Aloha Everyone,
I'm planning a va'a trip to Tahiti (with a little bit of surf trip) around July-August this year. I've already contacted different sources such as VaaTahiti.com, Kanu Culture, etc. but so far the feedback has been a little evasive.
I basically would like to paddle with both V1's and V6's, preferably with good clubs (like Pirae, OPT, etc.). Obviously these clubs have different training regimes for different teams, but as long as I can improve my technique and experience the sport in Tahiti would be awesome. As long as it is an affordable price, I'm willing to pay for taining sessions...
A while ago in this website I saw a topic where somebody mentioned that Jean-Luc Eychenne (former Super Aito champion) from Maitarea Hoe is setting up a va'a camp at his house in Huahine. If possible, I'd like to spend a week in Huahine and another one in Tahiti, paddling as much as I could.
If anyone could help me with contacts in Tahiti where I can start planning the trip (including costs), it'd be much appreciatted.
Thanks a lot in advance.
Mauruuru
Submitted by feirulegui on Sun, 03/01/2009 - 12:35am
Feirulgui In july / August the clubs will be sorting out their teams for the Hawaii iki nui etc, so competition is fierce among the team paddlers to get a spot in the top crew so it would be unlikely that you would find it easy at Pirae or OPT etc but there is still a vast amount of good teams and paddlers that you can learn from and paddle with , I,ve sent you a private message with details re jean Luc also Hiro (ocp's resident Tahitian) will be able to help you he kindly took me for a paddle in his v3 last time I was there.
#1 Sun, 03/01/2009 - 10:01am
Yep ! always willing to share, but I'm far from "top elite" ! ;-)... send a PM, I'll inform Jean Luc and let you know. incude your email adress in the PM so I can give it to Jean Luc and you can arrange things with him.
#2 Sun, 03/01/2009 - 10:34am
Thanks a lot Kevlon!!!
I realised that it'd be hard to paddle with these top clubs but who knows...At the end of the day the Hawaiki Nui will be only on October...Anyway, let's listen to some of the suggestions from 'Da Locals' so I can decide if I should eventually anticipate or postpone the trip...
Ia Orana Hiro,
I tried to send you a message through your blog, but couldn't find the option to it...Who said that I only need to paddle with 'top elite' paddlers? Not at all. My experience with this sport in my home country Brazil, Australia (where I live), NZ, and Hawaii tells me that is WAY more fun to paddle with people that you like and trust, even tough not top athletes, than a bunch of top paddlers that have an ego bigger than the canoe. Please send me your contact details as well.
My email: feirulegui@yahoo.com.br
Mauruuru or Obrigado
#3 Sun, 03/01/2009 - 8:09pm
sent you an email, sent a copy to Jean Luc.
#4 Mon, 03/02/2009 - 12:33am