Our Mission
New York Outrigger is a 100% volunteer-run 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization with a mission to increase equitable, low-barrier access to our local waterways through educational programming on outrigger canoe paddling and stand-up paddleboarding.
Who We Are
From our humble beginnings with one outrigger canoe on a barge next to present-day Pier 66, New York Outrigger has grown into a vibrant community of volunteer-members who have shared thousands of hours of paddling education and outreach with thousands of guests since 1996.
Our community of volunteers spans a wide range of age, race, ethnicity, gender, and dis/ability. New York Outrigger is committed to anti-racist policies and practices on and off the water. We do not tolerate racism, discrimination, or injustice in any form.
Our History
New York Outrigger was founded in 1996 with the vision to share the experience and culture of Polynesian paddlesports with New Yorkers. We are proud to be one of the first organizations to provide recreational water access along NYC’s rehabilitated waterfront.
The sport of outrigger canoe paddling developed from the seafaring voyaging traditions of the Pacific. Each and every crewmember of the canoe worked together as a unified team in order to survive dangerous ocean conditions. Their success formed a much needed social network amongst isolated Pacific communities and the essence of outrigger paddling carries to this day that same sense of respect and cooperation with others.
New York is known for its many diverse communities and we see outrigger paddling as a means to bring many of them together. We hosted the Liberty Challenge, the largest outrigger canoe race and Polynesian culture festival on the East Coast, to bring the world’s top outrigger competitors together and showcase the dynamic waters of New York harbor.
Today, we continue our proud heritage of increasing waterfront access to New Yorkers of all traditions through the unique team connection of Polynesian paddlesports.
Board of Directors
New York Outrigger’s Board of Directors represents the voice and reflects the diversity of the volunteer-members who are majority women and people of color. The Board provides insight, guidance, and advice for the management of NYO and abides by New York Not-for-Profit Corporation Law and Internal Revenue Code §501(c)(3).
Julie Rwan, President
Carolyn Skiba, Secretary
Carolyne Kama, Treasurer
Dev Bissram, Director at Large
NYO Locations
New York Outrigger operates out of two locations in Hudson River Park:
W 55th St
New York, NY 10009
Pier 40 (south walkway)
353 West St
New York, NY 10014