Just wanted to let you all know that the Te Aito Nui race was held on December 12th and was a huge success.
After a year off, race organizer, Stephan Lambert, put together a 3 day event that was very special. Wednesday was a kids race that included a clinic where stars like Lewis Laughlin, Manutea Owen, Georges Cronsteadt and Kamehameha Tamarii taught the children about stroke techinique, rigging of the va'a, etc.
Thursday was the 50 meter sprint race. There were 3 divisions, womens vaa, mens vaa and SUP.
Friday was the endurance race. 55km for men, 35km for women and 30km for SUP paddlers.
The race was great with Georges Cronsteadt winning followed by Kamehameha and Mautea Owen. The course is so rigorous due to its length and extreme conditions(summertime sun and humidity is extreme in French Polynesia) that despite prize money and competition there was a great spirit in the water because we were all pushing ourselves to the limit amidst the beauty of the island.
I do not know the winner of the womens division. There were maybe 10 paddlers. Including one 13 year old that was not allowed to compete due to insurance reasons but she launched her canoe from matira beach after all the females started and paddled the race anyways, even beating several women. Stephan rewarded her with some special gifts and had her on stage at the awards dinner Friday Night.
Only 4 paddlers entered the SUP race. I spoke with many paddlers in Tahiti who just didn't want to paddle that distance. Hopefully next year there will be more as 30km took us all around 4 hours to complete and while it was grueling, it was a great challenge and there was good prize money. The SUP race was won by Patrice Chanzy.
Submitted by little timmy on Tue, 12/16/2008 - 5:07pm
Wow,
55km race, and rudderless.
4 hours is an excellent average time ,so the quality of competitors must have been quite high.
That youngster that did the 35km race. That is freaky crazy.
She must have a lot of training miles under her belt to go hard in that race.
I love paddling rudderless ..but 55km is a looooong way.
hmmm... I have 12 months to train. any prerequisites for entries?
Whats the cost of a support boat?
#1 Wed, 12/17/2008 - 7:49pm
no prerequisites for entering the race. just be ready for the heat. and support boats are not needed as there is fruit, food and water at several of the hotels along the course. plus you have the hull of the canoe to carry a few things.
you should train next fall and come. all athletes have a 3 night free stay at a *** star bora bora hotel.
#2 Wed, 12/17/2008 - 8:22pm