So the inaugural Vaka Eiva Canoe Festival is over. What a blast! Teams from Hawaii, Fiji, New Zealand, the Samoas, Niue, Australia, and Tahiti all came to Rarotonga, to enjoy a week of paddling and experiencing the unique culture of the Cook Islands.

The races included an OC1 relay race around the island (36km); a V6 ironman race from the town of Avarua to the famous passage of Avana and back (18km); V6 500m and 1000m sprint races held in the idyllic lagoon at Muri; and finally the ‘Pacific Cup’, a V6 relay race around Rarotonga.

With a day between events there were plenty of opportunities to soak up the local atmosphere, and paddlers were regularly seen partying at the popular spots around the island till the wee hours of the morning (RSA anyone?!!).

One special feature of the festival was the cultural exchange between the visitors and their Cook Island hosts, who share and value the traditional significance and importance of the canoe to Pacific islanders. Teams were formally welcomed by traditional village leaders before, during and the conclusion of the week - as well as being treated to cultural dancing and singing – all of which contributed to the unique and spiritual experience of paddling in the Cook Islands.

The Cook Islands Canoe Association (CICA) would like to extend a heartfelt ‘meitaki maata’ to all those teams from around the Pacific who joined us here in Rarotonga to paddle and share experiences. Congratulations also to all the winners. We promise to make next year’s Vaka Eiva festival even bigger and better - see you then!

Kia Manuia,

The Cook Islands Canoe Association.

Checkout all the pix here