Boston Outrigger Racing Association, Inc. — known to our paddlers simply as Boston Outrigger or BORA — aims to make Hawaiian outrigger canoe paddling accessible to people across New England, teach the technique and cultural traditions of the sport, and build a community on the water that is welcoming to paddlers of every age, background, and ability.
We paddle out of Winter Island in Salem, thanks to the ongoing generosity of Plummer Youth Promise, which hosts our canoe storage on their property.
Our History
Boston Outrigger began in 2001 and set out to bring Hawaiian outrigger canoe racing—a sport with deep roots in the Pacific Islands—to the waters of Salem Sound. Currently, our club paddles a fleet of three six-person canoes (OC6), one four-person canoe (OC4), and supporting equipment. In 2025, the organization formally incorporated as a Massachusetts nonprofit, allowing us to operate as a public charity dedicated to community recreation, education, and cultural exchange.
Our Mission
Boston Outrigger Racing Association exists to expand access to Hawaiian outrigger canoe paddling along the East Coast by:
- Developing and promoting athletic competition at all levels in cooperation with other organizations. Our club participates in local races—including Cape Ann Rowing Club’s annual Blackburn Challenge—and loans our boats as we can to visiting clubs
- Sharing knowledge about and celebrating Hawaiian culture through the promotion of Hawaiian outrigger canoe paddling. Outrigger canoeing is a living Polynesian tradition. We teach its history, terminology, and protocol alongside its technique.
- To develop and implement safety, educational, and instructional programs designed to introduce, inform, and train athletes and recreational paddlers of all skill levels in all aspects of outrigger canoe paddling. Our members span five decades in age and a wide range of athletic backgrounds. Our crews are mixed by design. We train every member in cold-water safety, huli (capsize) recovery, and safe navigation. We provide club-owned canoes, paddles, and personal flotation devices so that newcomers can participate without buying gear.
How We Are Funded
Boston Outrigger is funded entirely by member dues, modest drop-in fees, and charitable contributions. Annual membership dues are $250 and drop-in sessions are $20; these fees are set to recover the direct costs of operating the club and are not a source of profit. Funds are used for:
- Equipment made available free of charge to new and beginning paddlers
- Purchase, repair, and maintenance of canoes, paddles, and safety equipment
- Canoe storage, trailering, and transportation
- Insurance and regulatory compliance