WHAT IS AN OUTRIGGER CANOE?

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The outrigger canoe (Tagalog - bangka; Maori - waka; Hawaiian - wa'a; Tahitian - "va'a"; Tongan - paopao) is a type of canoe featuring one or more lateral support floats known as outriggers, which are fastened to one or both sides of the main hull. The outrigger bestows greater stability and seaworthiness upon a canoe. Smaller canoes often employ a single outrigger on the port side, while larger canoes usually employ a double outrigger configuration. The sailing canoes are an important part of the Polynesian heritage and are actively raced and sailed in Hawaii and Tahiti.

History

Outrigger canoes were originally developed by the Austronesian speaking peoples of the islands of Southeast Asia for sea travel, and were used to transport these peoples eastward through to Polynesia and New Zealand during the Austronesian migration period. Even today, it is exclusively among the Austronesian groups (Malay, Micronesian, Melanesian and Polynesian peoples) that outrigger canoes are used.

When Magellan's ships first encountered the Chamorros of the Mariana Islands in 1521, Antonio Pigafetta recorded that the Chamorros' sailboats far surpassed Magellan's in speed and maneuverability. In fact, the Micronesian sailing canoe, the proa, was the fastest sailing vessel in existence well into the 20th century. The technology has persisted into the modern age. Outrigger canoes can be quite large fishing or transport vessels, and in the Philippines, outrigger canoes (called "bangka or "banca") are often fitted with gasoline engines.

Outrigger canoe racing has become a popular canoeing sport, with numerous clubs located around the world.

Photo: The Tongan dug out canoe, or paopao, is still used today by Tongan fisherman.