As the start of Vaka Eiva approaches, Serena Hunter, the Cook Islands very own world champion paddler, is “stoked” to see the popular event back on water again and eagerly awaits the start of the competition tomorrow.

“It so awesome to be seeing everyone back,” said Hunter. “I love oe vaka, it is a passion and a lifestyle much more than just a sport.”

“We have it in our blood, and you can see with the young ones they take to it so naturally.

“We are so lucky to have such an awesome event, which is such a favourite for many on the international paddling calendar.”

Hunter started paddling way back in 2004 – in time for the very first Vaka Eiva. She has only missed two events – in 2009 when she had an injury, and 2011 when she gave birth to her youngest daughter, Tia.

However, she was still involved in the sport, either reporting or coaching.

Hunter said that juggling coaching and training for the singles event can be difficult. However, coaching takes precedence for her these days.

She has coached her daughter Reva’s Junior 16 team for the past three years. This year, they will be taking on the iron race, a significant step up from the 5km races they have competed in the past two years.

Hunter says their progress has been considerable, especially given the challenging ocean conditions.  

She also coaches and paddles for Te Tupu o te Manava masters women’s team. They have had some challenges with injuries and illness, but are looking forward to being on the start line next week.

Three of her paddling mates from Aotearoa New Zealand, Raanj Rapana, Geni Walters and Hiria Rolleston, will be joining her in this year’s Round Raro race.

This year, Hunter’s focus was the International Va’a Federation (IVF) World Long Distance Championships that was held in Samoa in August.

Preparations involved months of solid training, both coaching the Cook Islands open women’s crew, who had a fantastic result placing fourth, and training herself for the M50s V1 race.

“It’s been nice to cut the intensity back and just enjoy being on our waters and ready for some Vaka Eiva fun,” she said.

This year a big highpoint for Hunter is having her whole family (except her son Jayden who is overseas) participating in Vaka Eiva. Her husband Conrad will be racing in tomorrow’s singles event, along with her son Teava who will also be racing in Team Pinuela in the team races. Daughter Reva will be paddling in the fun V6 6km on Saturday and the iron race on Monday, and her youngest Tia, will be participating in the fun junior day on Tuesday.

Hunter will be hitting the water in tomorrow’s singles 12km iron race, Monday’s V6 12km iron, Wednesday’s mixed Round Raro, and Friday’s women’s Round Raro.

There are quite a few local paddlers participating in Vaka Eiva for the first time.

Hunter says it has been great to see the surge in popularity of oe vaka on the local paddling scene, especially among younger open paddlers who are taking it up and training seriously.

She also noted that for many local women, who take up oe vaka, a big challenge for them is overcoming their fear of the ocean.

“It’s good to see their confidence boosted when they start paddling in the ocean,” she said.

Her advice to those paddling in Vaka Eiva for the first time is “to just enjoy every moment, it’s such an awesome event and a great vibe, and we’re lucky to have this right on our doorstep”.

Hunter also acknowledged Harvie Allison, Vaka Eiva’s “amazing photographer extraordinaire” who captured the first images of the event in 2004 and many more years following that, and is back on the rock this year for more photography magic.