Tahiti Nui Va’a Race in Paradise
Every second year the world of outrigger canoe racing focuses on Tahiti for the Tahiti Nui Va’a race. This year was no exception with teams from around the world including New Zealand. This renowned event takes place with the unique landscapes of the island of Tahiti as its backdrop. Ever since the first European settlers arrived at these shores, Tahiti been synonymous with ‘paradise on earth’ and its name is often used to represent the entirety of the islands of French Polynesia. Tahiti’s landscapes combine all of the most beautiful aspects of the French Polynesian islands; Mount Orohena (2241m/7352 feet), which is
Tahiti’s tallest mountain towers over the coastline which alternates between pristine lagoons, white sand beaches and even rugged shores. The Tahiti Nui Va’a race goes around the entire island, presenting spectators with the perfect opportunity to discover the island’s magnificent scenery with a unique view from the ocean. Tahiti Nui Va’a is one of the most renowned and difficult outrigger races because of its length. At 166 km/ 103 miles, it is in fact the longest race in its discipline. On the first day of the race, the competitors start from the beach at “La Pointe Vénus,” in the town of Mahina. From there they follow Tahiti’s coast until they reach Vairao on the “Presqu’île”. Most of the race takes place a few hundred meters outside the coral reefs on the open ocean. On the second day the race continues around the magnificent coast of Tahiti’s Presqu’île where volcanic cliffs plunge to the sea. This leg, which goes from the west coast around to the east coast of the island passing by the legendary surf spot of Teahupoo, is perhaps the most technically challenging leg of the race. The ocean swells in this area are big and the racers must try to use the swells to their advantage as much as possible. The small and somewhat isolated town of Tautira is known to be a hotspot of the revival and practice of va’a and is the ending point of this leg. On the third and
THE PERSON IN THE FRONT ALWAYS GETS THE WETTEST
TO THE UNTRAINED EYE, THIS MAY LOOK LIKE THE WHOLE CREW HAVE FALLEN OUT BUT THIS IS AN EXAMPLE OF A QUICK CREW CHANGE
last day of the race, the competitors make their way back to their starting point racing alongside the pristine and wild eastern facing shores of Tahiti. Along this coastline the ocean is rough, because of the absence of a lagoon and they finish back at La Pointe Vénus Va’a is the Tahitian word for the typically Polynesian outrigger canoe which has been present in all the Polynesian islands since ancient times. In traditional, pre-European, the va’a was at the centre of everyday life in Polynesian society and was used by isolated communities as the best means of transportation for work, war and fishing. With the modernization of French Polynesia, the many uses of the va’a have been replaced by what Tara Hiquily of the Tahiti and islands Museum calls “the era of outrigger canoe races,” or “Te Hoera’a va’a” in Tahitian. Over the past thirty years the sport of has developed and expanded to become French Polynesia’s most popular and passionately loved sport for all ages. In 1975 the victory at the Molokai by the Tahitian team “Maire Nui” (from the town of Tautira on Tahiti’s Presqu’ile) triggered the revival of va’a in French Polynesia and since that time they have become almost unbeatable.
The discipline of va’a has two main categories: va’a hoe, one-man outrigger canoe, and the very popular va’o ono, six-man outrigger canoe. Both are demanding, technical and tactical sport and there is that subtle link that the va’a races offer more than the regular sports-event, as it offers not only the athletic aspect, but also a dive into the culture and soul of the Polynesian peoples. It is this intertwining of both sport, history and culture and makes this event so special for the participants, the community and those simply cheering the paddlers along.
Special Thanks To: Radisson Plaza Resort Tahiti | Pension La Vague Bleue Tauhanihani Village Lodge | Pension Fare MaithĂŠ | Manava Suite Resort Tahiti | Air Tahiti Nui | To EDT GDF SUEZ (electricity) without their enthusiasm, support and financial backing the event would not have happened. It was superbly organised at every level - for more information on upcoming events check out the website and Facebook www.Ta h i t i n u i v a a . c o m www.facebook.com/pages/Tahiti-Nui-Vaa-Page-Officielle
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