We are enjoying sunny spells and sunny hospitality here in Suva for the Wai Tui Fiji International.
First held in 2003, this has become an annual event which offers Fijian paddlers the chance to flex a little muscle and for overseas paddlers to enjoy the 'Bula' experience of Fiji. Organizer, Colin Philp, has since founding this event, come to see it as a grass-roots event, not so much for the elite but for those who merely wish to experience the sport in a mellow, tropical environment, where simply being a part of the event, will warm you to the sport if you have grown cold of red tape and the absence of 'Aloha' which paddlers speak of, but rarely feel.
Here's a note from Claire from Port Stephens Aust: "Hi Australia - Claire H from PDs here i've just hijacked the race organizers laptop - Its awesome here! Everyone should come next year. We got a mention on Fiji TV last night, and Linda is racing OC1 marathon this afternoon. Bring it ON!!"
OK, I'm back...having moved a few times in its short life, being in Nadi (Nan_di) last year, the event has now moved to the University of the South Pacific just outside of Suva, a site used for the 2007 Hobie Worlds. Protected by a rock wall, the harbour area is proving to be a great sprint course for the V1 races currently underway, with paddlers from Australia, New Zealand, American Samoa, Samoa and Fiji competing. Conditions are hot and humid and apart from the occasional threatening storm cloud drifting past the fringing reef on the far distant horizon, conditions are calm.
Mandy and I are paddling with American Samoa, between taking photos and interviewing for http://www.kanuculture.com and Pacific Paddler magazine. We are guests of the Fiji Visitors Bureau and the Holiday Inn Suva to whom we thank for their support.
The event will run from today, Thursday 17th to Saturday 19th. V1 events today, and V6 events over Friday and Saturday, including Sprints and Marathon races. More later.
Vinaka
Steve West
