What is a Polynesian canoe called?

Asked by: Denise Austin

Nowadays popularized by the Moana Disney movie, the Polynesian outrigger canoe is known in French Polynesia under its maohi name : “va’a”. Cunningly intended for long travels, it is made of a beam connected to the hull thanks to two wooden arms, which contribute to provide steadiness.

What is a Hawaiian canoe called?

Kai ‘Opua – Our Canoes



The outrigger canoe (Hawaiian: wa’a; Filipino and Indonesian: bangka; Maori: waka ama; Tahitian and Samoan:va’a) is a type of canoe featuring one or more lateral support floats known as outriggers, which are fastened to one or both sides of the main hull.

What are those Hawaiian boats called?

A traditional Polynesian voyaging canoe has returned to Honolulu in Hawaii, completing the first-ever round-the-world trip by such a vessel. The boat, the Hokule’a, took three years to journey around the globe.

What are Samoan boats called?

Vaʻa

Vaʻa is a word in Samoan, Hawaiian and Tahitian which means ‘boat’, ‘canoe’ or ‘ship’. A larger traditional seagoing vessel for long-distance voyages is referred to as vaʻa tele (big ship). The term alia is also used for larger vessels in Samoa.

What is an IAKO?

‘iako: arched crossbeams which fasten the floater (ama) to the hull in an outrigger canoe. iwikuamo’o: keel. iwi ka’ele: keel. ka’ele: canoe hull. kaula: line; kaule hau: hau (hibiscus) rope.

Are Tahiti canoes?

1/The “Tahitian” outrigger canoe or Va’a Hoe



Va’a is an outrigger canoe designed first of all to evolve in lagoons, on flat and shallow plans of water. One Va’a Hoe one place (V1) is long, more than 7 meters, its hull is tightened to go as quickly as possible on the dish and do not possess rudder.

What boats did the Polynesians use?

Polynesians made contact with nearly every island within the vast Polynesian Triangle, using outrigger canoes or double-hulled canoes. The double-hulled canoes were two large hulls, equal in length, and lashed side by side.

What is a Papuan outrigger canoe called?

Sailing outrigger canoes, known as sailau in Paupua New Guinea, are still vital for trade, fishing and transportation between islands in Milne bay Province, PNG. The canoes are built locally out of mastwood trees (Calophyllum inophyllum) by expert boatbuilders, then traded.

What is Hawaiian paddling?

Canoeing, called “paddling” by the locals, has rightfully been named the official state team sport in Hawaii. All paddlers know that the waves, perhaps so calm and blue today, hold their life. A calm surface can change abruptly into a raging turbulence of foam. The laws of nature are unpredictable.

How long is a Hawaiian outrigger canoe?

around 45 feet

They are around 45 feet in length! Ama: The floating outrigger on the left side of the canoe. It helps the canoe stay balanced on the water.

What is a canoe AMA?

The term ama is a word in the Polynesian and Micronesian languages to describe the outrigger part of a canoe to provide stability.

How did Hawaiians build canoes?

Many South Pacific canoes are constructed by means of sewing planks together with natural fibers to form the Hull of the canoe. In Hawaii, the Koa Tree provided the Hawaiians with a large enough log so that this planking method was not necessary. The log was hollowed to form a one piece canoe hull.

How do you get into the outrigger canoe?

1) Grab the gunnel or gunnel and iako with two hands. Pump your body up and down a couple of times deep into the water, then on the last rise, kick hard with both feet. As you come up, pull your upper body up until your waist is at the gunnel. Then swing one leg over the gunnel and roll into the boat.

How many people are in the outrigger canoe?

SIX SEATS, ONE TEAM



Like a soccer team has forwards and a goalie, each paddler has their own role in the canoe. While many outrigger canoe clubs teach their paddlers to sit in any seat, many paddlers will favor one seat in the canoe.

How do you paddle a Hawaiian canoe?

Here. This is how we want to paddle bending. Forward blade goes in the water as your body is coming up you pull the blade at the same time you come back you push up with your legs.