Outrigger Canoeing: Hawaiian Tradition Boosts Health & Culture – Study

A practice deeply woven into the cultural fabric of Hawaiʻi, outrigger canoe paddling is demonstrably more than just a sport. A recent University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa study, published in Health Promotion International, confirms that paddling serves as a vital source of physical, emotional, cultural and spiritual well-being for those who participate. The research underscores how this traditional activity fosters a sense of belonging and connection that sustains long-term engagement, offering potential insights into public health initiatives and community wellness programs.

The study, led by Simone Schmid, a former postdoctoral fellow and current adjunct assistant professor in the Thompson School of Social Function & Public Health’s Department of Public Health Sciences (DPHS) at UH Mānoa, and director of strategy, impact, and research at AccesSurf Hawaiʻi, builds upon previous work documenting the physical benefits of paddling, particularly within Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities. Although, this research uniquely prioritizes the voices of paddlers themselves, exploring the deeper meanings that drive their continued participation. Schmid, herself a paddler, explained the impetus behind the work: “As a paddler myself, having benefited from this physical and cultural activity and community in more ways than I can express, we did this work to capture what is already known in the community.”

Beyond Physical Fitness: The Multifaceted Benefits of Paddling

Researchers analyzed responses from 362 paddlers across the state to the open-ended question, “What does outrigger canoe paddling mean to you?” The responses revealed a complex tapestry of benefits. Nearly half of the participants (47%) identified as Native Hawaiian, and 65% were female. The answers extended far beyond physical health, encompassing stress relief, teamwork, family traditions, a profound connection to the ocean and the land (ʻāina), cultural heritage, and spirituality. The research team adapted a social-ecological model to specifically incorporate this spiritual dimension, recognizing its central role in sustaining participation.

Ann Yoshida, a paddler and community author with AccesSurf Hawaiʻi, eloquently captured this connection to ancestry and tradition: “Paddling across the world representing Hawaiʻi and the U.S., I felt connected to my island home and culture given that my ancestors knew through navigation that the water was our highway to connect with the world. I knew if I was in water, I was home and I never felt alone. This power pushed me to live my extraordinary life.” This sentiment highlights the powerful role paddling plays in reinforcing cultural identity and intergenerational connections.

Cultural Connection as a Key Motivator

Interestingly, the study suggests that cultural ties, rather than solely health goals, are a primary driver of long-term participation in outrigger canoe paddling. This finding has significant implications for public health strategies. Paddling isn’t simply an exercise; it’s a practice that connects individuals to their health, their ancestors, their environment, and a sense of purpose. Researchers have already begun sharing these findings with canoe clubs and public health partners to explore how paddling can be leveraged to support chronic disease prevention and community-based activity programs. You can find more information about the study’s methodology and findings in the full publication in Health Promotion International.

The significance of this research extends beyond Hawaiʻi. The study was recognized internationally, with Schmid and her co-authors named finalists for the prestigious Ilona Kickbusch Award, placing them among the top five Early Career Research papers of 2025. This acknowledgment underscores the global relevance of their work on strengths-based public health promotion.

Tetine Sentell, a DPHS professor and study co-author, expressed pride in the study’s dissemination: “We are very proud to see the global dissemination of this important work from Hawaiʻi around strengths-based public health promotion, relevant to our communities.” Other DPHS authors included Carrie Soo Hoo, Catherine Pirkle, Michael Phillips, and Mika Thompson.

Implications for Public Health and Community Wellbeing

The findings from this study offer a compelling case for integrating culturally relevant activities, like outrigger canoe paddling, into public health initiatives. Traditional practices often provide a holistic approach to wellbeing, addressing not only physical health but also emotional, social, and spiritual needs. What we have is particularly important for communities with strong cultural identities, where maintaining these connections can be crucial for overall health and resilience. The study’s emphasis on centering the voices of participants highlights the importance of community-based participatory research, ensuring that interventions are culturally appropriate and responsive to the needs of the people they are intended to serve.

The research also points to the potential for canoe clubs to play a more active role in promoting health and wellbeing within their communities. By recognizing the multifaceted benefits of paddling and fostering a supportive environment, clubs can contribute to chronic disease prevention, mental health support, and cultural preservation. Schmid’s personal goal of advocating for health insurance coverage for canoe club membership reflects this vision – a step towards recognizing paddling as a legitimate and valuable component of a healthy lifestyle.

What’s Next: Expanding Access and Supporting Paddling Communities

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa researchers are continuing to explore ways to expand access to outrigger canoe paddling and support paddling communities across the state. This includes working with canoe clubs to develop culturally tailored health promotion programs and advocating for policies that recognize the value of traditional practices. Further research is planned to investigate the long-term health impacts of paddling and to identify strategies for addressing barriers to participation, such as cost and accessibility. The team is also exploring opportunities to replicate this research in other cultural contexts, examining the potential benefits of similar traditional activities in different communities. For more information on AccesSurf Hawaiʻi and their work to promote adaptive water sports, visit their website: https://accessurf.org/. You can also learn more about the Department of Public Health Sciences at UH Mānoa: https://www.hawaii.edu/thompsonschool/dphs/. Finally, the Medical Xpress article detailing the study can be found here: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-03-outrigger-canoeing-boosts-health-culture.html.