Paddling
Island pride soars in ocean races
Tuesday 15 October 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Paddling, Sports
Oe vaka wrapped up its Cook Islands Games events on Saturday with hordes of paddlers racing their hearts out in the ocean races (V6 marathon) for island pride.
Veterans claim oe vaka gold
Friday 11 October 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Paddling, Sports
Rarotonga and Atiu dominated the Cook Islands Games medals in Monday’s oe vaka V1 marathon, with top paddlers Reuben Dearlove (Rarotonga) and Serena Hunter (Atiu) taking out the open men’s and women’s divisions.
Aitutaki and Rarotonga paddlers make waves in Hawai’i
Tuesday 20 August 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Paddling, Sports
Aitutaki and Rarotonga oe vaka paddlers are representing the Cook Islands at the 20th IVF Va’a World Elite and Club Sprint Championship 2024 in Hilo, Hawai’i, from August 13 to 24.
Tough conditions test paddlers at National Singles Championships
Thursday 8 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Paddling, Sports
Hot flat sea conditions made it a tough grind for paddlers in the National Singles Championships on Saturday.
Cook Islands couple secure podium finish in US paddle race
Tuesday 30 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Paddling, Sports
Both fairly new to outrigger paddling, husband and wife team Damien Heather and Ana File-Heather competed at the Gorge Downwind Champs in the United States earlier this month (July 8-13), securing a podium finish.
Junior paddlers fundraise for world event
Friday 19 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Paddling, Sports
The Cook Islands Under 16 junior oe vaka girls team made history by winning bronze medals at the 2023 IVF World Paddling Distance Championships in Apia, Samoa.
Aitutaki debuts, young paddlers make a splash at annual Vaka Iti
Tuesday 16 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Paddling, Sports
Despite a few showers, the weather cooperated for the Cook Islands Canoeing Association’s (CICA) annual Vaka Iti schools oe vaka competition held last week at Muri Beach.
The year in sports 2023
Sunday 31 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Bowling, Boxing, Cricket, Cycling, Fishing, Football, Golf, Handball, League, Netball, Pacific Games, Paddling, Rugby league, Rugby Union, Running, Sailing, Sports, Swimming, Tennis, Triathlon, Volleyball
2023 has been a testament to the dedication and talent of Cook Islands athletes across various sports. Cook Islands News’ Losirene Lacanivalu delves into some of the most remarkable sporting achievements that made headlines in 2023.
Makoha blazes through Round Raro Relay
Saturday 2 December 2023 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Paddling, Sports
The 2023 Vaka Eiva concluded yesterday with the exhilarating Round Raro Relay, a 36-kilometre race where paddlers navigated challenging sea conditions to reach the finish line.
Oe Vaka juniors brave the waves
Friday 1 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Paddling, Sports
In very testing conditions, local and Aotearoa New Zealand junior paddlers hit the water on Wednesday afternoon in the Vaka Eiva Junior 6km course which saw eight canoes head out from Avarua Harbour to the Club Raro buoy turnaround back towards the Avatiu Harbour, and back to the start.
Age no barrier for 65-year-old Vaka Eiva competitor
Friday 1 December 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Features, Paddling, Sports, Weekend
A 65-year-old Hawaii-based woman who has returned to Rarotonga to compete in the Vaka Eiva for the first time in 13 years says she will be paddling “until I’m dead”.
Love conquers the waves : Couples team paddles to victory in Vaka Eiva Mixed Race
Thursday 30 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Paddling, Sports
Due to challenging swell and wind conditions, the highly anticipated Vaka Eiva Mixed Round Rarotonga change-over course was modified to a 30-kilometre race from Avarua Harbour to the Matavera point turnaround, extending out to Arorangi and back.
Young paddlers showcase their skills
Wednesday 29 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Paddling, Sports
Eager junior paddlers were thrilled to finally hit the water at Nikao Beach for the Vaka Eiva Junior Sprints yesterday, having missed their Saturday race due to unfavourable sea conditions.
Cook Islands paddlers reign supreme
Tuesday 28 November 2023 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Pacific Games, Paddling, Sports
Cook Islands paddlers dominated the V6 12-kilometre races on day two of the 2023 Vaka Eiva yesterday.
Cook Islands oe vaka team paddles to podium with bronze medals
Tuesday 28 November 2023 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Pacific Games, Paddling, Sports
The Cook Islands oe vaka team added two bronze medals to Team Cook Islands’ tally yesterday at the 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara, Solomon Islands.
Tutaka-George claims bronze at Pacific Games
Monday 27 November 2023 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Pacific Games, Paddling, Sports
The Cook Islands oe vaka team got their Pacific Games campaign with a good start after claiming bronze medal in the men’s singles event yesterday.
Paddlers battle tough conditions
Monday 27 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Paddling, Sports
The 2023 Vaka Eiva got off to a rough start with tough sea conditions prompting organisers to call off junior’s races over the weekend.
Inspiring the next generation of paddlers
Saturday 25 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Paddling, Sports
Over the past 23 years, the Ngakau Toa Vaka canoeing club of Rarotonga has continued to promote, train and encourage paddlers in the sport. The club is excited with the return of Vaka Eiva which starts this morning.
Kiwi vaka crew rescued during choppy conditions in lead up to canoeing comp
Saturday 25 November 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Paddling, Sports
Choppy conditions on the water led to a spill for six members of a Kiwi Vaka Eiva team, who had to be assisted by diver operators and Police, yesterday morning.
Celebrating 20 years of friendship
Friday 24 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Paddling, Sports
International paddling coach Vesna Radonich, a former Aotearoa New Zealand and world sprint champion, is back on Rarotonga for her eighth Vaka Eiva, with three crews of ladies she coaches.
