Marina Outrigger Canoe Club is a member-run non-profit organization that trains and competes in the ancient Polynesian tradition of outrigger canoeing. I had the pleasure of joining the group this past weekend, and I fell in love. (My arms are so sore!) The members were inviting, helpful, and eager to have us try their sport. Any beginner can give it a try – no experience necessary. They walked us through each step, from how to hold the paddle, how to treat the canoe like a family member, and we learned chants to cue switching paddle sides. They drilled our strokes, showing us how to anchor the paddle in the water, and how to twist and rotate through the core to use the full potential of your body’s strength. It’s not just arms – it’s also lats, abs, obliques, and thighs. It’s incredibly fun!!
We stayed in the marina, and didn’t head to open ocean waters, but the members said that paddling in the ocean waters is WAY more fun. So I’m up for the challenge and want to go back to give it a try.
If you live in the area and would like to give it a try (I highly recommend!), then you can join them every Saturday from 8-10:30am. It’s incredible to get outside, on the water, in the sun, and sweat! it’s an all around win-win! Plus everyone is so nice that I’m sure you’ll make some new friends 🙂
Marina del Rey Outrigger Canoe Club (MDROCC) has been based in the Marina for 40 years and is one of the two original founding clubs of KOA (Kalifornia Outrigger Association), which is now Southern California Outrigger Racing Organization (SCORA). The members compete with other outrigger canoe clubs, and they even race from Newport beach to Catalina Island! I was amazed! They said it takes 4-5 hours, but the feeling of accomplishment is beyond words.
