Why Join Our Outrigger Canoe Team?

Joining our outrigger canoe team means becoming part of a supportive and dynamic community. You’ll experience:

• Expert Coaching: Benefit from Andy Michels' extensive knowledge and passion for paddling.
• Team Camaraderie: Build strong bonds with fellow paddlers and enjoy the spirit of teamwork.
• Competitive Spirit: Train and compete at a high level, with opportunities to race locally and regionally.
• Scenic Practices: Paddle through the beautiful waters of Gig Harbor, enhancing your connection to nature.
• Personal Growth: Develop physical fitness, mental resilience, and a sense of achievement through regular practice and competition.
  

Practice Schedule

Our outrigger canoe practices are designed to fit into your busy schedule, offering sessions once a week on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM in Gig Harbor. Each canoe seats five athletes, with Coach Andy expertly steering and guiding the team.

Join us and discover the fun and excitement of outrigger canoeing with the Gig Harbor Canoe and Kayak Racing Team. Whether you're a seasoned paddler or new to the sport, our team welcomes you to embark on this exhilarating journey. Let's paddle together and make waves in the world of outrigger canoeing!

Meet Coach Andy Michels

Andy Michels brings over twenty years of outrigger canoe racing experience to our team. His background includes recreational kayaking, dragon boating, and competitive outrigger paddling. Andy has raced in events across Canada, Hawaii, Australia, and New Zealand. Recently, he served as a coach for the Kikaha O Ke Kai Outrigger Canoe Club in Tacoma and is the founder of the Wollochet Bay Outrigger Canoe Club. As the President of the Pacific Northwest Outrigger Racing Canoe Association, Andy oversees 23 member clubs, ensuring the highest standards in outrigger racing. With three grandsons soon to join the paddling community, Andy's dedication to the sport is evident in his commitment to coaching and fostering new talent.