Over 700 paddlers from around the world travelled Rarotonga to participate in the biggest week of paddling on their sporting calender. Photo: Supplied / Maunga Media, Vaka Eiva
The Matson Vaka Eiva wrapped up over the weekend with paddlers celebrating camaraderie amongst competition.
Over 700 paddlers from around the world travelled to Rarotonga to participate in the biggest week of paddling on the Cook Islands sporting calendar.
A local paddling coach said the diversity of race categories makes it a popular event for international competitors.
From open ocean marathon courses to fast paced sprints, the event caters to every age group and skill level.
Te Tupu O Te Manava's Serena Hunter said "everyone loves coming to Vaka Eiva because it offers a bit of everything".
"You don't really get anything like it anywhere else in the world. We had the juniors having their two days at Muri... and the oldest paddler is in his 70s. It's for all ages. And Vaka Eiva provides a week where the families can come up and have a good time too.
"I think that's what sort of attracts people... the culture, the ease of it, the week of paddling festivities, everything that goes with it. So people come back time and time again."
Te Tupu O Te Manava ladies congratulate each other on a job well done. Photo: Supplied / Maunga Media, Vaka Eiva
That sense of warmth attracts competitors from all over the world, even as far as the United Kingdom.
London based paddler Jocelyn King has always loved the sport. She now travels the world exploring places to challenge her paddling skills.
She told CITV her team trains on the River Thames, but nothing compares to racing in the "clear turquoise waters" of Rarotonga.
"We are privileged to be in this sport. We don't do normal holidays. It's paddling holidays. And we've met some great, great friends.
"Thank you very much Cook Islands, I would love to live here oh my goodness! Don't send us back home to snow and greyness and darkness!"
An explosive beginning of the race as paddlers take off from the start line. Photo: Supplied / Maunga Media, Vaka Eiva
For some, the competition was an emotional homecoming.
New Zealand based Cook Islander Teremoana Tere was among those securing a title, after his team won the Open Mens Round Rarotonga Race.
The Pineula crew comprised of Cook Islanders, Tahitians, Samoan and New Zealand Māori paddlers.
They battled choppy ocean conditions for the duration of the gruelling 34 km race around the island.
Tere said the competition was intense.
"It's good to be back at home. The experience out there was beautiful, hard conditions, but love paddling against the local crews. I've got family in there as well, so little bit of a good rivalry between us."
The win held special significance for the team who dedicated their race to the late Romani Katoa.
The former Oceania aquatics vice president was an avid supporter of the Pineula crew.
"And this race was specially dedicated for Romani. Massive love for him. The whole reason why we came back just to do it for him.
"He was one of our very best friends every time we come over. He sponsors us, even like little things, but he's always helped us with canoes, help the community and stuff like that. Helped a lot of boys in our crew as well."
Paddlers battled rough conditions on some race days. Photo: Supplied / Maunga Media, Vaka Eiva
For others Vaka Eiva was a chance to deepen bonds with teammates.
Alanna, 14, and her Manukau Outrigger Canoe Club team finished first in the J16s race.
She said the competition was tough, but the Auckland based crew of six dug deep to secure their win.
"Coming first isn't the real big deal for my crew," she said.
"My crew were all about working as a team and trying our hardest. I'm very proud of my girls. I think we did awesome, considering we're not locals and that... if you just stay motivated and positive, you can push through anything, and that's what my crew did.
"We put in that mahi and you get that result you want."
Alanna and her Manukau Outrigger Canoe Club team finished first in the J16s race. Photo: Supplied / Maunga Media, Vaka Eiva
From seasoned paddlers to young first timers, competitors all agree that the community camaraderie is what continues to draw people to Vaka Eiva each year.
And with the competitions 20th anniversary on the horizon, excitement is already building for next year.
