Mapu get their time in the sun!

The Vaka Eiva fun continues today for over 200 young paddlers racing in the Mapu Vaka Eiva event in Muri, outside Sails Restaurant and Bar.

Local and international paddlers and supporters will be treated to a traditional turou, welcoming them onto the venue at 7.30am – an experience not to be missed.

This year 14 teams will pull their paddles through water marking the largest number of participants in the history of the event.

Nine teams from New Zealand, two from Australia, two from Rarotonga and one from Aitutaki will be taking part in the one-day event.

The day’s events will be dedicated to the under 12, 14, 16 and 19 divisions.

The under 12 year olds will race a 1km course in front of Sails and is a new division introduced by organisers to allow the younger paddlers a chance to race against age appropriate peers.

Junior Race co-ordinator Teina Taulu says it will be a “massive” day of races with lots of fun activities throughout the day.

The first race of the day kicks off shortly after the turou at 8.30am with the V5 500m and the V1 rudderless 500m.

The under 14 mixed teams will take to the water for the V6 4km lagoon race followed by the under 16 boys and girls 6km V6 races, the last race of the day starting at 3pm.

Event co-ordinator for the 10th Vaka Eiva festival Victoria Dearlove has said the Mapu Vaka Eiva races are a great opportunity for youngsters to compete with their local and international peers to gauge where they are at internationally.

Prize giving and dinner for the Mapu Vaka Eiva will be held at the Celebration on the Rock church located opposite the airport, starting from 6pm through to 9pm.

Motorists are asked to take care when driving in the Muri area.

Also happening today is the popular Trader Jacks Boiler Swim starting at 5pm in front of Trader Jacks.

Swimmers are asked to donate a gold coin to take part in the 750m swim, with the money to go towards the Creative Centre.

The wider community is encouraged to join in the celebrations that will be continuing throughout the week, ending this Friday with the official prize giving and the paddler favourite ‘Paddles Up’ after party at Trader Jacks.

Yesterday marked the biggest day for the 10th Vaka Eiva Festival, with over 1200 supporters and paddlers flocking to the Avarua harbour – the largest turnout for the event.