An outrigger canoe is known as featuring a unique style which
includes one or more lateral support float devices which are known as
riggers. The outrigger shows a greater form of stability than other
canoes and is seaworthy where other canoes often fall short in this
category. The smaller outrigger canoes often only have one single
outrigger on the port side, whereas larger canoes have the double
outrigger usage.
The first outrigger canoes were of a rough design and the concept
quickly caught on because they were considered easier to handle in
somewhat harsh waters as well as seaworthy. Outrigger canoes in today's
society have come a long way in design. Although the main concept is
completely the same there are virtually many different types of
outrigger canoes that can be found.
Some outrigger canoes of today are designed for racing in ocean waters
and high waves, while others are based on a simpler design which doesn't
involve more than one rigger to the side. The differences in outriggers
themselves have changed as well. Some of the outriggers are made of
foam or poly foam combinations, while other outriggers are made of a
heavier material.
The basic idea for the outrigger canoe is to not only offer durability
in harsh waters but also to give a form of better and meaningful balance
to the main portion of the canoe. The outrigger canoe can almost be
compared to a body with arms; the body is stable as long as the arms
remain out. This is the same concept for the outrigger canoe.
However, when it comes to racing outrigger canoes, there is basically
the one outrigger, and many of those racing with these types of canoes
have trained to virtually raise or lean the canoe to the side that does
not have the outrigger for quick maneuvers and turning capabilities.
Watching outrigger canoes race is an experience and the sport is
becoming increasingly popular as more improvements are being designed
and detailed into newer versions of outrigger canoes. Although, if it is
to be used for personal use, the outrigger canoe is perfect for those
waters that a basic style of canoe would not be able to go. In fact,
some types of outrigger canoes today are designed to have netting
between the outrigger and the actual canoe, for storage of fish, floats,
nets, and many other items.
