outrigger canoeing

Ages 19+ | All Skill Levels

Overview

Outrigger canoeing (OC) is a team paddling sport rooted in Polynesian voyaging tradition. In Hawaiʻi, the canoe, or waʻa, carries deep cultural significance, and there is a spirit of ʻohana which reflects the bonds of family, community, and shared responsibility. Lotus Sports Club embraces these values and this is why membership is about more than just building skill; it’s a chance to respect a culture, join a supportive community and enjoy the journey together.

Here’s what you can expect as part of our OC program:

Supportive and inclusive environment for paddlers of all abilities
Focus on skill development, teamwork, fitness, and confidence
Experienced coaching with a focus on safe and enjoyable learning
Opportunities for both recreational paddling and competitive racing
Connect with the local paddling community through volunteering at races we host
A unique waterfront experience at Barnet Marine Park
A community where paddlers can build friendships and a lifelong connection to the sport

I joined Lotus with my partner to train for a race, and we stayed long after the finish line. This club is a warm, supportive community that feels like home. If you’re curious about paddling, Lotus is the place to start.

Elson K.

Programs

The healthful, social and environmentally friendly aspects of outrigger canoe paddling make it one of the fastest growing paddle sports in the Pacific Northwest. From its beginning as the first outrigger canoe club in Canada, Lotus has worked diligently to grow the sport.

Lotus accommodates all levels of commitment to the sport. Some people just want to get some exercise by spending time on the water, while others are in it for hard core racing both locally and internationally.

Lotus does not require regular attendance. If you decide to join a team, your teammates may have expectations of their own. Team members choose each other. The club does not assign paddlers to teams. Coaching is available, at no cost, to everyone who is open to it.

Cedar

Because of the size and diversity of this group, Cedar practices involve several OC6s and perhaps a few OC1s or OC2s. This mix allows us to be sure that everyone who shows up gets to paddle.

The focus is for everyone to safely enjoy their time (90 – 120 min.) on the water. Beginners will stop paddling to take a rest along the way while more experienced paddlers continue paddling. This is ʻohana and good resistance training. Everyone was a beginner at one point. Crews for each canoe will, as much as possible, be matched for power so they will be close to each other. The occasional race will break out.

Coaching is always available, at no cost, for those that want it. Coaching focuses exclusively on technique. Strength and fitness are up to the individual.

Time on the water with good people does wonders for mind and body.

When

Wednesdays @ 6:00 PM
Saturdays @ 9:00 AM
Mondays @ 6:00 PM (Spring/Summer only)

View the full practice schedule

Lead

Steve Pither

Contact

Have questions? Email for program details.

Koa

Koa sessions are structured to develop strength and good paddling technique in both solo and team canoes using periodized training phases and coached workout sessions. This means paddlers follow a structured training plan that progresses through different phases throughout the season. Paddlers are placed in OC1, OC2 or OC6 at the coaches’ discretion to best suit their development stage and the practice plan.

Thursdays and Sundays are actively coached sessions, with pre-planned workouts and coach feedback. Paddlers are expected to participate in these sessions. Tuesdays are open sessions; coach feedback may be available, but paddlers are generally expected to engage in group/self-led practices with minimal oversight.

There are no age or skill requirements to join this program. However, young paddlers who have completed their U20 season and wish to continue training at Lotus are placed in this group. As a result, this program primarily caters to younger paddlers.

When

Thursdays @ 6:00 PM
Sundays @ 9:30 AM (or 10:00 AM Fall/Winter)
Tuesdays @ 6:00 PM (Spring/Summer only)

View the full practice schedule

Lead

Grace Morisette

Contact

Have questions? Email for program details.

OC1 / OC2 / V1

Lotus owns a fleet of OC1s, OC2s and V1s. These canoes are available for use during regularly scheduled practices at the discretion of the coach, who will ensure their use fits in with the overall goals of the group.

Use of these canoes requires certification. Certification can be carried out, more or less, at any practice with prior arrangement with the coach.

How to join

Joining Lotus is easy. Our affordable membership options, including discounted student and family memberships, make it easier for more people to experience outrigger canoeing and become part of our paddling community. New paddlers can try OC6 through our flexible drop-in option before committing to a full membership. Visit our Fees page for program costs.

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FAQ

If this is your first time paddling with Lotus, please read our frequently asked questions:

What should I wear / bring?

Clothing: Dress for the weather and wear light layers. You will get wet; synthetics work well and avoid cotton. Absolutely no denim/jeans is allowed in the boat. A water-resistant outer layer is recommended when it’s raining.
Footwear: Water shoes, sandals or old runners (or any footwear you are willing to get wet). You’ll need to walk down to the beach where there are barnacles, broken shells, and rocks. Wear shoes that have a heel strap that will stay on or take off your shoes once you are on the watercraft (boat / SUP).
Change of clothes and a towel: Thre are changerooms at the clubhouse but no showers.
Water bottle: There is a water dispenser at the clubhouse. For OC6, you can bring the water bottle aboard. For SUP, you won’t be able to carry your water bottle on the SUP unless you have a waist pack for it or attach it to your PFD with a carabiner.
Sun protection: hat with a brim, sunglasses (with a safety strap) and sunscreen are highly recommended.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Yes, it is important that you know how to swim. If you are not a strong swimmer, please let your steersperson/leader know.

Youth outrigger paddlers must be confident swimmers, with no exceptions. Outrigger paddling encompasses a wide variety of skills, canoes, and races; it is mandatory for all youth paddlers to demonstrate successful recovery and re-entry from a full huli (flipping and recovering) of a canoe, and a successful remount of an SUP.

You must wear a properly fitted Canadian Coast Guard–approved personal flotation device (PFD) if:
– You cannot comfortably tread water for 15 minutes
– You are paddling a SUP
– You are a youth paddler (coaches will show you how to put one on correctly)

Do I need to bring my own paddle, PFD, boat / SUP board?

No, we provide boats, paddles and personal floatation devices (PFDs). All SUP paddlers must properly wear a Canadian Coast Guard approved PFD.

Will I get wet?

Yes, it’s a water sport, so you might get wet! Please bring a towel and a complete change of clothes. We have changerooms on site but no showers.

Where are you located? Is there free parking?

We are located in Barnet Marine Park. There is plenty of free parking, but be sure to check the posted signs, as parking time limits vary throughout the year. On sunny weekends, the parking lots can fill up early, so we recommend arriving early.

After entering the park, drive to the west end of the parking lot. Park and walk down the road and cross the railway tracks. The clubhouse is the large brick building immediately on your right.

What’s expected of me?

We want everyone at Lotus to have a great time. Please take a moment to read our Code of Conduct. It’s simple: be kind, be respectful, and treat others the way you’d like to be treated.