FAQs
General
Can I enter as an individual?
Yes, there is a “paddling pool” for individuals, and we will endeavor to put teams together, although not guaranteed.
What do we need to bring?
Paddle, PFD, duct tape, seat padding, we only provide the craft.
What types of craft do you use?
Taimana, locally made.
Can I volunteer?
Yes!! Send us the details when you are free from racing, or any supporters wishing to help.
Is there adults sprints?
No not this year.
Can the coach go on the support boat for the changes race?
Yes.
Can the team practice on the course the week before?
Yes, during the days we will have opportunity to practice, let us know before you arrive
Will there be an opportunity to view the course and any potential hazards before race day?
Yes, we will (as discussed today.)
What is involved in the boiler swim?
This is a fun swim from Trader Jacks around the boiler of the Matai shop wreck, wearing your funkiest ‘togs”.
Will there be food available all day at the event HQ?
Yes.
Will there be vegetarian food options?
Yes.
What is the “fun race”?
A short course race, with all the paddlers drawn out of our “paddling pool” and then put together on the day.
Does each changes team have a safety boat?
Yes.
How much to hire a single for the race?
$100 which is direct to the local paddler.
Will the event have photos for purchase?
All event photography will be available online via our FB page. You can tag, share and save from there, post event.
Juniors
Are the Junior events held in the open ocean?
No, they are all in the safety of the lagoon.
Do they have their own closing dinner and prizegiving where there is no alcohol?
Yes, on the Thursday night the Juniors have their own closing dinner at Margaritas in Avarua across from trader Jacks.
Is there an opportunity for individual Juniors to compete as the parents are competing in the seniors racing?
Yes, there is a “paddling pool” they can enter their details into.
Is there a RAMS form for the Juniors?
Yes, we can send this to them.
Are PFDs provided?
No, you will need to bring their own.
Is there a singles race for the Juniors?
No.
Following the COVID pandemic, Vaka Eiva returned with vigor after three years beached in paradise.
Rarotonga welcomed paddlers from Aotearoa, Australia, Hawaii, Tahiti, & the United States of America with the Matson Vaka Eiva 2023 event!
We opened with an unforgetable island night experience at The Islander Hotel. Our paddlers were served some of our local delicacies including ika mata, rukau and seasonal fruit. The race schedule featured singles and V6 Iron Races (12km), a fun mixed-throw together race (6km), and our renowned Round Raro Relay (RRR) Race.
Our Round Raro Relay Races are our most celebrated race events. If you’ve ever wondered what oe vaka is like beyond the reef, this race is for you! Enjoy the picturesque island views while treading water, and dive right in with your open ocean changeovers.
When our paddlers aren’t battling it out on the water, you can find them enjoying the local culture. We had some teams make school visits, getting to know our village and local tamariki. Our non-paddling activities featured a local night market and boiler swim fundraiser.
We finished our event with a closing ceremony and prize giving held at Trader Jacks Bar & Restaurant. Let the water of our beloved Avarua Harbour, lap at your feet while you enjoy your beverage.
Join us again for Vaka Eiva 2024! Save the Dates: Friday 22 November to Friday 29 November, 2024.
More event details to follow. Stay updated with our Facebook Page!