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THE START
Trying to explain the Hawaiki Nui to anyone is difficult . There are sometimes hundreds of va ’ a ( outrigger canoes ), and every va ’ a has at least one support boat , plus multiple boatloads of supporters . Then , compress them all in the confines of a lagoon only metres deep . Somewhere , a gun heralds a start , and hundreds of va ’ a , plus support boats , plus spectators , plus TV , plus media , plus friends and family , all race towards a tiny opening in the lagoon reef , the pass , where the pounding surf could be at least 10- foot . It is confusing and dramatic , but most of all , it is impressive , and the race has only just started .
The Hawaiki Nui is the world ’ s most prestigious outrigger canoe race and a major sporting event in the Tahitian sporting calendar . Held annually , the race traverses the Society Archipelago ’ s stunning and challenging waters , offering a unique combination of spectacular location , physical endurance , technique , and Polynesian culture .
The Hawaiki Nui Va ’ a has its roots deeply embedded in the traditions of Polynesian water culture . Outrigger canoes have been and still are central to the lifestyle of Pacific Islanders for centuries , used for transportation , fishing , and navigating between the islands . The Hawaiki Nui Va ’ a race was established in 1992 to celebrate this deep-rooted heritage , bringing together paddlers worldwide to honour the skills , endurance , and camaraderie with the world expansion of outrigger canoe racing .
THE MYTHICAL HOMELAND OF THE POLYNESIANS
The event was created to highlight the traditional sport of outrigger canoeing and emphasise the canoe ’ s cultural significance to the people of French Polynesia and the wider Pacific . The name ‘ Hawaiki Nui ’ refers to the mythical homeland of the Polynesians , often associated with the Marquesas Islands , and symbolises the islands ’ spiritual and historical connection .
Over the years , the race has grown in prestige , attracting elite teams from all over the Pacific and from countries further afield , including New Zealand , Australia , the United States , and Japan .
ENDURANCE AND SKILL
The race consists of three stages that span a total distance of approximately 128 kilometres ( about eighty miles ) and takes paddlers across various ocean conditions . Each leg of the race offers a unique test of endurance and skill , with teams navigating the open ocean , strong currents , compounding fatigue and shifting winds . The Hawaiki Nui is the ultimate test of paddling ability , which requires teamwork and the ability to navigate challenging conditions while conserving energy for the duration of the race .
The race has three parts : Huahine to Raiatea , a sprint section in the Raiatea Lagoon to Taha ’ a , and a concluding section to Taha ’ a across an expansive swellladen ocean to the legendary Bora Bora .
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