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.
Races & Events to Consider
- Sun Apr 7 – Start Up Meeting
- Sun Apr 21 – Rig OC-6’s
- Thu Apr 25 – First Paddle of 2024 Season
- Sat Apr 27 – Saturday V-12 Paddle
- Sat May 11 – Scotch Creek Poker Run
- Sat June 8 – Tentative Training Session
- Sat June 22 – Bowen Island races
- Sun June 30 – Vernon 40 km Change Race
- Sun July 7 – Tentative Huli Recovery Clinic
- Sat July 20 – Lotus Iron Burnaby
- Sun Aug 25 – Tentative Sicamous & Back Paddle with BBQ
- Sat Sept 14 – Lotus Poker Run Burnaby
CORA posts yearly racing schedules on their website and race results. Members are encouraged to participate and even join race teams from other clubs.