PADDLER
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FINISH POSITIONS
In the end , Air Tahiti edged out Team OPT by just a few seconds to win the stage . Still , Team OPT ' s consistent performance over the previous days was enough to secure its second consecutive championship title . Shell Va ’ a , finishing fourth behind Team Huahine , could not hold off Air Tahiti , with only five seconds separating the two teams for second place overall .
The race was exciting and thrilling . The top teams were just seconds apart , even after so many kilometres of paddling . But thrilling as the race had been , the location , people , and culture overshadowed such a momentous event .
Hawaiki Nui 2024 was more than a race . It was a celebration of Polynesian identity , a showcase of athletic mastery , and a reminder of the enduring connection between people and their ocean . As much as the teams pushed their limits , the event ’ s ‘ spirit ’ was the ultimate winner .
HUGE THANKS
To Steve Dickinson , who is a director at Adventure & Ski and Snow Media . You can read their publications for free digitally at : www . yumpu . com / en / document / view / 68551110 / adventure-magazine