False Creek Women's Outrigger Program
The False Creek women's outrigger program is for those women with paddling or watersport experience who are interested in racing distance outrigger races. Athletes from other sports can often make a quick transition to outrigger - please contact us.
We race as many local races as possible, and regularly send teams to international races. Our top crew typically places in the top 10 in races like Na Wahine O Ke Kai in Hawaii (8th overall in 2008, 4th overall in 2004), and the Catalina 6-paddler crossing in California (3rd in 2005). We generally send 2 or 3 crews to each local race.
We have a well established fundraising program to assist all of our paddlers, particularly those going to international races, and we are grateful for support from Patagonia (www.patagonia.com) and Kialoa (www.kialoa.com).
While maintaining a high level of fitness and competition through regular practices and year round training, we also emphasize having fun together and living with our ohana (Hawaiian word for 'family') in mind. Many of our members will tell you that they keep coming back because of this family.
Our members have a broad range of ages, sports experience and backgrounds, and include teachers, foresters, students, moms, health care workers and even a stunt woman!
We will have OC6 practices on Monday and Wednesday nights and Saturday mornings from January-September 2010. Practices are run out of the Burrard Marina Compound on the south side of the entrance to False Creek in Vancouver. The local racing season will go into full swing in May.
Members of our program must be full members of FCRCC and the Canadian Outrigger Racing Association (CORA). Generally, we recruit new members through the FCRCC racing development program, dragonboat programs or other types of paddling - although we are happy to introduce any fun, fit women to the sport!
If you would like more information, please contact MJ here.