A Little History
Outrigger paddling has been a way of life in Polynesia for thousands of years. While most no longer use outrigger canoes for fishing or transportation, for many modern day outrigger paddlers the canoe remains the focus of their daily lives. Their love of the sport of outrigger canoe racing keeps people practicing and training for races both locally and abroad. The premier outrigger races in the Pacific Northwest have been held for the past eleven years in beautiful Stevenson, Washington in the Columbia River Gorge. Come join us for a memorable weekend of competitive racing, great camaraderie and Stevenson hospitality. Competitors are invited to camp and rig at the Fairgrounds, just a short walk or paddle from the race site with everything you may need nearby in terms of restaurants, fuel, groceries, hardware etc. Two nights of camping are included in the registration fees, yet further accommodations are available through Cascade Travel to meet your needs. Come join us for some fun in the wind and waves in the scenic Columbia River Gorge!

The Races
On Saturday at 11 am, the six-man canoes will race twice around a triangle course totaling 10 miles. The women will race first and the men will race shortly after they finish, using the same canoes. The exciting waters of the Columbia River have lured Hawaiians, Californians and Canadians to participate here for 12 years and experience the unique conditions found only in the Gorge. Spectators can have a wonderful view of the races from the Sternwheeler Pier or the Stevenson Waterfront, both within walking distance of shops, restaurants and lodging.

The Sunday races are for one and two-man outriggers, surfskis, and for the first time, a category for Stand-Up-Paddling. SUP is a fast growing sport where the paddler stands on a surfboard and uses a long shafted paddle to help catch the swells. Again the races are split into men’s and women’s categories with the women racing first. Sunday racing is a shorter version of the six-man races, where all the paddlers race two laps around a triangle course totaling 6 miles except the SUP’s who will paddle just one lap. The course takes paddlers under the Sternwheeler Pier on the first time around, and a sprint to the finish will end right there, just 10 feet below the spectators - so come cheer them on!

FAQs
Course Map