Turou! Oro Mai! Aere Mai!

Kia Orana and  Welcome to Steinlager Vaka Eiva 2008

It is believed by many Cook Islanders that the great Maori migrations to New Zealand began in Rarotonga as early as the fifth century A.D.  They began at Ngatangiia which is on the Eastern side of the island where there is a passage in the reef at the widest part of Rarotonga’s lagoon.

Ocean going canoes have played a great part in the history of the Cook Islands and to do this day have a huge cultural significance. The canoes were and still are used for fishing outside of the reef, though it wasn’t until 1984 that the first outrigger canoe was introduced in Rarotonga to be paddled for sport rather than for necessity. 20 years later, the Cook Islands Canoeing Association decided to host an event that would let international paddlers experience the challenging conditions of paddling around our beautiful island. In November 2004 the inaugural Rarotonga Vaka Eiva took place with paddlers passing that original point where those early migrations began.

Five years on and the spectacular and picturesque capital of the Cook Islands, will once again host the Vaka Eiva Paddling Festival from 14th to 21st November 2008.
A week of exciting competition between some of the sports finest paddlers – a week of experiencing the unique & vibrant Cook Islands Culture – a week of enjoying the beaches, the shopping, the restaurants, the nightlife.

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.

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. For the first time, we will include the official divisions of Junior U14’s and U16’s with the aim of ensuring that the future of our sport is in safe hands.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our major sponsors for the generous support, as all proceeds from the event go towards the development of Outrigger Canoeing in the Cook Islands. Meitaki maata to Steinlager, The Bond, Pacific Forum Line, Trader Jacks and Pacific Resort. It is with their help that this little island is able to host this huge event!

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 5th annual Steinlager Vaka Eiva 2008.

Kia Manuia

Tina Newport
President
Cook Islands Canoeing Association