Specifications on OC1s

Photos Steve West / Jeff Hornbaker
Text Steve West / Todd Bradley
Extract from Paddlers Guide to Outrigger Canoeing

To Purchase On-Line

 

During 1996, the Australian Outrigger Canoe Racing Association was coming to grips with the newly introduced craft into the country. In 1989 there were no specifications, but by 1994 there were. I approached Todd Bradley in Hawai`i, whose response went a long way to dispensing of specifications, which included; maximum length 27', minimum length 24', minimum beam 9.5", minimum weight  44lbs / 20kg.

 

Dated 14th November 1996 / Todd Bradley

I have been recently questioned on my thoughts on the issue of specifications and regulations being considered for the emerging sport of OC1 racing in Australia. Here are my thoughts, take them as you wish.

 

This specification issues was viewed and researched in Hawai`i with the emergence of this sport in 1987 and now with 9 years hind-sight, we made the right decision, which has brought the sport to what it is today. I would have to say that the sport was taken from its infancy and to its success here in Hawai`i, with this success it has now become an international sport.

 

The sport of Va`a Hoe [V1] originated in Tahiti and some of the first rudderless va`a hoe were brought to Hawai`i in the 1970s. Walter Guild, myself and a hand full of other paddlers began off-season paddling in the 27' open cockpit canoe. Our vision was to take this canoe in the open ocean, but with an open cockpit this was not practical. In 1988 this lead Walter Guild to design the new 26' decked-over canoe with rudder. It was a success in the open water and the first open ocean racing of OC1s began. In 1989 was the beginning of the Kaiwi Challenge [Moloka`i to O`ahu] race - with 3 participants, 73 in 1996.

 

Walter Guild paddles a 27' open cockpit hybrid va`a hoe.

From 1989-1992 as the sport grew we were seeing all kinds of OC1 versions emerge from Surfski manufacturers; basically a Surfski with an outrigger attached. There was concern that maybe, an OC1 Association should be started to differentiate our new sport from the already successful Surfski Association and by doing this, make specifications for the craft; length, weight and that an OC1 hull would not be capable of floating upright without ama.

 

But the sport was growing quickly, and when Kanaka Ikaika Surfski Association began an OC1 division within their schedule, which stated that no specifications other than it must be paddled with a single blade paddle and must include 'outrigger', it seemed best to follow with them because of their large association support. 

 

Rick Nu`u paddles a Kai Bartlett OC1 over Jaws

The specifications controversy continued to be an issue for a few more years as it grew along with technology and designs. At this point, like computers, an OC1 was out of date within a month. At the time we did realise that the sport was growing in geometric proportions. The cheaper used OC1 market was bringing in new participants; lighter more maneuverable craft made the sport more attractive to Surfski paddlers, it was biomechanically closer to OC6 paddling for off-season training / racing and the short learning curve for new participants who wanted an off season sport other than the Surfski which was difficult to master in open water.

 

In short, if you add specifications to OC1 craft, you will be alienating Australia from the rest of the world in this sport, limiting its future.

 

Some OC1 Facts from 1988-1996

There were over 25 differing OC1 designs in Hawai`a alone.

Canoe manufacturers had made an estimated 2000 craft.

With the introduction of an OC1 division in the Oahu/Hawaii Surf Ski Association, OC1 participation grew to represent 50% of its participants.

The average price has risen from USD$900 to USD$2900.

With 20,000 registered OC6 paddlers on Oahu, OC1s continue to expand.

Top OC1 paddlers finish in the top 20% of finisher in Surfski events.