Towards sunset at Wailoaloa Beach in Nadi Bay, visitors and locals are treated to a graceful sight as members of the Nadi Bay canoe club, based at Travellers Beach resort, will arrive and enter the water to practice. The sleek looking canoes are outriggers, or Va’a. These are modern day versions, solo as well as larger team canoes for six paddlers.To the observer it’s clear this activity will require strength, discipline and commitment and a connectivity and respect for the ocean, and the past as they venture out.
Outrigger canoeing is a tradition that has fortunately been insightfully revived throughout Fiji. Its ancient origins date back thousands of years and it is how Polynesians were settled in the remote islands of the Pacific. The more contemporary Va’a sport was initiated in Tahiti and Hawaii, and has spread throughout Polynesia, and further across the seas to other lands from there. The sport being initiated here in this western part of Fiji, has created an opportunity for those of all ages and genders to participate in a community sea activity involving healthy attributes and virtues, incredible focus and determination and in the process an honoring of Fijian history, culture and ancestry.
Today Nadi Bay canoe club has attracted support from brands such as Avis, Fiji Me and local companies such as Waimana Canoes, and Bulaccino, and it sports a very striking logo to represent it. Members of this team will also be competing in the Pacific Games in New Caledonia in late August 2011, as solo paddlers and in the team canoe alongside others from different canoe clubs in Fiji, Kaiwai in Lami, Takia and Tafaga in Suva Point. This is Team Fiji. Wai Tui, Fiji Outriggers International is the governing body of this sport for all the clubs here.
Darkness has descended when they glide back to shore from the distant sea, catch their breath and carry the canoes back to their base. Even in the action of carrying the canoe there is a strong feeling of unity, and camaraderie amongst the members, and laughter. Possibly a renewed affinity for the sea, after all this exertion, it seems amazing that they don’t seem so much exhausted as invigorated. There is a contemplative atmosphere of fascination, and respect from the observers on the beach and we are grateful for this revival of the spirit, and we will all be behind Team Fiji in New Caledonia.
( Further information on outrigger canoeing worldwide is available through the International Va'a federation.)
Michele Sainsbury - From New Zealand, I'm influenced by fantastic landscapes and creative people.Travel writing encompasses many of my passions and ...
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