The Outrigger canoe, a type of canoe with supports extending from the sides, is often misspelled as "outrigger canon" or "outrigger canue". However, the correct spelling is "outrigger canoe", with the phonetic transcription of /aʊtˈrɪɡər kəˈnu/. The word "outrigger" is derived from the nautical term "outriggers", which refers to supports attached to a boat to stabilize it in rough waters. The word "canoe" comes from the indigenous American languages, referring to a narrow boat propelled by paddles.
An outrigger canoe is a type of watercraft that is characterized by a main hull or canoe with one or more lateral support floats, also known as outriggers, attached to the sides. It is a traditional and widely used vessel in Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and Polynesia.
The main hull of an outrigger canoe is typically long and slender, designed to move swiftly through the water. It is usually made from materials such as wood, fiberglass, or more modern materials like carbon fiber. The outriggers, on the other hand, are typically smaller and can vary in shape and size, depending on the specific design.
The purpose of the outriggers is to provide stability and balance to the canoe, especially in rough water conditions and during maneuvers. They play a crucial role in preventing the canoe from capsizing by counteracting the lateral forces exerted by waves or strong currents. The outriggers are attached to the main hull by outrigger arms or poles, which extend horizontally from the canoe's sides.
Outrigger canoes are propelled by paddling with single or multiple paddles, and their design allows for efficient maneuverability and speed. They are often used for various purposes such as fishing, transportation, racing, and recreational activities. In recent years, outrigger canoeing has gained popularity as a competitive sport, with races held in many coastal regions around the world.
Overall, an outrigger canoe can be defined as a watercraft with lateral support floats attached to the sides, providing stability and balance, commonly used in traditional and contemporary maritime cultures for various purposes.
The word "outrigger" originated from the 17th-century English term "outrygger", which meant "someone or something that extends or projects outward". This term was derived from the Middle Dutch word "uytter", which also meant "out" or "outer".
The word "canoe" has its roots in the Spanish word "canoa", which came from the Arawak language spoken by indigenous people of the Caribbean. The Arawak word "canabo" referred to a dugout canoe made from a single log.
When these two words are combined, "outrigger canoe" refers to a type of canoe that has an outrigger attached to the main hull. The outrigger is a lateral support usually consisting of a float or other similar structure extended out from the side of the canoe. This design provides stability and balance, especially in rough waters.