Paddling Abroad

A future paddler. Family members waded out to meet the returning Vaka Eiva competitors with some enjoying a short ride. RNZ Daniela Maoate-Cox.

Tetini Pekepo watches over the crew on the Marumaru Atua. The members change slightly every voyage depending on who is free or interested.RNZ Daniela Maoate-Cox

Spectators watch competitors at Vaka Eiva. RNZ Daniela Maoate-Cox.

Chrissy Thomas still has time for a smile in between running Vaka Eiva. RNZ Daniela Maoate-Cox.

Suzie Graf and Darlene Eto enjoy dinner with their team at Vaka Eiva RNZ Daniela Maoate-Cox.

Howard James, Sam Taia, and Anthony Bonaccurso (front) are part of an Australian team competing in their second Vaka Eiva. RNZ Daniela Maoate-Cox.

The Marumaru Atua is brought into the jetty at Avana Passage to pick up the rest of its crew. RNZ Daniela Maoate-Cox.

A lack of wind means the solar powered engine is needed to help get the vaka into Avarua before dark. RNZ Daniela Maoate-Cox.

A Cook Island Voyager Society member helps sail the Marumaru Atua from Avana Passage to Avarua Harbour in Rarotonga. RNZ Daniela Maoate-Cox.

A limited number of canoes on the island means competitors have to share between events. RNZ Daniela Maoate-Cox.

Cook Island culture is woven into Vaka Eiva including canoe blessings dance and music. This band entertained the competitors on opening night.

Coconuts are a common refreshment on the vaka and welcome in the high temperatures. RNZ Daniela Maoate-Cox

Calm still weather void of wind meant the 40min voyage took a few hours. One of the crew members took the opportunity to have a nap. RNZ Daniela Maoate-Cox

Chrissy Thomas registers competitors next to Trader Jack's in Avana. RNZ Daniela Maoate-Cox

One of the paddles used by Vaka Eiva competitors. RNZ Daniela Maoate-Cox

Competitors and volunteers help bring in the canoes after a race. The Marumaru Atua sits in the background. RNZ Daniela Maoate-Cox

Tetini Pekepo has been jumping on and off boats for decades and says he takes after his father who was also a sailor. RNZ Daniela Maoate-Cox

Ian Karaka one of the key members of the Cook Island Voyager Society and a regular on the Marumaru Atua. RNZ Daniela Maoate-Cox

A conch shell is blown as the Marumaru Atua came into Avarua Harbour a little later than planned. Ian Karaka helps guide the vaka in. RNZ Daniela Maoate-Cox

One of the most popular and challenging events in Vaka Eiva is the round Raro race. Team members change over throughout the 36km paddle. RNZ Daniela Maoate-Cox

Participants at Vaka Eiva are briefed on the day's events. RNZ Daniela Maoate-Cox

Rarotonga, the main island in the Cook Islands where the 12th annual Vaka Eiva competition is being held. RNZ Daniela Maoate-Cox

Sails are hosited on the Marumaru Atua. RNZ Daniela Maoate-Cox

The deck of the Marumaru Atua. RNZ Daniela Maoate-Cox

Many of the spectators watch the paddlers race from Trader Jacks a well-known spot in Rarotonga. RNZ Daniela Maoate-Cox

The individual men's competitors paddle out to the start point. RNZ Daniela Maoate-Cox

Tetini Pekepo accepts the lack of wind and brings down the sail. The solar powered motor is used for the rest of the journey into Avarua Harbour. RNZ Daniela Maoate-Cox

Individual races are first so the team canoes are stored across the road between the cinema and the court. RNZ Daniela Maoate-Cox

The sail of the Marumaru Atua stretched out in the hopes of catching some wind. RNZ Daniela Maoate-Cox

The crew's bunks on the Marumaru Atua. RNZ Daniela Maoate-Cox

Sailing isn't for everyone. Here is one seasick producer giving her fish burger back to the ocean. Circle of life.

Turning the vaka takes a bit of elbow grease and teamwork. RNZ Daniela Maoate-Cox

Crew quarters are below deck in each of the two hulls and can sleep 16 in total. RNZ Daniela Maoate-Cox