20th to 27th November 2009

Turou! Oro Mai! Aere Mai!

Kia Orana and Welcome to Steinlager Vaka Eiva 2009

From small beginnings in 2004 for the inaugural Vaka Eiva, last years event saw over 550 paddlers from around the Pacific compete in the week long festival. This years festival will field around 600 paddlers and we are expecting top crews from Aotearoa, Australia, Tahiti, Hawaii, Samoa and Guam to take part in a week of exciting events - 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. Due to the success of the junior event last year, we will once again include the divisions of Junior U16’s and Mixed U14’s.

This is a huge year for the Cook Island Canoeing Association as we will also be hosting the Mini South Pacific Games in October with the top crews from all around the Pacific coming together on our beautiful island to compete at the highest level.
 
Vaka Eiva has grown to become the largest annual sporting event in the Cook Islands and an established event on the international paddling calendar. Combining the spectacle of competitive paddling at the highest level with more laid-back “fun in the sun” events served up with the inimitable Cook Islands hospitality means a paddling festival with something for everyone. Bring the family to enjoy the ride!

We would like to take this opportunity to thank our major sponsors for their generous support, as all proceeds from the event go towards the development of Outrigger Canoeing in the Cook Islands. Meitaki ma’ata to Steinlager, The Bond, Trader Jacks, The Beachcomber Pearl Market, Pacific Forum Line and Pacific Resort. It is with their help that this little island is able to host this huge event!
 
CICA would also like to extend our thanks to our Premier Business Partner Cook Islands Tourism Corporation for their ongoing support of Vaka Eiva.

The Vaka Eiva Organising Committee and all members of The Cook Islands Canoeing Association, looks forward to welcoming returning friends & meeting new ones for the 6th annual Steinlager Vaka Eiva 2009.

Kia Manuia
Tina Newport
President
Cook Islands Canoeing Association