Have you seen the Outrigger Canoes on Shuswap Lake? They are the long 43’ narrow canoes, six seaters, with a pontoon arm called an outrigger. The sport is Hawaii’s national sport and is popular in many countries including New Zealand and the Pacific islands and the US. There are 32 Outrigger Clubs in BC and several in Alberta, Ontario and Quebec.
Shuswap Rowing and Paddling Club (SRPC) has offered an outrig canoe program in Salmon Arm since 2006, with 2 six seaters (OC6) and 2 two-seater canoes (OC2). Outrig paddling is a low-impact exercise that is easy on the joints while providing a good workout. Paddling a canoe requires continuous effort which can help improve heart health and endurance.
This sport appeals to people of all ages and skill levels and we provide life jackets, paddles and basic coaching and training clinics throughout our season (May 1 to August 30).
Outrigging has set schedules for recreational paddling and offers opportunities for members who wish to form competitive teams for races in BC, Canada and internationally. Members who compete in races must be a member of CORA – the Canadian Outrigger Racing Association.
For further information please contact our Outrigger director at outriggerdirector@gmail.com
Training
SRPC provides basic training in paddling, steering and huli recovery. These training clinics are provided as needed to both new and existing members. CORA https://canadianoutrigger.ca also hosts and sponsors training events throughout the year.
For strength training, the activity also works the muscles of the upper body including the shoulders, biceps and triceps.
2025 Races & Events to Consider
- Updates for next season coming soon…
CORA posts yearly racing schedules on their website and race results. Members are encouraged to participate and even join race teams from other clubs.
2024 Activity Summary
April 7th – start up meeting – 19 members attended. October 2023 survey results were reviewed and some actions implemented.
May 11th – Scotch Creek Poker Paddle – This is an annual fun event where we transported the two OC6’s and paddled 16 km around Copper Island with the Blind Bay and Kamloops clubs to kick off the season.
May 13th – regular paddles began
May 18th + 25th Farmer’s Market tent at Ross Street to promote paddling
May 25th/26th – Paddling OPEN House for 2 mornings. Unfortunately the weather was not cooperative due to heavy rain and strong wind. We ended the OPEN House early on Sunday because it was too windy to safely take groups of new people out.
June 8th – paddling clinic at Canoe Beach for new paddlers delivered by experienced OC members
July 6th – Huli/Steer clinic workshop at Canoe Beach delivered by experienced OC members
July 23rd – BBQ hosted by two of our favourite outrigger paddlers at their home. Twenty-two members attended and it was a great opportunity for us to get to know one another and celebrate our sport and friendships.
August 14th – grant application submitted to BC Gaming Commission for OC4’s
August 18th – 20th Anniversary celebration of SRPC at Canoe Beach
Sept 22nd – outrigger season wrap-up BBQ and cleanup at Canoe Beach. OC6’s cleansed, disassembled and covered for the winter.
** There was some interest in attending a race or two in BC, however a team did not materialize due to vacation scheduling and injuries. Perhaps next year we’ll be back off to the races!!