There’s something special about being out on the water in an outrigger canoe—moving together in rhythm, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Shuswap. Outrigger (Va’a) canoes are long, narrow vessels with a stabilizing float called the "ama", traditionally rooted in Polynesian cultures and now enjoyed around the world. Here in Salmon Arm, the Shuswap Paddling Club has been offering outrigger programs since 2006 and continues to grow the experience with a range of canoes, including 6-person, 4-person and 2-person options. Outrigger paddling is a low-impact, full-body activity that’s easy on the joints while building strength, endurance and overall fitness. Whether you prefer a relaxed paddle or a more active workout, sessions are available morning, afternoon and early evening throughout the season (May to August).
No experience is needed to get started. We provide all equipment along with basic instruction and ongoing coaching in a supportive, team-oriented environment. Many of our members also enjoy dragon boating and the two sports complement each other naturally. You can paddle recreationally, connect with others and enjoy being on the lake. If you’re interested, there are opportunities to train and compete at events across BC, Canada and beyond. Whether you’re coming on your own, with a partner, or as part of a group, outrigger canoeing offers a unique way to stay active, meet people and experience the lake—often alongside eagles, osprey, herons and grebes. If you’re curious, we invite you to try it out.
Shuswap Paddling Club provides basic training in paddling, steering and huli recovery. These training clinics are provided as needed to both new and existing members.
For strength training, the activity also works the muscles of the upper body including the shoulders, biceps and triceps.
2026 RACES & EVENTS TO CONSIDER
Some of the activities we are working on during the month of May to start the 2026 season:
Sat May 9@ 9:30 am - Canoe Beach compound: refresher on paddling style / technique - approx. 2 hours
Sun May 10@ 9:30 am - Canoe Beach compound: Steering clinic for those interested in learning to steer or get a refresher on steering - approx. 4 hours
Sun May 31@ 4 pm - Salmon Arm swimming pool - huli recovery practice utilizing OC4.
Each Saturday in Mayfrom 10 am to 1 pm - Ross Street Farmer's Market tent. Come meet our Summer Youth Employment Team
** CORA posts yearly racing schedules on their website and race results. Members are encouraged to participate and even join race teams from other clubs.
** For those interested in racing, here are some races that are good to try your skills on. For more info contact: outriggerdirector@gmail.com by June 5th.
Sun June 14 - Penticton Paddle Sports OC6 sprints - For more info visit: https://pentictonpaddlesports.com/festivals/2026-okanagan-super-sprints/?
Sun June 28 - Vernon Freshwater Challenge OC6 Race. It is a 40 km change out race. The race course is a 5km circuit where crews change-out after each lap. If your team is in the official race every second change-out crew has to be all female. If you are in it for the fun it does not matter and crews can can be mixed gender or all one gender.
Sat August 1 - Bowen Island Snug Cove, West Vancouver OC Races. Has both short and long courses and an iron course - 15km, 18km and 33km.
Previous Race Results for Club sponsored “Survive the Triangle”
