Welcome to KANUculture, founded in 1994 by Steve West.
www.kanuculture.com is the longest running website dedicated to outrigger canoeing
and it's publications praised for their contribution to the growth and spread of the sport since 1994.
One of our Canadian customers recently commented, 'It is wonderful to deal with integrity and transparency with you.'
'For anyone interested in the Pacific-wide sport of outrigger canoeing,
this is the definitive look at the sport.' Canoe & Kayak Magazine USA
KANUculture started life as an annual book covering the Pacific wide sport of Outrigger Canoeing, based in Australia. Twelve years of research and participation, led to the production of ten books, several magazines and the world's first outrigger canoeing coaching manual. Ultimately, after many thousands of miles of travel, racing, coaching and time spent talking story with some of the world's best canoe paddlers, two final and significant publications were created.
The Paddler's Guide to Outrigger Canoeing
'The most important item a paddler should own, is The Paddler's Guide to Outrigger Canoeing. Without the knowledge of how your equipment works, or where it comes from you may be spinning your wheels. This book is a great read and a must for every paddler. Even the most seasoned paddler will find a benefit to owning this book. For those of you that do get the book, don't lend it out, you may never get it back!' Chris O'Keefe, Ocean Ohana, San Diego, California, USA
'The Paddler's Guide to Outrigger Canoeing, is an incredibly comprehensive and beautifully presented book covering everything to do with outrigger canoeing, from the technical aspects of the paddle stroke, steering, rigging and catching bumps, through to the cultural heritage and evolution of canoe designs, paddles and races. There is something for everyone in this amazing book, whether a new or experienced paddler. Every time I pick up this book I learn something new and am inspired by the stories and photographs.' Amanda Ozolins - Paddles Australia
'Once again your latest book is well done and a great reflection of the paddler lifestyle and the sport itself.'
Dale Hope - Author The Aloha Shirt - Hawai`i
'The Paddler's Guide to Outrigger Canoeing, is the most comprehensive book on outrigger canoe paddling yet. Essential reading for novices and experienced paddler alike.'
Michelle Shortis, Typhoon 8 Hong Kong
'Many, many thanks for your dedication to the sport of va`a in our lives. You have enriched our knowledge and enthusiasm in our club and I am sure of clubs worldwide.'
Leon Rossbottom - Head Coach Hong Kong Island Paddle Club.
'Your books have had amazing results. People are refining techniques and adjusting rigging. We've never had such informative resources before. One guy was able to start building paddles after reading one of your chapters!' David Goulet - Western Samoa
'Your series of books has increased participation numbers around the world, bringing the Polynesian experts to Canada, Hong Kong, Europe and other places. Thanks also for giving equal amount of air time to women participants,' Cherly Skribe - British Columbia
The Art and Skill of Steering an Outrigger Canoe
'In Steve's book, everything's covered from all the great steerers in the world. There's 20 years of research in the latest Kanu Culture books, The Paddler's Guide to Outrigger Canoeing and the Steering book. I have a copy of every volume of Kanu Culture and consult them often.' Ian Newland AKA Rambo Australia
The KANUculture Books
Comprising of 9 Volumes and two magazine format publications concluded 11 consecutive publications, totaling over 1800 pages of information. The contribution of these publications to the sport of outrigger canoeing, between 1995-2004, while difficult to quantify, can be measured perhaps by the biblical reverence by which they were esteemed. Prior to 1995, no periodized outrigger canoeing publication existed catering to the needs of paddlers widely spread between the Pacific Rims of Australia and the North American West Coast and all islands in-between.
'Your book is Biblical to the outrigger community, particularly in such outrigger desolate areas as New York. Kanu Culture is indispensable.' Roger Meyer - New York USA
'Rarely have I seen a sports publication that delivers this kind of quality and value. For those of us just getting started with paddling, your volumes are a gift from the Gods.' Mike Berwind - Maui
'Your books have had amazing results. People are refining techniques and adjusting rigging. We've never had such informative resources before. One guy was able to start building paddles after reading one of the articles!' David Goulet - Western Samoa
'I am in my 10th season of outrigger canoeing and my 3rd Kanu Culture Edition. I wish you started writing earlier, they offer much to the newcomer and experienced paddler. Thankyou for the time you have put into informing and educating paddlers about both paddling and the culture.'
Lori J Kitahata - Redondo Beach California USA
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Contact steve@kanuculture.com with any questions/problems.





