steering and paddling and the ones that have it to a fine art, have been paddling for years.
Ask That Fit Girl > Would you recommend V1 as a fitness workout to a friend?
V1 is my favourite outrigger canoe and I would recommend it to everyone! Learning V1 gives you strength and teaches technique that helps when you jump into other outriggers such as OC1 and OC6. Although your technique will alter slightly even when transferring into these canoes. It is a challenge, but one which is well worth the sweat and tears.
You really learn to read the water and be part of the water. I love water and recognize it is an important source of food also power and energy. It is alive with sea life and tides and waves. Being in a V1 and learning to be a part of the great expanse of the water we have on this earth is both humbling and fun.
What you like: Freedom. Being close to the water. Learning the water and the environment. Reading waves, feeling the wind, learning the best course. Continually thinking about surrounds. I am of Maori descent and often think of my ancestors and how they travelled the sea, when I am out paddling.
What you don’t like: There is nothing that I don’t like. It is hard, but that’s part of why I enjoy it so much.
Ask That Fit Girl > What would you rate this fitness workout out of 5?
Fitness: 4.5/5 Strength and toning: 4.5/5
Weight loss: 4.5/5 Wellbeing (mind, body, soul connection): 5/5
Ask That Fit Girl > What song do you have playing in your head when you’re on the water in the V1?
I actually don’t have any song in my head as I am trying to listen to my surrounds. Afterward when looking back at photos or videos, mostly island songs or Maori songs come to mind.
Has Trudy’s review got you keen to give V1 a go? Let me know in the comments box below! If you’d like to learn more about paddling, reach out to Trudy via the Redcliffe Outriggers Club Facebook page. Trudy has been involved in the club for a number of years and is also the current secretary.
And finally, if you’ve got a workout you’d like me to review, email hello@askthatfitgirl.com or post on the ATFG Facebook page.
Until next time,
Maryanne K
