This year marks the 16th edition of the Cook Islands’ traditional Vaka Eiva paddling competition which will be held from the 22 to 29 November and is sponsored by Matson. The country’s beautiful warm and clear waters attract participants from all over the world, many of whom return year after year to paddle ‘Vaka’ outrigger canoes in this fantastic celebration of Cook Islands culture and heritage.
The festival is more than just competitive challenging canoe racing, with several novelty races as well as events taking place across the week celebrating the Cook Islands’ culture, customs, food and entertainment.
The ultimate paddling prizes are the coveted ‘Pacific Cup’ and ‘Pacific Paddle’ trophies for the Open women and men’s 36km changes race around Rarotonga – a gruelling race not for the faint hearted. Held at the end of the week, the punishing round island race sees paddlers challenged over various sea conditions as they circumnavigate the island of Rarotonga. Spectators can take in the on-water action from the spectator boats or from various look out points along the Rarotonga shoreline.
Vaka Eiva caters for all ages and paddling ability offering challenging ocean Iron and Marathon races and action-packed sprint races for paddlers right up to the golden master’s division.
“Preparations for the event are going well, with the number of international paddlers already up by 15-20% in comparison to last year.” says Matson Vaka Eiva Event Coordinator Eva Allsworth.
“We are extremely thrilled to bring the Juniors ‘Oe Mapu’ event back after a three-year hiatus and will be hosting this across two days. The event has been made even more exciting as we have close to 100 international junior paddlers who have already registered.”
Matson Vaka Eiva is both a fantastic spectator and competitor event and makes a great time to visit the Cook Islands as the island of Rarotonga.
For more information on things to see and do in the Cook Islands go to www.cookislands.travel.
