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 for more information.
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 (4th overall in 2011 [teamed with paddlers from other Canadian clubs], 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 have OC6 practices on Monday and Wednesday nights and Saturday mornings throughout most of the year. Practices are run out of the Club's Burrard Marina Compound, on the south side of the entrance to False Creek in Vancouver. The local racing season goes into full swing in May, although there can some years be races earlier than that.
Members of our program must be full members of FCRCC and the Canadian Outrigger Racing Association (CORA). Generally, we recruit new members through the various FCRCC OC development programs, 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.