The biggest Oe Vaka race of the 2021 Nationals Competition took place on Saturday, concluding a jam-packed week of solid paddling.

Eight teams from across the three clubs (Live Free, Ngakau Toa Vaka, and Te Tupu O Te Manava) gave it their absolute all in the 36km Round Rarotonga Relay race, which left from the Boiler in an anti-clockwise direction, and finished at Trader Jacks.

Conditions were expected to be relatively calm, but the weather turned multiple times, keeping everyone alert.

With a maximum of 10 paddlers per team, the changeover race is a real test of physical fitness, mental toughness, coordination, and strategy. Each team’s starting six must try their best to pull ahead quickly, to ease the pressure during the first changeover of paddlers. The rest of the team follows the start of the race on their team support boat.

At the appropriately judged time, a number of them will jump into the ocean to line up and wait for their oncoming vaka. Just before it arrives, the same number of paddlers in the vaka will jump out, leaving their seat vacant for those in the water to pull themselves into.

Communication is critical in a changeover race, as is the ability to make quick decisions if a changeover does not go to plan. Often, teams will have an extra person on the support boat to manage the changes. Their job is to call out to the vaka to confirm who is jumping out and when, and to line the next crew members up as they enter the water.

First to finish were the Open Men’s crew from Te Tupu O Te Manava, who were especially happy for a chance to redeem themselves after coming second in the 15km race.

“We were definitely hungry for the win after last week’s race. Everyone just stepped up at the right times, and did what needed to be done,” said Te Tupu paddler Ray Lambert, who has competed in six Round Rarotonga Relay races over the years.

“I think it was a combination of unity and determination, and a good balance of experience and youth, which contributed to our win.”

Fellow Te Tupu paddler Allen Sullivan agreed, saying: “For those of us who have had many years of experience, racing with newer paddlers has been inspiring – there’s a lot we have learned from them too. I’m proud of the team – they weren’t easy conditions. We got a bit of everything out there – swells, flat, thunder, even a squall.”

Te Tupu finished in a time of 2hrs 47mins 47secs, with Ngakau Toa’s open men coming in second place, in a time of 2hrs 49mins 43secs.

Ngakau Toa Vaka were overjoyed to take the win in the Open Women’s division, crossing the finish line third overall in a time of 3hrs 16mins 52secs. It was a fantastic result for the team, who according to steerer Joyce Fortes, were particularly determined to win after placing second in the 15km race. 

Ngakau Toa paddler Vaea Melvin said: “It wasn’t an easy race, but it was definitely exciting. We were neck and neck with Te Tupu O Te Manava for a lot of the race, it was very high pressure. But we were united, and really just trusted each other.”

Teammate Leilani Gardiner added: “When reflecting on the entire season, we realised that our most successful races, our wins, were usually after a team bonding session. So before the race, we came together, discussed our race strategy, shared a meal, and just enjoyed each other’s company. I think that contributed to our trust and unity on the water, and ultimately, our win.”

Te Tupu O Te Manava fielded two teams in the Open Women’s category, with their first crew coming in second place in a time of 3hrs 17mins 36secs and their second crew finishing third in a time of 3hrs 39mins (and eighth overall). 

In order of finishing time, the next crews in fifth Live Free’s U19 Mix team in a time of 3hrs 23mins, sixth Te Tupu’s Senior Master Mix (50+) 3hrs 26mins and seventh Ngakau Toa Open Mix 3hrs 28mins.

Cook Islands Canoeing Association president Teina Taulu said: “We invited NZ teams to join us, but Covid prevented that, but continuing our local national competition ensures we will be ready for when we can compete with international teams. It was tough out there, and everyone did exceptionally well to complete the race after working hard all season. Everyone should be proud – especially our juniors and our new paddlers. We are glad to see development of the sport across all clubs.”

The week of racing was wrapped up with a closing ceremony and prize giving at Trader Jacks on Saturday night. CICA would like to thank everyone who made Nationals 2021 a success, including all competitors, supporters, coaches, organisers, safety and support boat operators, and sponsors.

“We are especially grateful to sponsorship from Federal Pacific, Maritime Cook Islands, Trader Jacks and Vodafone.”