The Outrigger Canoe Club Bylaws approved in 1939 established an Athletic Committee. Section 23 of the Bylaws stated: “An Athletic Committee composed of five members shall have charge of all athletic sports and events.” Prior to that time, a Club Captain oversaw all Club athletics.
In 1942 a Canoe Committee was established with Duke Kahanamoku as chair. In 1943, a Surfing, Canoe and Steersman Committee chaired by Willie Whittle was added. By 1945 Volleyball, Sailing and Aquatic Sports Events and Tournaments Committees were added, along with an Athletic Coordinating Committee.
Today the Club’s Athletic Committee is chaired by the Club Captain who is appointed by the Board of Directors. The Athletic Committee members are the chairpersons of the active athletic subcommittees.
In 2017 the Board of Directors hired an Athletic Director to assist the Club Captain and volunteer athletic committees with their programs and manage the beach and water safety program.