TO BOOST plans of reviving “Bigiw Paddling,” Island Buzz Philippines Paddle and Sail Adventures will be launching its first 6-man Ocean Canoe (OC6) in Lapu-Lapu City on Nov. 20.
The 45-feet outrigger canoe will be blessed by renowned Hawaiian “Wisdom Keeper,” Uncle Kimokeo Kapahulehua.
The whole day event, which is supported by the Singapore Paddle Club, will promote free energy sports and the Visayas heritage by reviving the lost art of Outrigger Canoe Paddling (OCP) in Cebu.
“With Cebu as a coastal province, we’re eyeing to have the first Outrigger Canoe Paddling Club and establish the first canoe paddling race in the Philippines,” said Buzzy Budlong of Island Buzz.
Like Hawaii, the Philippines is a country surrounded by bodies of water where settlers thrived and traversed the seas with boats and canoes.
“In the Visayas, Bigiw is the vernacular term for a narrow shaped outrigger canoe with a one sided rigger which can huddle smoothly even on wavy waters,” Budlong added.
Aside from the good benefits that the sport can bring, Budlong is also aiming for future members of the club to experience and appreciate Bigiw Paddling.
Once established, he also plans to form a team to represent the Philippines in international events.
Like Dragon Boat and Stand up Paddle races, OCP is a free energy sport wherein it is usually manned by six paddlers with a paddling system to follow, which is different from that used in DB and SUP.
After the canoe blessing, OCP clinics and racing activities will be set for enthusiasts.