Canadians hit the sunny rock!

Canadian paddling crew team Jericho have found paddling paradise on Rarotonga 10,000 kilometres from the snow-capped mountains of home.

It was a freezing 4 degrees Celsius when the women departed Canada for Rarotonga and the hot, humid and sticky conditions on the island are just pure bliss for the amped up paddlers.

Its no wonder why the women feel theyve found paddling heaven.

Normally theyd have to layer up wearing upwards of six layers of clothing to paddle in the freezing conditions, but the crew have already stripped down to just their rash shirts and bikinis to soak in the Raro sunshine.

Weve gone out paddling when theres been snow on the ground, says Jericho crew member Jan Chavarie.

Normally we layer up with a first layer of our tights, socks, long sleeves, jacket pants and even knitted gear but here we are down to just one layer!

The team is especially keen to delve into the Cook Islands culture and hospitality.

Its just great to be here to paddle where outrigger was born, commented another team member.

We are looking forward to the socialising aspect of the event as well because normally we go to events that are over one or two days and race and thats all, adds Chavarie.

So we are looking forward to five days of full on activities.

The crew are also self confessed coffee snobs and are thrilled to find out that paradise has fantastic coffee.

Weve met Neil (Dearlove) and have had his coffee and croissants we are so thrilled to have found this on the island.

The women have registered to race in the open and masters women division and say they didnt travel all the way to Rarotonga to paddle the shorter courses.

The team have adopted the Papaaroa College as part of the adopt-a-school programme and look forward to learning more about the island lifestyle and enjoying local hospitality.