Canoe Ocean Paddling

What is Canoe Ocean Paddling?

Canoe Ocean Paddling can be sub-divided into 2 categories: Surf Skis and Outrigger Canoe.

Surf skis originated in Australia in the 1900s when two brothers, Harry and Jack McLaren, used them around their family’s oyster beds on Lake Innes in New South Wales. The speed and versatility of the boats made them ideal for lifesaving, and in 1946 surf ski became a part of the lifesaving competition programme.

The Outrigger Canoe 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. Compared to other types of canoes, outrigger canoes can be quite fast, yet are also capable of being paddled and sailed in rougher water. This paddling technique, however, differs greatly from kayaking or rowing. The paddle, or blade, used by the paddler is single sided, with either a straight or a double-bend shaft.

Canoe Ocean Paddling in Singapore

The Singapore Paddle Club bought the first ever outrigger canoe to Singapore in 2005 and the first Surf Ski shortly after. This paddling discipline exploded in popularity since then and there are now 3 more canoe clubs established since then with almost 20 6-man Outrigger Canoes and more than a hundred Surf Skis and 1 man outrigger canoes at Sentosa Island. There is also a healthy competitive scene with a monthly race series for all disciplines of Canoe Ocean Paddling, it is called the Singapore Ocean Race Series or SORS for short.

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Canoe Ocean Paddling Safety Quiz

While Singapore waters are relatively flat and calm most of the time, it can be unpredictable and treacherous during tidal changes due to strong currents. This safety quiz is designed for all paddlers on all ocean going paddle crafts.

Click on the following link to take the theory assessment: https://forms.gle/oZJJSrzYJt4tZah67

The first section is to understand a little bit about you and your comfort level in open waters. The second section is around identification of navigational aids and landmarks. The third section is to test your knowledge around risk management and the fourth section is to test your situation awareness. The last section is optional to steersmen for outrigger canoes only.

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