Born to paddle

Ngakau Toa steerer Tupuna Amo, of Avatiu, will participate in six race events during Vaka Eiva 2010, including his favourite – the 18km Avana Iron Challenge on Saturday.

The Tahiti-born 20-year-old competed as a paddler in last year’s Pacific Mini Games 2009 held on Rarotonga.

He has travelled to Tahiti for the sport, and this will be his fifth time competing in the annual Vaka Eiva tournament.

Amo started paddling when he was nine years old and living in Tahiti.

He continued with the sport after moving to Rarotonga in 2004, and at present manages a six-day training schedule as well as fulltime employment at Island Craft.

As well as the singles’ event, Amo will compete in Monday’s 18km Open Men’s V6 race, the Muri Beach Sprints on Wednesday, 36km Open and Master Mixed Round Raro Relay on Thursday, and the Men’s Open V6 Pacific Cup Round Raro Relay on Friday.

“I like surfing the waves, and just getting on the water for exercise,” he said.

As a steerer, Amo must navigate the vaka to ensure the smoothest route for his fellow paddlers.

“The main thing is to ensure the boat is going straight and to find an easy way forward for the paddlers to glide on the water.”

He has been steering for the last five years, and said a top placing was his goal for Vaka Eiva 2010.