More than 440 school students will take to Muri lagoon on April 11 for the annual Vaka Iti oe vaka competition for youth paddlers.
This will be the largest field of paddlers to compete in the ever growing annual youth oe vaka competition.
Students have been polishing up their paddling techniques through regular training sessions held at Nikao beach and Muri lagoon.
This year Nukutere College, Titikaveka College, Tereora College and Imanuela Akatemia will line up for school honours in the paddling event with an overwhelming response to the event from year nine and 10 students at Tereora College.
Unfortunately Papaaroa College, who have been a top team at the annual youth paddling event, are unable to join this year but will no doubt return to the sport next year.
While Rarotonga schools gear up for their event – on Aitutaki, Araura College students will be running their youth paddling competition this Friday and this is sure to be a hotly contested event on the Pa Enua.
Also coming up on the paddling scene is the annual Cook Islands Canoeing Association corporate oe vaka races.
The first corporate race for the year, the main fundraiser event for the paddling association, will be held right after the Vaka Iti event on Saturday April 12.
The fun family day out is a popular get together for a number of local businesses on the island and teams wanting to be part of this are encouraged to get your registrations in nice and early to avoid disappointment.
Koka Lagoon Cruises are the current corporate oe vaka champions so get your paddles and cheque book out and register to have a chance to knock them off the podium.
To register and for more information contact event coordinator Tina Mitchell onTina.Mitchell@portcullis-trustnet.com or mo3ana@gmail.com and get ready for a fabulous day out.
source: http://www.cookislandsnews.com/sports/paddling/item/45928-vaka-iti-corporate-oe-vaka-round-the-bend