Welcome to the Cayuga Outrigger Canoe Club
Our club paddles six-person outrigger canoes (wa‘a) as the seasonal weather permits, usually from May through October, but earlier and later in the year occasionally. We are a growing club that encourages people of all skill levels to participate in a unique and enjoyable activity. As a sport, outrigger canoe promotes physical exercise, develops individual paddling ability, and builds teamwork. As an experience, outrigger canoe also encourages paddlers to appreciate their natural environment, from scenic vista and views to the water and wind, whose feel and force change with the weather and seasons, to the life and objects that exist in the conditions they set.
We launch from the Merrill Family Sailing Center on East Shore Drive in Ithaca. Our regular paddles are on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings. We also have a more intense training practice on Thursday evenings for experienced paddlers and members training for races. Posted times are when the boats are on the water; we ask paddlers to show up fifteen minutes earlier to get ready and help put the boats in the water. If you are new to the club, we also ask that you show up earlier to fill out necessary paperwork and become familiar with the practice.
Paddling with the club
For visitors and potential new members, the first two practices are free, then we ask you to pay $15 for each practice you attend. You’ll have the opportunity to try paddling outrigger canoes as well as enjoying Cayuga Lake from a different vantage point. If you would like to join us, please contact a board member or coach. Before you paddle for the first time, please fill out our liability waiver form. If you are joining us in the spring or fall, when Cayuga Lake’s waters may be cold, please also review our cold water safety policy.
Membership and cost
If you enjoy the experience, we suggest you join the club for the season. Any per practice fees you pay will count toward your club dues, so if you paddle regularly, it’s well worth joining for the season – also, for those interested in racing, we require race team members to be club members. Your fees give you access to the canoes, club paddles, PFDs, and awesome people. The club also pays ECORA (East Coast Outrigger Racing Association) fees for all members who participate in competitive races.
Our per practice fees are:
First two practices | Free |
Subsequent practices | $15 |
Our annual membership dues are:
Full Season (Jan. 1 – Dec. 31, 2024): | $150 |
Accommodations/reduced fees for those less able to afford them are available upon request (ask a board member for details).