Do I have to be able to swim?
Yes. Paddling is a water sport. Much of the activity will take place in the open ocean. If you are uncomfortable in the water, you may (will) be asked to wear a life vest.
Can I bring friends?
Yes!
Can I try it before I join?
Yes, you can come out and try paddling for a couple of practices to see if this is something that you’d be interested in doing.. Please check our practice schedule page for times and dates.
When are practices held?
Please refer to our Practice Schedule page for more information about practices.
What is the commitment I need to make?
Outrigger paddling and racing is a team endurance sport. All shapes and sizes paddle and race. Your commitment to getting in shape and learning to paddle correctly will have a lot to do with your enjoyment, and contribution to the canoe you are in. Refer to our practice schedule page for more details about practices.
Do novice paddlers race against experienced paddlers?
There are separate races for the novices in the Iron and Sprint portions of the racing seasons. The novice races are usually a fraction of the distance of the open races, and will give you a chance to build your endurance and mental strength, while competing against paddlers of similar experience. This is a fun period, and a great chance to get on the podium, although the competition is still fierce.
The novice paddlers train and race separately until the coaches integrate the novice into the veteran paddling crews. During 9-man season, there are no novice distinctions, and all race together.
I am interest! What should I do next?
Come down and join others who are interested! We take those new to the sport out in a 6man canoe, give instruction on the stroke we use, and you can experience what it is all about. Check out the home page and or the practice page for times. Drop us an email before so we know to expect you? Our Open crews go out earlier so you can meet several of us on the beach as we get back from practice. If it is during the off-season, contact us for dates and times we’ll be paddling. Look forward to meeting you!