Thousands of people participate in paddling in the Islands, attracted by the physical benefits, the camaraderie and any excuse to be out in the ocean.

But within the past decade, the number of paddlers on one-man canoes has exploded, with hundreds training on their own boats or competing in races during the solo season, which starts this weekend and culminates with the Moloka'i World Championships May 18.

While many of these paddlers are using the solo craft to hone their technique and ocean skills for the six-man canoe season, more and more people are skipping the commitment of a canoe club to learn the sport on their own.

Barb Craft, a 46-year-old registered nurse from Hawai'i Kai, bought her first one-man canoe — a used Viper for $1,500 — eight years ago. She just wanted to do something out in the open ocean.

She quickly found out how much of a workout paddling was — and she was hooked. Two years later she joined a canoe club — now she's at Hui Nalu — and has crossed the Kaiwi Channel three times.

"It's the best exercise in the world," said Craft, who credits the strengthening of her core and back muscles to paddling. "And you can just focus on this one thing. You can't think about anything else when you're paddling. It's very freeing."

Not only is paddling a great total-body workout, but it's another way to cross-train for other competitive sports such as running, swimming or biking.

And if you're serious about paddling competitively in a six-man canoe during the long-distance season, training on a one-man — and starting now — is practically a requirement.

"All the top athletes (in paddling) are training on one-mans and they're all in 10 times better shape," said Mike Cushnie, head coach at Lokahi Canoe Club in Waikiki, which loans out one-man canoes to its members. "That's been the biggest benefit, the conditioning."

But starting the sport can require some cash.

Joining canoe clubs can be expensive, with dues ranging from $100 to $200 per regatta season. (It costs more to compete in the long-distance season, which starts in August.)

And while taking up one-man paddling can be costly — you'll spend at least $1,000 on a decent used boat, triple that for a new one — you don't have to pay club dues or upgrade your equipment every year. And you don't have to pay to use the ocean, either.

About eight months ago, Craft upgraded to a Fuze, which can cost around $3,300 — twice as much as she paid for her first boat.

But, she said, the cost has been worth it.

"Yes, it's a huge (financial) investment," said Craft, who hopes to cross the Kaiwi Channel on a one-man for the first time next year. "But for me it's a complete investment in my health and well-being."

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