Outrigger Canoeing Publications and SUP Publications

Steve West - Award winning author and creator of Kanuculture publications since 1994

NOW AVAILABLE IN PRINT OR DIGITAL FORMATS

"Journalist, writer, educator, researcher, trailblazer, entrepreneur, cultural ambassador, Steve West is one of the most recognised and best known canoe and paddle sports personalties"
The World Paddle Awards Academy

Outrigger Canoeing - A Paddlers Guide to The Ancient Sport of Kings 465pp
Outrigger Canoeing - The Art and Skill of Steering 168pp
Outrigger Canoeing - OC1 Book - A Paddlers Guide 306pp
Outrigger Canoeing - V1 Va'a Hoe - A Paddlers Guide 292pp
Stand Up Paddle Boarding - A Paddlers Guide 510pp

'When one of our coaches and paddlers asked coach Gerard from Shell Va'a where he got his, 'Theory and Technique Concepts' from, he replied, "I read all the books - Steve West books and whatever books I can get a hold of". You inspire us all and give words where there were none or little. Thank you so much. Your hard work is greatly appreciated world-wide from the big to the little fishes.'
Dani Gay - Lanikai CC Hawaii Coach

“For anyone interested in the Pacific-wide sport of outrigger canoeing this is the definitive look at the sport!”
Canoe & Kayak Magazine USA

“The most important item a paddler should own, is The Paddler’s Guide to Outrigger Canoeing. Without the knowledge of how your equipment works, or where it comes from you may be spinning your wheels. This book is a great read and a must for every paddler. Even the most seasoned paddler will find a benefit to owning this book. For those of you that do get the book, don’t lend it out, you may never get it back!”
Chris O'Keefe, San Diego, California

“I really appreciated the way Steve explained the differences between paddling on OC1 and paddling a V1. It is very well said and I will be quoting him in the future, to make others understand why I prefer spending some time learning to steer a V1 instead of riding an OC1 and hopefully end some unfruitful debates!”
A reader from France

“The Paddler’s Guide to Outrigger Canoeing, is the most comprehensive book on outrigger canoe paddling yet. Essential reading for novices and experienced paddler alike.”
Michelle Shortis, Hong Kong

'If you’re into, or not into, stand up paddling, but want to be educated where it comes from and what it stands for, read this book by Steve West. The more I read, the more I respect the real paddlers of the world!'
Luke Egan, Australian Surfing Legend

“The Paddler’s Guide to Outrigger Canoeing, is an incredibly comprehensive and beautifully presented book covering everything to do with outrigger canoeing, from the technical aspects of the paddle stroke, steering, rigging and catching bumps, through to the cultural heritage and evolution of canoe designs, paddles and races. There is something for everyone in this amazing book, whether a new or experienced paddler. Every time I pick up this book I learn something new and am inspired by the stories and photographs.”
Amanda Ozolins, Australia

“In Steve’s book, everything’s covered from all the great steerers in the world. There’s 20 years of research in the The Paddler’s Guide to Outrigger Canoeing and the Steering book. I have a copy of every volume of Kanu Culture and consult them often.”
Ian ‘Rambo’ Newland, Australia

'I love the book. It's a brilliant piece of work, it's like a Lonely Planet Guide Book for Stand Up Paddling! I'm extremely impressed with how much research and time has been put into creating this book and I sincerely hope every stand up paddle fan out there goes and grabs a copy!'
Chris Parker, SUPracer.com

Steve West with Perfect Paddles USA - Heroes of SUP: Present and Future Innovators

July 02, 2025  /  Steve West

When it comes to athletics, what defines a hero? For SUP, we believe the answer is simple. Heroes are those who push the boundaries of the sport into new environments. Ones that test their own individual limits regarding their strength or stamina and help innovate the sport of SUP into new and exciting directions.  Heroes also use their abilities and fame to help the community or the environment.

What follows is a short list of some of the present heroes of SUP. From one man’s journey to cross the Atlantic solo to another woman’s creation of an 11-city tour spanning her homeland, these people are pushing SUP to whole new levels.

Of course, this list is not comprehensive. There are many paddlers out there worth mentioning and we wish we had the room. 

Read through the list and be inspired by each individual’s story but make sure to live your own - because SUP always needs new innovators - from paddling instructors to those accomplishing historic firsts in the sport. 

The list includes Micky Munoz, Danny Ching, Chris Bertish, Bart de Zwart, Steve West, Jules Gismondi, and Lou Anne Harris, Kai Lenny, Connor Baxter, Seychelle Webster, Candice Appleby, April Zilg, Judie Vivian, Anne-Marie Reichmann and Dan Gevere.

Steve West has been a part of the SUP community from its origins. He is known for literally ‘writing the book on SUP.’

Steve was born in Africa and became a pro windsurfer in the 80’s. And he helped popularize the sport in the UK. In addition, he spent years in Hawaii and Australia getting deep into the outrigger canoe culture, winning championship races in 6-man teams that included many of the stars of the OC world.

In addition, he spent time as Australia’s National Outrigger Coaching Director.

But to truly understand Steve's contributions to SUP and why he is considered a hero to the sport, pick up a copy of his book,“Stand Up Paddle: A Paddler’s Guide.” In it, you will learn the origins of the sport, the mechanics of the perfect paddle stroke, locations around the world where paddling is popular, and as many helpful tips on how to paddle as you can handle! 

Mr. West's complete rundown of SUP in his book is something every paddler around the world should have on their bookshelf.

For the full article

The management of Batini Books, Kanu Culture, along with the authors and editors of this website, shall not accept responsibility for any injury, loss or damage caused to any person acting or failing to act upon information arising from material at this website or within the contents of our publications, whether or not such injury, loss or damage is caused by any negligent act, or omission, default or breach of duty by Batini Books, Kanu Culture or its authors and or editors.
© Steve West, Batini Books, Kanu Culture 2012