The history of outrigger canoes is deeply tied to maritime cultures of the Southeast Asian people who made some of the most remarkable migrations in human history more than 5,000 years ago. Although the region of origin was lush with excellent weather and plentiful food, the spirit of adventure took these explorers deep into unknown waters until lands known as the Polynesian Triangle were explored and settled. Using available navigation techniques—stars, waves, birds, and cloud patterns—paddlers were able to travel thousands of miles. The triangular exploration unfolded with Tahiti and the Marquesas Islands being settled first; followed by Hawaii and Easter Island; and then New Zealand. These long distance boats were more like pontoons as paddlers needed to carry supplies to traverse the ocean. The boats served cultural purposes including framing social organization, food supply, trade, exploration, warfare, and were honored as sacred vessels. These migrations, occurring long before European exploration, reflect advanced indigenous maritime knowledge.
Traditionally, paddlers are expected to properly respect three fundamental aspects of paddling: the ocean; the boat; and the team. The outrigger canoe is always kept clean and entered and exited in a particular manner without ever stepping over the boat. Team members must remain courteous at all times, using no profanity or showing irritation. The boat is considered a protector, and in some sense, has religious overtones.
Outrigger canoes come in various sizes, typically referred to as OC1 (one-person), OC2 (two-person), and up to OC6 (six-person). The Winnipesaukee team has a mix of these, including one, four, and six-person canoes. Each paddler uses one lightweight paddle which is used alternately down the line of the boat. The canoe itself primarily consists of three main parts: the hull (wa`a), the outrigger float (ama), and the spar (iako). The ama is connected to the main hull by two curved spars called iako. These parts are lashed together to create a stable, catamaran-like vessel. Canoes are often seen as living entities, and the ama is a critical part of their construction and function, reflecting a deep connection between humans, nature, and the divine. It is not appropriate to say anything negative about the canoe and its spirit.
Today, interest in outrigger canoeing is growing as a sport and cultural tradition. Popular in Hawaii, California, Florida, the south of France and in Tahiti (part of French Polynesia, a current French overseas territory) outriggers are symbols of indigenous knowledge, identity and resilience.
