The 5th annual Steinlager Vaka Eiva Paddling Festival kicks off on the14th November for 8 days of racing and fun. Around 600 paddlers from Aotearoa, Australia, Tahiti, Hawaii, Samoa and Guam will battle it out in the OC1 & V6 Avana Iron Challenge, the Sprints at stunning Muri Lagoon together with some fun & games & the world famous ‘pop the ama’ competition, the U19 Junior 10km & 15km races & the headline acts – the Women’s Round Raro “Pacific Paddle” relay race & the Men’s Round Raro ‘Pacific Cup’ relay race, also Junior U14’s and U16’s will officially compete this year.
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This is the perfect event to bring the family and enjoy a paddling holiday and still compete in hard core OC racing. Nappy's back again, Kai will be there as as well as all the regulars that have made this event a success.
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I won't be paddling as I've been officially engaged by the Cook Islands Canoeing Association to capture all the action in HD from Jet Ski, Media Boats, in water, on land and of course as usual, every thing that moves will have a GoPro Camera mounted on it, including 3 new, just released 5mp "wide angle" GoPros. Paddlers will be able to view Video highlights of the days events on the Big Screen at Trader Jacks Bar & Grill that night, as well as the usual still slide-show popular with last years crowd. And for those considering going to Vaka Eiva next year, online footage will be viewable some time shortly after the event.
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Harvie Allison's much sort after "Vaka Eiva Calendar is back, proceeds from the calendar going towards developing Junior Outriggers in The Cook Islands. Photos on the Calendar this year http://tinyurl.com/4m2tdv
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Cheers Rambo
Submitted by Rambo on Wed, 10/08/2008 - 1:04pm
Nice work Rambo/Harvie, i look forward to the coverage.
This regatta is value for money, the locals get right behind it so this makes it a wonderful event over the week. I was there last year and would recommend it to anyone wanting to participate.
#1 Wed, 10/08/2008 - 3:54pm
Kaihoe, i don't think i've met anyone yet who has not enjoyed the paddling and cultural activities at this event. There's time to sit down, relax and chat at length with Legends like Nappy and his crew and paddlers from around the world. For us non Hawaiian/Polynianian types, it's an opportunity to connect with the cultural side of outrigger canoeing and most go home enriched with a whole new appreiciation of the traditions of paddling.canoes, something we have little knowledge of.
Over the next few weeks i'll post some photos and stories from past Vaka Eiva and interesting articles about the surrounds.
If anyone else would like to tell of their past experiences at this event, please feel free to post in this thread or if anyone has any ideas on what they would like captured on video and put online, i'll do my best to fulfill your request.over the 10 days I'm there.
Cheers Rambo
#2 Thu, 10/09/2008 - 1:18am
I'd just like to second or third that. Great event! Really love the format and what the locals have put together. Great blend of racing, culture and socialising.
So if you like paddling around Pacific Islands, beautiful Island life, catching up with good friends under coconut trees, warm weather with cool ocean breezes and not paying a fortune for it then this is one for you.
If you haven't been, I fully recommend it for next year. You wont be disappointed. Looking forward to it.
#3 Thu, 10/09/2008 - 9:25am
This is a great six page newsletter with photos and info on Vaka Eiva.
The picture on the left below is last years V6 Iron and Round Raro Pacific Cup Winners Team - LiveStrong, who are also bringing an Open Women's crew this year.
You can download the free newsletter in PDF format here, it's a great read. http://www.box.net/shared/fkcl64ild4
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Cheers Rambo
#4 Sat, 10/11/2008 - 5:56pm
That is great news Rambo, Ocean paddler TV has been invited. At our last meeting, Alex was going for a week to film for our show. You and he will finally get a chance to meet in person:):)
Terry
#5 Sat, 10/11/2008 - 10:08pm
Some great shots from Vaka Eiva 2007
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TEAM LIVESTRONG
Photos Harvie Allison
#6 Mon, 10/13/2008 - 8:42pm
Vaka Eiva Update newsletter #2
http://www.box.net/shared/n4lyn485jj
#7 Wed, 10/15/2008 - 3:10pm