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!