The OC1 (solo outrigger canoe) has been called — somewhat disparagingly — "a kayak with training wheels" since it has a rudder.

Ready to take the training wheels off?

Consider a V1 (solo va’a), a rudderless outrigger canoe, being built by Kamanu Composites in Kailua. (Va’a is the Tahitian word for canoe).

"It’s very different from the OC1," co-owner Luke Evslin said. "There is an argument as to which goes faster, and the OC1 does surf better.

"But I enjoy the V1. It’s a different experience, a different challenge. You seem to be more in tune with the ocean."

It also does well on flat water, as evidenced by the V1 races at last Sunday’s World Paddle Expo. Kamanu Composites provided their Aukahi V1s for the event.

The company began as a dream by three Kauai High sophomores — Evslin, Keizo Gates and Kelly Foster. Their goal turned into their mission statement: "Become the most amazing company in the entire world … and build good canoes while we’re at it."

The three partnered with successful canoe builder and veteran waterman John Puakea in 2007. The company name refers to the front piece of the traditional Hawaiian canoe, the manu, "while also implying progress," Evslin said. "The manu leads the canoe, but it also encompasses the canoe since there’s one on the back as well."

The curious can try out a V1 by contacting Kamanu Composites. Prices start at $3,900 with a waiting period of six to eight weeks.

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