Like in any sport, the level of reward achieved in a race is a very much based on the effort put in at training. Other factors may contribute to a positive gain within a race but the law of effort and reward is always ‘king’

At Sydney Outrigger Canoe Club (“SOCCI”) we have 3 training sessions per week for our woman and the same for the men.

This is not a detailed training program, it is a simple blog to provide a high level view of what outrigger canoe training is about.

In all team sport, much is made about blending as one rather than a group working as individuals however in outrigger, timing, rhythm, being in sync technique wise is at another level like no other team sport I’ve been involved in. It is critical in developing winning crews and club. Believe me, it does not come overnight. 

Regarding technique, whatever the approach is decided on, it must be done collectively where everyone buys into the methodology and the training required to become fluent with it. As water conditions constantly change, it’s important that a crew learns how to adapt to those conditions in the attempt to get the canoe up to its optimum speed.

Back in 2000 I started my paddling in Suva Fiji, continuing in NZ with various clubs. Out of all, in my humble opinion, SOCCI has the best location and probably the biggest list of choices regarding water conditions (excluding freshwater) to train in. Our coaches Peter Atherton and Elaine Hall have committed much of their personal time to not only helping the experienced but also novices in the perpetual effort to improve club performances.

Following are some bullet points on training.

• Punctuality:  On time is late. Be early, get on the water, get intense, get out;
• Respect: others (see bullet 1), canoes, club equipment and yourself;
• Be mentally prepared before training: Guess when the actual training kicks in? Probably two thirds the way in when you’re knackered and the technique starts to waiver and fall off. This is where we want the mind and body trained to go further and hold fast to that correct technique, timing and rhythm;
• Be teachable: Our coaches can’t steer a stationary car i.e. someone stuck in their ways and won’t be open to change for improvement. Be flexible, don’t take offense but rather understand the big picture of what we’re aiming for and that you’re part of it.
• Off the water: Fitness really is the individual’s responsibility. You will get some of it with club trainings but in reality our trainings are there for coaches to teach technique, build and mould members into winning combinations. Don’t worry there will be a bit of a thrashing fitness wise but getting on a 1 man canoe (OC1) or any form of land fitness training to compliment your paddling is crucial.
• Enjoyment: It can’t all hardship right? Definitely not, just being on the water is therapeutic and calming, especially after a hard day at work. When I get grumpy around home, I generally get that look from the wife, or a direct instruction to get my butt out on the water. If you want more than just the calming effect there is plenty of opportunity to wind each other with obligatory banter.

Enjoy folks and remember training is where the real start line is for any race.

by David Field, Vice President for Sydney Outrigger Canoe Club (SOCCI)