KIOCC's philosophy focuses on perpetuating the Hawaiian culture and spirit through outrigger canoeing. We work hard to combine an appreciation for family, nature, community, and competitiveness while having tons of fun.
History
Founded in 1997, the Kent Island Outrigger Canoe Club (KIOCC) is hosted by the Kent Island Yacht Club, offering the finest venue for paddling on the East Coast, with easy access to the eastern Chesapeake Bay. KIOCC offers a warm 'ohana (family) to the sport of competitive Hawaiian outrigger canoe paddling.
In 1998, KIOCC entered its first season in the East Coast Outrigger Racing Association (ECORA), participating in the various races on the East Coast and hosting the first annual Kent Island Cup on Labor Day Weekend. In our second season, we added a second OC6, Force Five canoe and our race weekend grew from 5 entries to 15! This was a true testament to the development of the sport, the commitment of our team, and the support of Kent Island Yacht Club. In 2001 KIOCC introduced a new race format for the Kent Island Cup-a 35-mile around the island relay. 2001 also saw KIOCC members participating in the 50th Annual Moloka'i Hoe at the Senior Masters level. In September 2002, KIOCC entered its first masters mixed crew in the Catalina Island race.
In addition to the ECORA Racing season, KIOCC participates in events like the Wye Island Maryland Regatta, the Blackburn Challenge along Cape Ann, Massachusetts, and a variety of boating festivals to promote the sport and the spirit of aloha.