Outrigger History

Outrigger Canoeing History

The Outrigger Canoe had its origins over 3,000 years ago as the principal form of transport for the people of Oceania, Polynesia, and numerous other Island cultures.  Traditional outrigger canoes were carved from a single tree-trunk.

The first outrigger canoe seen in Australia by a European was the 3rd day of June 1770 by Lieutenant James Cook as he sailed the “Endeavour” through the Whitsunday Passage on his voyage of discovery.  He noted in his log;

“On one of the islands, we discovered with our glasses,
two men and a women and a canoe with an outrigger”
(Hamilton Cup website 2002)

Today, outrigger canoeing continues as an important cultural activity, while providing competitive and recreational opportunities to sport/outdoor enthusiasts around the world.