Pacific Paddler February, 2016 - (Page 22)

PHOTOS BY MATARIKI WILSON AND HARVIE ALLISON Big seas enhances Vaka Eiva thrill BY MATARIKI WILSON Big sea conditions and tough thrill-seeking outrigger paddlers made for another successful and action-packed Vaka Eiva paddling festival on the island of Rarotonga in 2015, setting the stage for more excitement on and off the water in 2016. Sponsored by international shipping company Matson, the annual outrigger festival, run over a week, transforms the island paradise into 'paddling heaven' for both returning and first time paddlers in Cook Islands waters. The promise of plenty of paddling action in balmy seas and genuine Cook Islands hospitality and culture woven into the weeklong paddling festival drew more than 500 paddlers from across the globe - all with the one common love of outrigger canoeing. Paddlers from as far as the snowy mountains of Canada to the neighbouring isles of Hawaii, where it is said that every child is practically born with a paddle in hand, plus everywhere in between converged on the island for a week of paddling adventures, camaraderie and cultural exchange. Returning Hawaiian outrigger paddling legend Nappy Napoleon and his crew from the iconic Anuenue Canoe Club, who have been attending the Cook Islands paddling festival since its inception in 2004, were once again on hand to share paddling tips, techniques and to support festival paddlers keen to learn from the masters of the Polynesian sport. In fact, the experienced paddlers added to the magic of the Vaka Eiva festival by adopting the visiting Canadian team who were grateful for the mentorship and inclusion of Nappy in their vaka during the marathon races which gave the crew the courage to navigate their way through the Pacific Ocean. 22 PACiFiC PADDLER digital edition In between serious paddling, visiting paddlers were encouraged to explore the unspoiled island of Rarotonga with the Vaka Eiva schedule allowing for plenty of relaxation and shopping time in between the action-packed paddling sessions on the water. Cultural entertainment, local foods, trade day markets and visits to local schools were some of the highlights enjoyed by paddlers off the water. On the water, predictions of a storm on the horizon in the week leading up to the 2015 outrigger paddling event brought a mix of excitement and nerves. While organisers ensured that the safety of paddlers was the upmost priority, seasoned paddlers prayed the weather gods would bring big surf for high octane paddling action on the unpredictable sea. In true Polynesian spirit, traditional blessings of canoes and paddlers, as well as prayers of protection were offered before the on-water action got underway on Saturday with the individual iron races in the V1 and OC1 class canoes. 'Paddling central' is set up at Avarua Harbour in the main town of Rarotonga where the island's most iconic watering hole and eatery Trader Jacks is also conveniently located. This location also offered a spectacular viewing point for the pre-race briefing, canoe checks, plus the start and end of the races, allowing spectators and supporters to feel part of the festival. With safety the main priority and sea swells building, organisers had the tough task of mapping new courses to accommodate for the conditions and making last minute decisions on direction of the course depending on the daily forecast. Organisers opted to shorten the 18km indi- FEBRUARY / MARCH 2016

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pacific Paddler February, 2016

Kanaka Ikaika
Pacific Northwest
OIA
Cook Islands - Vaka Eiva
California Paddling
Wetdashe Dry Change Race
Ikaika Waterman: Kai Wilding
Breathing Mechanics for Paddlers
Vaka Taumoku

Pacific Paddler February, 2016