Racing in Puget Sound (courtesy of Steve Shay, Photography)
Friendship and teamwork are some of the most gratifying aspects of outrigger canoe paddling. Working together to make an outrigger canoe move forward, racing other canoes across the water, getting stronger and feeling fit, all make the sport of outrigger a wonderful experience. For those who are willing to commit, good fun, hard work, and much Aloha await!
Paddling an outrigger canoe takes more than just muscle. It takes coordination and focus, six paddlers working as one. When bodies and minds come together and the 40 foot, 400 pound canoe glides forward seemingly effortlessly, the feeling is one that can’t be duplicated any other way.
In the Pacific Northwest, canoe paddlers have the opportunity to enjoy the surrounding of unique waterways like Lake Washington, the Gorge and Puget Sound. Teams in Oregon, Washington and British Columbia compete regularly during the spring and summer and gradually start traveling to meet California and Pacific Island competitors as the season progresses.
Seattle Outrigger Canoe Club (SOCC) practices three times a week from April through October as daylight permits and twice a week throughout the winter.
Interested in knowing more?
We are always eager to introduce new people to the wonderful sport of outrigger paddling. Explore our web site, read about recent club activities, and see the Membership page, for details on practice days, times and locations. If you like what you see, email us at info@seattleoutrigger.com and come give outrigger paddling a try.
Recent media coverage:
- Da Grind–This short article and wonderful slideshow in the West Seattle Herald illustrate the 2011 race.
- Video–This 2010 Seattle Channel video about outrigger canoeing in the Pacific Northwest features local paddlers, with interviews and paddling footage from 3 Seattle-area clubs, including Seattle Outrigger.
- Written–A 2008 story in the Seattle Times Sunday Magazine focuses on the local outrigger paddling community including several SOCC paddlers.
