During early exploratory voyages of the Hawaiian islands as far back as 1873 references are made to the Hawaiian single outrigger canoes. Captain James Cook recorded their accounts of sighting 3,000 or more canoes filled with men, women and children. Later explorers that visited the islands were also greatly impressed by the immense number of canoes.

Today there are different types of outriggers (wa'a is the Hawaiian word, va'a is the Tahitian word). The OC1 are single wa'a with rudders and the V1 is rudderless and are about 6 metres (20 feet) in length and can weigh as little as 10 kiliograms (20 pounds). There are also OC2s and 4s but the biggest are the 6 person canoes at over 12 meters (40 feet).

Although outriggers was a sport in the 2005 World Master Games in Edmonton, Paddlers Haven brought the sport of Wa'a to Edmonton.

Competition racing in outrgiger canoes is grouped in age catogries, so you race with people of your approximate age making it ideal an ideal sport for people of all ages.

Introduction to Wa'a (Outrigger Canoe)
May 8 and 9

This Introduction to Outriggers is a must for anyone wanting to paddle outriggers. Learn to paddle both V1/OC1 (single person) and OC6 (6 person team). Learn the terminology ie. what is a huli? what is an uni? Cost: $200, Mandatory and free for members.

Club Sprint Races
TBA (Septemberish)

Join us for our Club Sprint Races with distances of 500m and 1000m with and without turns. Both OC1 and OC6s are going to be races. Cost $20 for as may races as you want.