University of the South Pacific
My recent trip to Fiji [April 19th -24th '07] included a visit to the University of the South Pacific located in Suva, to meet with the Registrar to discuss a project which Colin Philp [WaiTui Surf] and I have been working on for the past five years; the inclusion of Outrigger Canoeing as a subject of study, using the facilities of the USP.
Outrigger Canoeing is now a compulsory event for inclusion at the South Pacific Games and Micro Games and therefore it is in the interest of Pacific island nations included within this framework to take serious steps in order to formalise coaching and developmental strategies. My involvement with the writing of Australia's Level One Coaching course and years of running workshops and clinics both in Australia and abroad and the work performed on the Kanu Culture books, will provide much needed reference points.
Early morning training session, Suva Fiji.
The International Va`a Federation has yet to meet its aims as the worldwide governing body of our sport and while our aims are far removed from any political ideology, our vision could assist with at least some genuine measure to unify and strengthen the development of the sport throughout all regions of the South Pacific, more especially within regions yet to embrace the sport fully. As a natural consequence of what is learned via the development of such a course syllabus, the ripple affect via the dissemination of knowledge will inevitably spread beyond the Pacific.
Coaching the Fiji South Pacific Squad from the University of the South Pacific Shorefront, April 2007.
Essentially we are working towards melding ideas on the subject from around Oceania [Melanesia, Micronesia, Polynesia] and the Pacific Rim to form a unified system of administration, coaching and accreditation. On the surface, one could be forgiven for perceiving only a narrow view of subject matter, however, it is our aim to think laterally, so as subjects such as health, nutrition, administration, race organisation, paddle making, rigging, va`a construction, techniques and a host of maritime skills be incorporated into the course, using some of the existing framework already in place at the USP.
Central to the implementation of such a course, is the purchase of essential equipment which would be stored on the grounds of the USP and maintained by students as part of their curriculum and this is currently under discussion. Taking this initiative one step further is the potential to develop additional workshops and adventure paddling excursions during term breaks together with other non-paddling activities; fishing, surfing, mountain biking. . .
Contact Us
Publications In Print
426 pages - 5.75" x 8.25"
[15cm x 21cm]
'The most important item a paddler should own, is The Paddler's Guide to Outrigger Canoeing. Without the knowledge of how your equipment works, or where it comes from you may be spinning your wheels. This book is a great read and a must for every paddler. Even the most seasoned paddler will find a benefit to owning this book. For those of you that do get the book, don't lend it out, you may never get it back!' Chris O'Keefe, San Diego, California
'The Paddler's Guide to Outrigger Canoeing, is an incredibly comprehensive and beautifully presented book covering everything to do with outrigger canoeing, from the technical aspects of the paddle stroke, steering, rigging and catching bumps, through to the cultural heritage and evolution of canoe designs, paddles and races. There is something for everyone in this amazing book, whether a new or experienced paddler. Every time I pick up this book I learn something new and am inspired by the stories and photographs.'
Amanda Ozolins - Paddles Australia
'The Paddler's Guide to Outrigger Canoeing, is the most comprehensive book on outrigger canoe paddling yet. Essential reading for novices and experienced paddler alike.'
Michelle Shortis, Typhoon 8 Hong Kong
168 pages 5.75" x 8.25"
[15cm x 21cm]
'In Steve's book, everything's covered from all the great steerers in the world. There's 20 years of research in the latest Kanu Culture books, The Paddler's Guide to Outrigger Canoeing and the Steering book. I have a copy of every volume of Kanu Culture and consult them often.'
Ian Newland AKA Rambo Australia
'Thought I pretty well knew it all but found out I was wrong! Interesting that a lot of what you have in the book, I have figured out myself over the years, but it would have been a lot easier had I bought your book twelve years ago or so.
Peter Anderson Australia
Steve West
UK 07 859 294 188
Int + 44 7859 294 188
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Mandy West
UK 07 859 296 740
Int + 44 7859 296 741
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The Paddlers Guide to Outrigger Canoeing or The Art and Skill of Steering an Outrigger Canoe
purchase on-line directly from this site, alternatively in the Hawaiian Islands, please visit these fine stockist below.
HAWAIIAN ISLAND RETAILERS OF STEVE WEST BOOKS
OAHU
Island Paddler
We provide the widest selection of outrigger canoe paddling equipment at the best prices. We take pride in offering genuine Hawaiian and Polynesian items – unique and of limited supply. We also have the latest in contemporary canoe paddles as well as related apparel.
716 Kapahula Av, Honolulu, Oahu
350 Hahani St, Kailua, Oahu
HAWAII - THE BIG ISLAND
Polynesian Paddling Products
Next time you're on the Big Island, come in and check out all our products. We've got everything for the paddler in you. If you don't see what your looking for, let us know....We can get it for you!
74-5598 Luhia Street
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
MAUI
Tri Paddle Maui
Providing the paddling community of Maui the latest and best paddling gear
92 N Market St, Suite B,
Wailuku, HI 96793
(Cnr of Market / Vineyard)
Steve and Mandy Powered by
"Steve is a fantastic writer and photographer and has been an extension of the KIALOA family for many, many years. Actively involved in SUP and Outrigger Canoeing, we welcome him as an ambassador for KIALOA in the UK." Meg Chun. Kialoa Bend Oregon USA
"In the context of paddling, KIALOA PADDLES have been a constant companion and essential tool of trade for me for well over a decade, representing thousands of hours and miles of paddling, racing and training throughout the Pacific, Pacific Rim and now the UK. The superlative workmanship and willingness to work with paddlers in the same way a surfer works with a shaper, has resulted in what I consider to be the finest outrigger paddles on the planet. A paddle is not an accessory, it's an essential and should never be a compromise"
SUP
ASI Instructor
Courses and Accreditation
WWW.SUPASI.EU
For all information regarding
ASI SUP Instructor Courses in the
United Kingdom and Europe
Mandy West
ASI Europe Enrolment Manager and Director
Contact Mandy (asi@kanuculture.com)
Steve West
ASI Europe CEO and Training Manager
