Praia Vermelha, Saturday Nov 21...Thomas made me wake up early today, so I could benefit from the Saturday opportunity of getting some exercise, as well as learning a bit about Outrigger Canoeing...
This meant a small trip to Praia Vermelha, the beach next to Sugar Loaf in Urca, Rio.
Although it is summer, at 7AM, there were still few people on the beach. The crowds eventually did arrive.
I'm told the participants of these outriggers will row out to Copacabana, the Cagarras Islands and Niteroi, destinations not so close! The outrigger is arm-powered by men and women of variable strengths and ages. Thomas tells me there is one lady in his group who is now 72, and she goes along 3 x a week. Even if her rowing technique is more 'choreography' than push the group is happy to have her along! 
The canoes are owned and managed by the Praia Vermelha Va'a Clube. Today's excursion was more for fun and pleasure but still gave plenty of exercise opportunity during its 3 hours duration. The group was very happy when they came back.
Although some of you may try wikipedia to find out more about outrigger canoes - originally developed in Hawaii, Polynesia and Tahiti, I found Gary Dierking's blog more informative specially considering that Thomas is finishing his Industrial Design studies. The blog has plenty of designer angles in it.
Very cool, loved the pics. That's one thing I really want to do next time in Rio, and had wanted to join the outrigger club when I lived in Niteroí. Oh well! Thanks for this and all the posts Phil! abs
ReplyDeleteM