NEWCOMER PROGRAM

Oceanside Outrigger Novice team with medals celebrating after a racing event by the water with boats in the background.

Embrace the Aloha Spirit while learning skill, strength, endurance, and teamwork… out on the open ocean

Welcome new paddlers! Ready to be part of a competitive outrigger racing team? Join us and you’ll learn basic paddling technique, the traditions and culture of this rich Polynesian sport, and blending together as a team. New members are always welcome whether you are returning from paddling after a long hiatus or have never tried it before.

Outrigger paddling is for anyone who loves great form and exercise, who enjoys being on the ocean, and who wishes to experience a water sport with a lengthy and rich tradition in Hawaiian and Polynesian cultures. 

We have several opportunities for newcomers to join the club and a racing program. Typically, the time frame to join and qualify for the racing season is between January - March annually. However, we also offer practices for those who would like to develop their skills and paddle for fun.

Check out our FAQs below for more details or contact our recruiting director for more info.

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FAQs

  • The first step is to attend a newcomers paddling session to learn the basics and see if you like it.

  • Newcomers sessions are held on most Sundays, 11:30am - 2:00pm. You may sign up for a scheduled session here.

  • We are located in the Oceanside Harbor at 1201-1343 N Pacific St, Oceanside, CA 92054. Free parking is located at Lot 1, which is  0.4 miles away. Parking is available for $10-$15 around the harbor entrance for a flat fee. Lot 11 is the closest right behind our club. Map of harbor parking lots.

  • Nope! Not as a newcomer. Our club welcomes a range of people from various athletic abilities and no prior paddling experience is necessary. However, for safety you must be able to swim. Knowledge of the water through other water sports such as kayaking, surfing, and stand-up paddleboarding can be helpful, but is not required.

  • Our club is a non-profit. We welcome new paddlers to try out. You may attend up to three free sessions if needed, for you to decide on joining the club.

  • Newcomer clinics are usually around 2-2.5 hours. You will learn the basics of outrigger canoeing such as: an introduction to outrigger canoe paddling, basic safety policies, the Hawaiian names for the parts of the canoe, how to load the canoes in and out of the water, and proper paddling technique. The coach will put you in crews and provide coaching and instruction while paddling 4-5 miles inside the harbor for around 1.5 hours. Coaches make the decisions on workouts. 

    You will be asked to do a swim test at some point. This includes getting out of the canoe, swimming around the canoe, and getting back in the canoe unassisted. You will be given guidance on how to get back in.

  • Wear synthetics, not cotton, as you may get wet (e.g., leggings, board shorts, t-shirts, layers if cold). You may paddle barefoot or wearing any water shoe.

  • Bring a water bottle, a dry change of clothes, and the spirit of Aloha. We provide a paddle, a coach, and a canoe. You may leave your car keys or backpacks in the yard. The yard is locked when we are out on the water. Do not bring anything in the canoe that you do not want to lose if the canoe capsizes.

  • Please arrive 15 minutes early. 

    Introduce yourself to the newcomer coach. 

    Legibly write your name on the sign-in sheet marked “newcomers”. 

    You will need to fill out a paper waiver on your first visit only.