Information The outrigger canoe (Tagalog: bangka;
Maori: waka; Hawaiian: wa'a) is a type of canoe
featuring one or more lateral support floats known as outriggers,
which are fastened to one or both sides of the main hull. The outrigger
bestows greater stability and seaworthiness upon a canoe. Smaller
canoes often employ a single outrigger on the port side, while larger
canoes usually employ a double outrigger
configuration.
History Outrigger canoes were originally developed by the
Austronesian speaking peoples of the islands of Southeast Asia for
sea travel, and were used to transport these peoples eastward through
to Polynesia and New Zealand during the Austronesian migration period.
Even today, it is exclusively among the Austronesian groups (Malay,
Micronesian, Melanesian and Polynesian peoples) that outrigger
canoes are used.
When Magellan's ships first encountered the Chamorros of the Mariana
Islands in 1521, Antonio Pigafetta recorded that the Chamorros'
sailboats far surpassed Magellan's in speed and maneuverability.
In fact, the Micronesian sailing canoe, the proa, was the fastest
sailing vessel in existence well into the 20th century.
The technology has persisted into the modern age. Outrigger
canoes can be quite large fishing or transport vessels,
and in the Philippines, outrigger canoes (called
"bangka or "banca") are often fitted with gasoline
engines.
Outrigger canoe racing has become a popular canoeing
sport, with numerous clubs located around the world.
