The Hawaiki Nui Va’a outrigger paddling race took place in French Polynesia from Nov. 4-6. The race consisted of 92 teams and over 2,000 paddlers from Polynesia, Hawai‘i, Australia, New Zealand and other sea faring countries in a grueling 80-mile
The Hawaiki Nui Va’a outrigger paddling race took place in French Polynesia from Nov. 4-6. The race consisted of 92 teams and over 2,000 paddlers from Polynesia, Hawai‘i, Australia, New Zealand and other sea faring countries in a grueling 80-mile paddling marathon that visits three islands in three days, through reef-laced channels and deep ocean passages. Starting at Huahine on day one, the racers paddle 27.7 miles to Raiatea where they spend the night, then sprint 14.9 miles the next day to Taha’a — the “Vanilla Island” — just to the north of Raiatea. On the third day of competition, the racers paddle 58 kilometers to the famous South Pacific island of Bora Bora, finishing at Matira Point to complete the race. An all-Hawaiian team started strong, but suffered a setback when its canoe hulied on the second day of competition. The team still finished 17th out of 92 canoes. Nina Moux, wife of second-place finisher Richel Moux, said “Each year the Hawai‘i teams compete against the Tahitians, their paddling improves. One day soon they may win the race.” Teresa Tico/Contributed photos
