April 19-20 - Fiji International

To be staged April 19th/20th in Suva Fiji, from the same venue as the World

Sprints of '98.

Teams from California, New Zealand, Cook Island and

Australia will compete over OC6 500m, 1500m and a 26km lagoon/open ocean

iron race, in both mens and womens open divisions. OC1 races and a marathon

will also be staged, in a rudderless division using the Moana Nui,

Surfrigger canoes.



The event is set to become a regular event with the support of Fiji Tourism.

This years event is vital training and a yardstick for Teams competing in

the South Pacific Games to be held in Fiji during June.



The marathon race will prove to be a testing course, starting in Suva

Harbour and leaving through Levu Passage heading due south before turning

West to follow the swell along the reefline to the Namuka Passage. Some

great down swell paddling can be expected if conditions prevail. Steering

through the passage will take skill and care if the swell is up. Once back

in the lagoon area, the canoes will head back along the coast due East, over

meadows of coral in flat water, before passing back out through Rat's Tail

Passage for a brief spell into open water, then back through Levu Passage to

finish in the harbour.



The scenery is very unique; mountainous and lush tropical vegetation in

profusion.

Fijian hospitality will be extended to all overseas teams wishing to

compete.



The South Pacific Games in June, can be considered the regions Olympic Games

with outrigger canoeing being one of the biggest contigencies represented.

With the likes of Tahiti, New Caledonia, Guam, Tonga, Wallis Futuna, Samoa

and Fiji competing, the standard will be very high. National teams are

currently being selected.



In Fiji the numbers have been reduced from nearly 100 paddlers to a mere 20.

I have had the pleasure of being the technical advisor to the Fijian squad,

with regular visits. The enthusiasm and dedication is admirable, taking

great pride in their skills.



Californians Linda Dresbach and Bob Steele will be in attendance to assist

with the running of the event as I believe will Gaylord Wilcox.



For further information contact Colin Philp at [email protected]



Steve West

KANUculture

http://www.kanuculture.com