What:             Master Women V6 (12km)
                        (Women 35 and Over)
When:            6.00am Registration with 7.30am Race Start
Where:          Avarua Wharf – Matavera Point – Avarua Wharf
           
What:             Open Women V6 (18km)
When:            7.30am Registration with 9.00am Race Start
Where:          Avarua Wharf – Avana – Avarua Wharf           

What:             Master Men V6 Iron (12km)
When:            9.30am Registration with 11.00am Race Start
Where:          Avarua Wharf – Matavera Point – Avarua Wharf

What:             Open Men V6 Iron (18km)
When:            11.30am Registration with 1.00pm Race Start
Where:          Avarua Wharf

What:             Master and Open Mixed V6 Iron (12km)
When:            2.00pm Registration with 3.30pm Race Start
Where:          Avarua Wharf – Matavera Point – Avarua Wharf

V6 Avana Iron Challenge 

In previous years these races had a number of course and distance changes.  In 2007 we saw the wind swing to the North which was very unusual and meant that instead of surfing home…… paddlers had to push into the wind to get home. Depending on conditions, the race will start from Avarua Harbour, paddlers will race to the famous passage of Avana and back for the 18km or turn near Matavera Point for the 12km.  As we’ve experienced different conditions each year so far, expect the unexpected from calm flat conditions or gusty wind and swells. The safety and wellbeing of our paddlers is paramount and the course will be changed and/or shortened if the race committee deems it necessary.

Due to the number of races being run today, they will start on time, so if you’re not there or you haven’t registered, the races will start with or without you!

Clubs travelling with a men’s and a women’s crew will be expected to paddle together for the mixed race. For everyone else, all clubs can either hook up with another crew prior to getting here or find a partner club over the weekend.  Some would argue that they are the most fiercely fought races of the week!  Local crew Te Tupu o te Manava won the race in 2005 and 2006, but were unable to beat Mooloolaba who had a convincing win in 2007.

Trophies and medals will be presented at the end of the day’s racing.

And then…

Its on to Kay and Ian George of The Art Studio in Arorangi who have been staunch supporters of O’e Vaka within the Cook Islands for a number of years. Their annual Special Exhibition for all things “Vaka” is a very popular part of the week. Once again, our local artists will all add their own individual touch to hand carved paddles.  A record 20 were sold last year. There will also be paintings and hand printed fabrics from local artists in the exhibition. Kay and and Ian will donate 10% of sales to development of canoeing in the Cook Islands.

This year, Kay and Ian have asked that if international paddlers have some “Vaka” related art they can also show it in the exhibition. You can contact them on ikgeorge@oyser.net.ck if you are interested in exhibiting.

Show your support – it’s well worth a visit.

Click here for visitor information
Vaka Eiva 2008 - Premier Business Partner
Cook Islands Tourism Corporation