Four teams took part in yesterday’s V6 5km – Junior Under 16 Race on day two of the Oe Vaka Nationals 2021.

Young paddlers from the Live Free Club stole the show in the much anticipated V6 5km Junior Under 16 Race yesterday.

The men’s team 100% Wale Woe Vaka, the only male side in the competition, finished first in a time of 25.53 minutes followed by their women’s side, clocking 30.04 minutes.

Ngakau Toa U16 women managed third spot in 31.57 minutes followed by Te Tupu who finished last in 33.06 minutes.

Teina Taulu, president of Cook Islands Canoeing Association, said the conditions yesterday were perfect for the young paddlers.

“With a light wind at the Boiler start, canoes raced towards Club Raro, where they turned to head back to Trader Jacks,” Taulu said.

“The ocean even played its part with near flat ocean conditions, and no current.

“What a great race to begin their oe vaka racing careers.”

The Boiler Swim 700 metre race will be held today.

Results

V6 5km – Junior Under 16 Race: Live Free   (U16 Men) 100% Woe Vaka: Kanoa, Pale, Cooper, Dee, Darius, Tamarua(s) – 25.53 minutes, Live Free (U16 Women) 100% Woe Vaka: Aaliya, Emii, Pourie, Madison, Maya, Uha      - 30.04 minutes, Ngakau Toa (U16 Women) Blue Waves: Lily, Metua-ani, Laura, Adrianna, Georgie, Aleida – 31.57 minutes, Te Tupu (U16 Women) Boiler Bubz: Ruby, Reva, Mila, Georgia, Moeana, Isabella –33.06 minutes.

Programme

Today – The Boiler Swim 700m - Gold Coin Charity Donation hosted by CI Aquatics Federation at the Loading Bay Ramp/Beach, Avarua Harbour from 4pm; Tomorrow  – OC1/V1 12km Iron Races all Divisions at Vaka Shed, Avarua Harbour from 4.00pm Registration, 4.30pm Race Start; Thursday – Free day; Friday – Free day; Saturday – Round Raro Relay Race 36km (10 paddlers – all divisions) at Vaka Shed, Avarua Harbour. 11.00am Registration and mid-day Race start, Mix n Mingle, Prize Giving & Dinner at Trader Jacks from 5pm.