If you're planning to buy a one-man outrigger canoe, the first thing you should decide is how you plan to use the boat. For occasional weekend paddlers, a used OC-1 might do the trick, while those planning for serious training and time trials might consider a new, more expensive boat.

Of course, there's also nothing wrong with splurging on an expensive toy–new boats can cost as much as $3,000 – even if you don't plan to put it through its paces. The latest-generation of canoes are works of art.

Either way, you will want to spend some time researching the sport before you buy. The OC Paddler blog has news and information on paddling from around the world. Likewise, the Hawaiian H20 site also is a font of information, with links to dozens of canoe clubs from Hawaii and Australia to France, Germany, Brazil and California.

The Oahu-based paddling magazine Pacific Paddler is replete with news, photographs and information. In addition, there's the website y2kanu, which includes classified ads for used canoes.

Finally, you can contact the manufacturers and dealers by visiting websites for Hypr Canoes, Outrigger Connection, Kai Bartlett's company Kai Wa'a, and legendary designer John Martin's Hawaiian Designs.

Others include: Chongas Outrigger Canoe, Tiger Canoe and Kayak, Foti Brothers Canoe Dealers, Bladerunner OutriggerCanoes, and Huki Outrigger Canoes.