When something old becomes something new

The ancient Polynesian sport of outrigger canoeing takes on a renewed life around Tampa Bay.

By TERRY TOMALIN

© St. Petersburg Times, published June 23, 2000

ST. PETERSBURG -- Canoeing combines a unique set of talents: A good paddler must have the grace of a dancer and the discipline of an engineer.

Each stroke must be carefully measured and executed. Yet without a sense of rhythm, a seemingly strong paddler will look as lost as a punk rocker at a square dance.

Combining power and technique isn't easy. John Edwards has spent nearly 30 years working to achieve this goal. The 51-year-old St. Petersburg man has won numerous national championships and established an international reputation. Now he is ready for a new challenge.

"I'd like to see more people discover outrigger canoeing," said Edwards, who has spent most of his career racing one- and two-person canoes. "It is a sport whose time has come."

The outrigger, a 45-foot craft powered by six people, is a logical progression for a man who has spent the better part of his life promoting paddle sports.

"The great thing about outriggers, as compared to some of the other boats, is that anybody can do it," he said. "You can get four beginners, put them in a boat with two veterans, and you are paddling."

While this ancient sport of Polynesia has a huge following throughout the South Pacific and on the West Coast of the United States, it has yet to gain a solid foothold in Florida. Outrigger canoe clubs have come and gone, but what separates Edward's effort, Outrigger Outreach, is his desire to introduce the sport to those who might never have considered it.

"We have three boats and more than enough room to accommodate somebody who has never paddled before," he said. "Everybody is welcome."

In a solo canoe, a small error can be the difference between a leisurely paddle and taking a swim. Even a two-person boat leaves little room for mistakes.

"But in an outrigger, you have five other people in the boat," Edwards said. "If you get tired, you can take a rest. If you want some help with your technique, just ask the person sitting behind or in front of you."

Edwards, the driving force behind the Florida Competition Paddlers Association and chairman of the canoe and kayak events in this year's Sunshine State Games, said there also is room for serious athletes. "Once you get the hang of it, you can push yourself as hard as you want to," he said.

Because six paddlers are needed to power a typical outrigger, which weighs 300 to 400 pounds, teamwork is essential. The paddler in the bow (No. 1) sets the pace. The No. 2 and No. 4 spots paddle on the opposite side of the No. 1, No. 3 and No. 5 paddlers. The No. 6 paddler, usually the captain, steers from the stern.

An outrigger canoe race can range from a quarter-mile sprint to a 30-mile or longer open ocean challenge. Edwards and Outrigger Outreach co-founders Dan Harvey and George Stovall have taken their three boats to several events around the state this year.

But Edwards' emphasis has been more on having fun than bringing home trophies. "We usually get there and put everybody's names in a hat," he said. "That way you never know who you will be paddling with ... it sort of evens things out."

Not only are outriggers a fit with paddlers of all skill levels, the three Outrigger Outreach canoes are accessible to people with disabilities. Edwards said age, skill level or physical disabilities shouldn't keep anybody from what he believes will be the next great team watersport.

With the Olympic Games possibly coming to the bay area in 2012, Edwards said he thinks it will only be a matter of time before a world-class paddle sport facility is built on Tampa Bay.

"If we don't do it here, somebody will build on the other side of the bay," he said.

A boat house, similar to the Sailing Center operated jointly by the city of St. Petersburg and the St. Petersburg Yacht Club, could be used by Scouts and Boys and Girls Clubs among others. "It would be a great thing for the community," Edwards said. "We have such great water ... why not use it?"

Until then, he hopes members of the community will join him for a paddle. "I hope everybody comes out, even the mayor."

Ready to go paddle?

If you would like to help, join the outrigger club or simply take a ride, ask for John Edwards at (727) 823-8000. Edwards also can be reached via e-mail at canoechamp@aol.com.

© St. Petersburg Times. All rights reserved.

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