Tough conditions tests paddlers

02 April 2017, 12:00AM

The Samoa Outrigger Canoe Association will be selecting the final 12 paddlers to commence training on the 27th of April but only 9 of the 12 paddlers will be heading off to compete in Tahiti for the first ever Va’a Long Distance World Championships…

The Tahiti V1 trial for Team Samoa was held last Saturday at the Taumeasina Island Resort. It was race 6 of the trial runs at a distance of 18km.

The distance was meant to be a staggering 24km but due to rough seas the turning markers had drifted inwards towards the reef line. 

Winds were blowing at 18km per hour and it was choppy ocean waters to add to the V1 race now known as the Taumeasina Island Resort Challenge of the Taula Strong V1 Series. 

The race kicked off at about 5pm with the last paddler coming in at 2 hours and 6 minutes after.

Nase Uatese won the race a split second ahead of Esera Aumua at a time of 1H.47M.44S to Esera’s 1H.47M.46S. So make that 2 seconds ahead in what most people would call a photo finish. 

It was a lovely sunny day and the sea breeze made the Island Resort an excellent choice to host such an event. 

TIR hosted the event with great tasting BBQ and an awesome live band that created a wonderful atmosphere at their beach bar situated on the north side of the Resort. 

Supporters and hotel guests all cheered on as the V1 paddlers raced their laps along the waterfront of the resort 4 times in and out of the reef. 

The Taula Beverage had a beer tent set up for spectators and of course for all the paddlers who were very thirsty after a long challenging race. It was an evening to remember as all came together to celebrate the first Taumeasina Island Resort Challenge - Taula Strong V1 Series. 

The level of our ocean sport has picked up rapidly due to our V1 series as we prepare our elite paddlers for Tahiti come June 24th  to the 30th. 

The Samoa Outrigger Canoe Association will be selecting the final 12 paddlers to commence training on the 27th of April but only 9 of the 12 paddlers will be heading off to compete in Tahiti for the first ever Va’a Long Distance World Championships. The Alo Paopao Event team will be hosting race 7 of the Tahiti trial runs next Saturday at another distance of 18KM. 

The course and time is still yet to be confirmed. But it will be a windy day of 23KM P/hour. From the Va’a Tasi Kalapu and the Samoa Outrigger Canoe Association we would like to thank the management and staff of the Taumeasina Island Resort for sponsoring and hosting such a great event and most  of all to our Major Sponsor – Taula Beverage Ltd. 

With their ongoing support of the Taula Strong V1 Series.

 

02 April 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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