An iconic outrigger canoe competition is set to return to Fiji following the nation’s commendable performances in recent international events. The Wai Tui International will take place from April 3-6 in Nadi, welcoming both local and international paddlers at emerging and elite levels.
Originally held in the 1990s and early 2000s, the Wai Tui International was established by the late Colin Philp, whose dedication to canoe culture helped cement its status as one of Fiji’s most distinguished paddling contests. Loretta St Julian-Ooms, President of Fiji Outrigger, remarked that the revival of the event honors Philp’s legacy and continues to inspire the paddling community.
Fiji’s recent success has been noteworthy, culminating in podium finishes at the 2025 International Va’a Federation (IVF) World Distance Championships in Brazil and the Pacific Mini Games in Palau. “These achievements signal a broader movement and the rapid rise of outrigger canoeing, or Va’a, across Fiji and the Pacific,” stated Ms. St Julian-Ooms.
The updated Wai Tui International will showcase a variety of races including V1 and V6 formats across junior, open, and masters’ divisions, as well as include cultural exchanges designed to promote local businesses within the sports tourism sector. The event, supported by funding from the Fiji National Sports Commission, has already garnered interest from paddlers hailing from the Solomon Islands, Australia, Wallis and Futuna, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the United States, Samoa, and various clubs throughout Fiji. Anticipation is building, with expectations that the regatta will bring hundreds of paddlers and supporters to Fiji’s shores.
Fiji Outrigger is experiencing significant growth in its domestic calendar, with record participation rates in junior regattas, sprint events, and club development programs. The federation, bolstered by the Fiji National Sports Commission and local sponsors, is also committed to enhancing coaching pathways, equipment access, and inclusive programming to make Va’a more accessible and sustainable.
There is a growing excitement within the paddling community: more junior paddlers are appearing on the water, clubs are expanding, and community support is thriving. “We’re witnessing more engagement than ever, which is incredibly encouraging,” Ms. St Julian-Ooms added.
As preparations for the Wai Tui International intensify, Fiji Outrigger invites regional partners, sponsors, and the paddling community to partake in an unforgettable celebration of Va’a. This event symbolizes not just the sport’s heritage, but also the collective strength and spirit of the Pacific nations coming together in collaboration.
The revival of this historic event reflects Fiji’s commitment to fostering its rich cultural heritage in ocean sports while setting the stage for a hopeful future in outrigger canoeing and beyond.
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