Unpredictable seas a challenge for first 15km race

September kicked off for Rarotonga paddling clubs on Saturday with a demanding 15km V6 race on Saturday.

With questionable conditions throughout the week, all clubs were in safety mode, getting their V6 canoes prepped with skirts for the forecasted rough seas.

But the extra attention paid off with crews happy to have the added safety onboard as they battled unpredictable swells heading west.

Crews pushed through strong winds heading to the first buoy just past the metrological office, but enjoyed the opportunity to surf all the way to Club Raro.

Paulina Beddoes, who steered Ngakau Toa Vaka’s women’s crew, relished in the opportunity to perfect her turns during the race.

There was some heavy competition on the water in the open men’s division.

Te Tupu o te Manava’s men, steered by Reuben Dearlove, dominated the field crossing the finish line with an impressive time of 1:07:02.

Not far off were Ngakau Toa Vaka men completing the course in a time of 1:08:53.

The cold southerlies didn’t deter paddlers after the race, with everyone joining together to celebrate in the success of all those who participated in the recent Tahiti Aito and Dearlove’s achievements in the Super Aito.

After all the formalities, paddlers took the opportunity to talk with Dearlove about his Tahiti experience and in turn he offered the clubs much advice on training and paddling protocol.

There is a bit of a gap until the next oe vaka race, scheduled for September 22 with another 15km V6 race on offer.

But there is much to prepare for.

Vaka Eiva is just around the corner so crews are now focusing on specific training and combinations in preparation for the iron and round Raro races in November.

Coming up in October, CICA will be hosting their national competition, focusing on an 18km race for V6 and single paddlers. Details of this national comp will soon follow.

15km V6 results – (open men) 1st Te Tupu men one-1:07:02, 2nd Ngakau Toa Vaka men-1:08:53, Te Tupu men two-1:16:08, (open mixed) – Ngakau Toa Vaka mixed-1:21:24, (open women) – Ngakau Toa Vaka women-1:30:33, Te Tupu women- 1:34:15.