Just to add to that great article !
Over 80 Canadian paddlers went to the world Outrigger sprints in HILO Hawaii. We were repesented by over 14 canoe clubs from all across the country- ! Every catatgory was represented from juniors to golden masters ! This is the largest group to attend a world's -in the past it was usually a group of false creekers who decided to train and go for it ! The False creek senior master woman made up mostly of False creek woman's DB team have medalled over and over again at every World they have attended.
This sport is great for Dragon boaters as they can still sprint- but in a much more comfortable craft - races run 500 - 1000- 1500 meteres on a 500 meter course with bouy turns. This worlds had over 22 nations from allover the pacific - The NZ brought about 250 paddlers. ! They take it seriously ! The Tahitians and the Hawaiians battled it out. The Tahitians were at a 84 stroke rate - in an Outrigger ! amazing !
Next world will be in NZ in 2005 march . So it in an outrigger in your off Dragon Boat season - it's fun !
Aloha
Melanie
PULLING WATER CanoeSports
www.pullingwater.com 
