ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Outrigger canoe

An outrigger canoe is a special kind of canoe that has an extra floaty thing, called an outrigger, sticking out from one side to help keep the canoe stable in the water. Imagine riding a bike with training wheels - the training wheels help keep the bike from tipping over. The outrigger does the same thing for the canoe.

The canoe itself is long and skinny, like a banana. It's made out of wood or a special kind of plastic. People sit inside the canoe and use paddles, which are like big spoons, to paddle and move the canoe through the water. Outrigger canoes are used in places like Hawaii and other Pacific islands, where people have been using them for thousands of years for fishing, transportation, and even racing!

Sometimes outrigger canoes are painted with pretty designs, and some people add special decorations, like flowers or feathers. Outrigger canoes are also used for cultural ceremonies and celebrations, and they are an important part of the traditional ways of life in many Pacific island communities.