In 1999/2000, the club acquired two Force 5 outrigger canoes and a new chapter opened at WCC. Beginning paddlers to Olympians were drawn into the outrigger program. The program has grown and matured and is now recognized as one of the most competitive on the east coast. The club regularly fields men's, women's and mixed crews in East Coast Outrigger Racing Association (ECORA) sanctioned events, and have also competed in the Catalina Crossing, Na Wahine O Ke Kai, and Molokai' Hoe. For the past four consecutive years, the WCC has won the ECORA High Points Championship trophy that is awarded each year to the east coast team with the highest standing.
 |
|
|
In 2003 ECORA began an OC-1 racing circuit. WCC members were among the first on the beach to participate. In the past 2 years, the number of private OC-1s at the club more than doubled. Members of the men's and women's OC-6 teams regularly cross-train and compete in the OC-1 racing circuit.
The outrigger team has a reputation of training, competing, and playing hard. Summer training sessions are often followed by breakfast or cookouts at the club. Team members are very involved in the volunteer efforts at the club; taking part in work parties, maintaining the outrigger canoes, helping with race logistics, and assisting with the various social activities at the club. The outrigger program is always looking for people who want to enjoy both a competitive challenge and to be part of the WCC extended family.
OC6 men practices for 2008
Mondays & Wednesdays at 6PM
Sundays at 8AM
OC6 men racing calendar for 2008
June 21 - Washington Monumental (http://www.ncawpa.org/or.monumental.html) - Washington, D.C.
June 28 - Liberty World Outrigger Competition (http://www.newyorkoutrigger.org/liberty) - New York, NY
August 30 - Kent Island Cup Relay (http://www.kiocc.com/kiocc_cup.html) - Kent Island, MD
September 13 - Silver Beach, VA
Contact Mark Manzano (mimmanzano@gmail.com) (men's OC6) or Kelly Rhodes (Kelly.Rhodes@aphis.usda.gov) (women's OC6) for more information.