Video: Local Surfers Charge Huge Waimea Bay in Outrigger Canoe

Originally posted on SURFER | By Jade Eckardt | Last updated Mar 12, 2024 12:00 PM ET

Native Hawaiians are known for the invention of surfing, but outrigger canoes are a huge part of modern culture too.

It was outrigger canoes loaded with people, plants, and animals that traveled across the Pacific to the Hawaiian Islands a long time ago.

But the tradition remains alive and well with paddling existing as a thriving hobby for many water people who paddle and race with canoe clubs. Then there's guys like the ones below who charge huge waves most people wouldn't brave on a surfboard, but do it with a 400-pound canoe.

The video above comes from Ocean Paddler TV, a Hawaii station that covers paddling around the world.

"Outrigger Canoe Surfing giant Waimea Bay on Oahu's North Shore - this is by far the largest canoe surfing action we ever filmed... Ikaika Kalama took out Mike O'Shaughnessy, Kaeo Abbey, Mark Healey and Sutherland and friends."

The video's around 12 minutes of epic canoe surfing footage. It also features interviews with Kalama, a Native Hawaiian, surfer and canoe steersman, and Healey, a pro surfer and big wave hellman.

Opening the video, Kalama says:

"Canoe surfing is a different perspective. You're on a 25-foot canoe that weighs 400 pounds.

"It is a team sport, I always like to say that it's not just me driving, it's the person in front of me, it's the person in front of him, and it's the person stroking up front.

"I feel that all of our crew members, every time we're done with a wave the stoke is immensely a lot bigger than if you had caught it by yourself, for sure."

Press play above and watch the whole thing. You'll be stoked you did.

This article first appeared on SURFER and was syndicated with permission.

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