A narrow, fast boat, a lateral outrigger that carries you safely across the water, and a team that pulls in the same rhythm – in the middle of Frankfurt, on the Main. That's outrigger, vaʻa in Polynesian: one of the oldest types of boat in the world and at the same time one of the most dynamic water-sport trends.
You don't have to move to the sea for it. We build technique and endurance on the Main, travel to training camps on the coast – and compete in regattas up to national and international level.
Where the outrigger canoe comes from
The history of the vaʻa begins around 5,000 years ago in the South China Sea. The lateral outrigger – the „ama“ – made narrow, fast hulls stable against capsizing and was what first made the settlement of thousands of Pacific islands possible.
In French Polynesia and Hawaii the sport still holds a status like football does for us – in 1908 the Outrigger Canoe Club, which still exists today, was founded in Hawaii.
OC1 to OC6 – one boat, many variations
Modern boats are made of fibreglass and carbon. They range from the single (OC1/V1) to the big six (OC6/V6), which is regarded as the premier class.
In the six, every seat has its task: at the front the stroke sets the rhythm, at the back the helm steers the whole boat. It's powered with a single-blade paddle and a strong stroke driven from the rotation of the torso – on command the whole team switches paddling sides in sync. The single (OC1) is ideal for honing technique and endurance entirely on your own.
What awaits you on the water
Outrigger is team sport in its purest form: it's about rhythm, timing and the feeling of gliding as one boat. The outrigger gives you plenty of stability – even in waves and on open water.
The rotating stroke works the whole body, especially the core, and yet the boats run efficiently over long distances with surprisingly little effort. International races run over 60 kilometres and more – but you can start with short laps on the Main.
Outrigger at FRVS 1898 – strong in Frankfurt
We're one of the few places in the region where you can paddle outrigger in a club – and with success: FRVS crews became Hessian champions in outrigger and competed successfully at the German vaʻa championships. We build the basics and endurance on the Main, and the finishing touches at coastal training camps.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need prior experience?
No. You take your first strokes in the stable double (OC2) or six (V6) – we build technique and endurance together.
Does a boat like that capsize easily?
The lateral outrigger (ama) makes the outrigger canoe very stable against capsizing – even in waves. You should of course be able to swim.
But you're not by the sea – how does that work?
We train on the Main and regularly go to training camps on the coast for waves and downwind.
When do you train?
Tuesday and Thursday from 19:00 (children from 18:00) as well as Sundays from 11:00. The best way to join is via a taster session.
Come on by. The first time is always with someone alongside you.
Sign up for a taster session – we look forward to seeing you at Mainwasenweg.