A fantastic day was had by all at the annual Cook Islands Canoeing Corporate V12 Paddle event on Saturday at Nikao.

Eighteen V12 teams took to the water for the popular 250 metres sprints from various businesses and government departments.

With only four registered paddlers permitted per team, most teams took advantage of the training sessions offered during the week to give their non paddlers some valuable tips, and teams were seen working on their timing in these sessions which paid off on the day. 

The Strong Mums Fitness crew, majority of who had never paddled before, was one such crew who took advantage of two training sessions under the direction of their leader Mylan Lane. 

The all-ladies Strong Mums Fitness crew, majority of who had never paddled before, was led by their leader Mylan Lane. TORU NOOROA/25032403

The only all-female crew with members aged 45-60 years, decked out with ei katu and tye dyed tops, drew screams of support from the beach as they surprised some of their competitors on the day, winning one heat, and going on to take third place in the Back of the Line finals.

Vaiana’s 21.3 STrokers were unbeatable on the day, winning both their heats and also taking out the final in the fastest time of the day – 50.39 seconds.

Akairo Constructions, who also won their heats, placed second overall, and KoKiLates Paddle, who won best dressed for their colourful orange pareu wear and matching orange glasses, took out third overall.  

The Office of the Prime Minister’s Parakoka Primes led by Prime Minister Mark Brown with the Masters of Paddling trophy. TORU NOOROA/25032402

CSB Crushers took out the Battle of the Banks trophy ahead of ANZ Bank, BCI and BSP, as well as the Back of the Line final. And the Office of the Prime Minister’s Parakoka Primes took out the Masters of Paddling trophy (government departments) in a smashing time of 54.75s (third fastest time of the day) followed by MFAI, Team Tourism and Tereora Leaders.

The finals races were spiced up with teams able to bid for their steerer of choice – national paddlers Reuben Dearlove, Andre Tutaka George, Tupuna Amo, and AJ Mataora. 

This year’s corporates fundraising proceeds are going towards supporting the paddlers representing the country at the World Long Distance Championships in Brazil in August. The squad comprises Reuben Dearlove (V1 M50 men), Andre Tutaka George (V1 open men), Raniera Ellison, Benjamin Raela, AJ Mataora, Pomare Pittman, Tupuna Amo, Joe Horn-Smith, Talissa Koteka (V1 open women), Tain Armstrong (V1 U16 men), and manager Samantha Ellison.

KoKiLates Paddle, who won best dressed for their colourful orange pareu wear and matching orange glasses, took out third overall. TORU NOOROA/25032404

In the other highly competitive event of the day, the infamous tug of war saw some brute force and strength between teams, with CI Tourism snatching the title to much cheering.

CICA would like to acknowledge the many sponsors, both locally and in Aitutaki, who helped provide prizes for the event, including major sponsors Vaianas 21.3, The Bond Store, Vodafone and Akairo Construction, as well as the volunteers during the week and on the day who helped to run a successful event.