How physically demanding is outrigger canoe paddling?
Like many other forms of paddle sport, it can be as hard as you make it. Given that it is fundamentally an ocean sport, nature dictates just how hard. The elements, particularly wind and wave action dictate conditions, but the bottom line remains, no matter the weather or sea state, done well, outrigger canoe paddling is both a physically and mentally demanding sport. This however remains one of its great attractions and close camaraderie is formed with those who you paddle with as a result of this. No pain, no gain may be corny, but never a truer saying in this context for outrigger canoeing at its roots, is an endurance sport.