The 2025 Taaroa Race Va'a Competition, held on February 23, 2025, at Taapuna, Punaauia, marked its thrilling 13th edition with 486 participants eager to showcase their skills and passion for va'a racing. This annual event, organized by the renowned Tahitian Paddle club, brought together competitors from various age groups, creating a vibrant atmosphere full of excitement and anticipation.
Right from the start, Brice Punuataahitua established his dominance over the V1 race, carving out his lead as the paddlers tackled the challenging 22 km course. "I knew he would come back with the surf. So I had to stay focused on my glide and push until the end," Brice commented after securing first place, showcasing not only his physical prowess but also strategic awareness. His ability to capitalize on the ocean conditions played a key role in his triumph.
Following closely was Steeve Teihotaata, who managed to catch up during the intense surf segments of the race. "Thankfully, there was good surf out there, and I tried to manage as best I could. But I knew I didn’t have the physical capabilities to keep pace during the final stretch," he acknowledged, reflecting on the fierce competition and the physical demands of the sport.
The thrill of the competition didn’t just end with the men's race. Among the junior competitors, Teahuragi Mariteragi faced tough challenges before eventually taking the victory, highlighting the competitiveness across all categories. With such depth of talent, the Taaroa Race is setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting season for va'a racing.
Returning to the event’s community spirit, Kiki Dubois, the president of the Tahitian Paddle club, expressed immense satisfaction at the turnout and the visible passion for the sport. "We are very happy to see the whole va'a family gathered here today. But our greatest satisfaction is the growing number of young participants," he stated proudly. With aspirations to incentivize the matāhiapo category—participants over 60 years old—the club noted the importance of nurturing the next generation of paddlers.
The younger athletes were not overlooked, as the race included various age categories with modified lengths to accommodate abilities and build confidence. During the earlier heats, the youngest competitors took to the water, with events for the benjamins completing 1,800 meters, and the minimes racing over 2,600 meters, displaying the enthusiasm abounding within the community.
Iloha Eychenne emerged as the champion among the female competitors, completing her 6 km race with great finesse. "It was nice to start with the cadettes. Bringing all the girls together on the water was great," she noted, emphasizing the camaraderie among female athletes. Her performance of 36 minutes and 41 seconds showcased both talent and dedication, as she also juggles training for upcoming kayak races and preparing for challenges like the Aloha Aito de Hawaii.
The event’s grand success heralds the continuing evolution of va'a racing as young paddlers embrace the thrill of competition and camaraderie, fostering community spirit. With the federation's calendar vibrant with upcoming events, including the Polynesian Championship on March 15, and the much-anticipated Mata Are Va'a Race on March 29, excitement lingers for athletes and fans alike.
The 2025 Taaroa Race not only celebrated human skill and athleticism but also solidified the strong cultural ties of va'a racing within Polynesian society. The anticipation of what's next only enhances the festive atmosphere of the season, promising more breathtaking moments on the water.