SBOCC HISTORY
SHORT HISTORY OF OUTRIGGER CANOE PADDLING
Outrigger canoe paddling is a unique, niche sport with a long and vibrant history that spans many centuries across the world. The history of outrigger canoes traces its roots back to the ancient seafaring civilizations of Polynesia.
The peoples of Hawaii, Tahiti, Fiji, and other Pacific islands developed the unique watercraft, characterized by a lateral support float, which provided stability and balance in challenging ocean conditions. This ingenious design allowed early Polynesian explorers to navigate vast expanses of the Pacific Ocean, extending their reach to remote islands and establishing cultural connections across the Pacific.
As Polynesian seafarers migrated to new lands, outrigger canoe paddling evolved and adapted to different regions. In Hawaii, it became deeply intertwined with cultural and social practices in which outrigger canoe paddling transitioned from a means of transportation to a competitive sport. Competitions showcased the prowess of paddlers, fostering a sense of community and celebration. Tahitian paddling incorporates a spiritual dimension, in which ancient legends and myths are intertwined into the art of paddling. Over time, outrigger canoe paddling has spread beyond the Pacific, from Micronesia, Melanesia, Southeast Asia, each region incorporating new traditions that evolved outrigger canoe paddling into what it is today.
In the late 20th century, with increasing popularity of water sports, outrigger canoe paddling gained significant interest and the traditional craft found its way into the modern era. Organizations such as the Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association, Southern California Outrigger Racing Association, and the International Va'a Federation were established to organize races and promote outrigger canoe paddling as a competitive sport. Today, outrigger canoe paddling has become an internationally recognized sport, with competitions, clubs, and teams spanning from the Pacific, to Asia, Europe, Central and South America and attracting participants of all ages and backgrounds.
The enduring popularity of outrigger canoe paddling can be attributed to its remarkable fusion of physicality, culture, and camaraderie. It serves as a living testament to the resilience, skill, and connection to the natural environment that early seafaring cultures possessed. The sport continues to captivate the imagination of enthusiasts worldwide, offering a blend of athleticism, teamwork, and a deep appreciation for the ocean. As it progresses into the future, outrigger canoe paddling remains a vibrant reminder of cultural heritage as well as a small global community of ocean enthusiasts and a fun water sport.
SHORT HISTORY OF OUR CLUB
While we can't begin to capture all of the club's history over the years, we aim to document some of the history and stories that have been shared by club members both past and present.
General overview of the club's history...in the making.
CANOE NAMES
Maka koa (616) literally translates to “brave face” – though to us, it means “go forth boldly” or “to be bold and unafraid.”
Keaonani (919) is Maka koa's sister canoe and means “beautiful morning light” – both names were given after the Microburst in 2017 that damaged our entire fleet.
Makua Kane Juanie (808) is in honor of John Storrer (aka Juanie), a prominent member of our club, coach, and father figure to us all. His contributions to our community are innumerable. Juanie is a legend.
Kekoa June (805) is named after Corey and Juliet Simpson's kids Kekoa (son) and June (daughter). Juanie blessed this canoe and spoke about the future of our organization -- what it means to invest in youth. So this canoe is also to honor keiki who are the future of the club.
Mana Wahine (108) was named in honor of our past. The name means “Strong Women” but strength in this case isn’t just of body, but of spirit. This canoe honors the many legendary aunties of SBOCC and the legacy that these women have created.
Kahua Kai means ocean playground
He’e nalu means “to surf”
Waqa (pronounced wonga) is named for a Fijian paddler who used to paddle for the club
STORIES FROM THE PAST
Holly Sherwin
I have been paddling canoes since I was a teenager, but I didn’t even know what an outrigger canoe was back then! I grew up in Pennsylvania, so I paddled big old aluminum Grumman canoes. I then paddled whitewater kayaks and whitewater canoes and when I moved to Florida in the 80’s I discovered surf skis. It wasn’t until I moved to Santa Barbara in 2004, that I found those “funny looking crafts” on the beach and joined SBOCC.
My most memorable race was my first Catalina crossing. I was a novice and I was in a co-ed SBOCC crew. It was a freezing, cold day and our canoe hulied before we even got to the starting line! Back then, we raced the big old 400-pound canoes and by the time we reached Catalina, I was totally wiped out. Somehow we always manage to get ourselves cleaned up after the Catalina race and then would have a nice dinner with the team before falling into bed (or in some cases, hitting the karaoke bar)!
Photo of paddlers in Avalon after race : Holly Sherwin, Carol Roper, Elizabeth Toro, Michelle Rainville, Gina De Los Reyes, Serena Pfister.
One of my most memorable races was the Na Pali race, which takes place in Kauai and is a change race with six men and six women changing every thirty minutes. The coastline was so beautiful and the waves were so huge. I was picked up by a Hawaiian team and we stayed together in a condo in Princeville. It was such an iconic venue and what a cool way to do a change race. We even did a beach start where we all ran down the beach and launched our canoes at the same time. Mayhem and madness…I loved it!
There are many reasons I am attracted to the sport of outrigger paddling. It is in part the chance to be out on the water in all kinds of weather, and all through the year. For sunsets and sunrises, through fog, rain, and bright sunshine days. But really, it is such a gift to be able to gather with other water women (and men) to share in the exhaustion, the exhilaration, and the experience of racing an outrigger canoes. I love the camaraderie, the teamwork, and the unity we all experience when we are out there together.
My advice to new paddlers is to take advantage of the opportunity to paddle year-round and to learn to paddle on the small OC1 canoes. The OC1 is very different from the six-person canoes, but such a way to stay engaged and in shape throughout the year. I only wish I could have talked my son, Alec, into paddling on the team. He used to watch the Rig Run race, and I once took him out on my OC2, but I guess that will have to remain just a dream for now!
Photo of Alec and me
Maria Fidler
I have been paddling for 30 years and counting....
I was first approached at the gym to come down and try out outrigger paddling. I had no idea what outrigger paddling was, but it sounded fun. I tried it out and the rest is history. Fell in love with the sport.
I started with Ka Naia. But I wanted to be on a competitive team with good coaches so I joined SBOCC. I also paddled with Offshore and NAC for several years. I have also raced with numerous dial-a-crews over the years.
I have so many great memories, races, experiences, challenges, and friendships that I have made over the years. It's impossible to name the best one. But...my first Na Wahine O Ke Kai race in 1988 is a race I will always remember. Crossing the channel with my SBOCC teammates was so exciting and exhilarating as we took on the challenges of the race, together, as a team. Debbie Miles-Dutton, Moe Basile and Carol Shicky were on that team too and Jeff Ransdell was the coach.
I've done the Na Wahine race many times since, with different teams, each with its own challenges. It's one of my favorite races. It's tough and hard, but so rewarding.
I have also raced in Tahiti, Australia, and Canada. Lots of racing, tons of challenges, friends, and fun.
The things I love most about paddling are:
-The lifelong friends and the camaraderie on and off the water.
-The trust you have with your teammates knowing that everyone is putting their best effort in.
-The challenges of the sport, being on the water. Being totally immersed and totally exhausted after a race
-That there is always something to work on to make you a better paddler.
My advice to new paddlers just getting into the sport is to be open, listen, and learn. You can always learn something new and better yourself. The day you think you got it and have nothing to learn, it's time to look for another sport.
Enjoy the ocean, embrace the challenges, and trust your teammates. Know that if you try hard and always put your best effort in magic will happen.
