The Wai Tui International 2026 paddling regatta roared back to life yesterday at Wailoaloa Beach in Nadi, with organisers reporting a far stronger start than anticipated for the event’s return after a 14-year hiatus. A total of 295 paddlers representing 52 teams took to the water on day one, producing a full programme of V6 marathon racing across junior, open and masters divisions.
Races ranged from J16 and J19 boys and girls categories through to open men and women and Masters 40 and 50 divisions, with athletes described as delivering “endurance, determination and fierce competition” despite the day’s heat. Wai Tui communications lead Mue Bentley Fisher said the opening day had exceeded organisers’ expectations and underlined the significance of bringing the event back after more than a decade away. “We’ve had a great day of races in the challenging heat of Nadi; however, everyone turned up in numbers and high spirits for the V6 marathon races across J16, J19, Open, Masters 40 and 50 men and women,” he said.
Of the 295 paddlers, 71 were juniors and 224 adults, supported by 74 sponsors and about 70 volunteers onshore — figures that organisers pointed to as evidence of the event’s broad backing. Fisher noted the conditions were “perfect for racing” despite the heat and praised both local and visiting crews for producing strong finishes throughout the day. He also singled out one performance in particular, saying the open men’s marathon category featured “probably a record finish,” though official times and record confirmation were not released yesterday.
The return of Wai Tui has drawn both domestic and international entries, organisers said, restoring a regional competition that organisers hope will strengthen paddling ties across the Pacific and provide a high-quality racing platform for juniors through to masters athletes. Volunteers and sponsors were credited with helping ensure the event ran smoothly on its opening day, with race officials, support crews and safety personnel working from the popular Nadi shoreline.
With competitive racing already witnessed on day one, organisers expect the action to intensify as the regatta continues today, with more marathon heats and finals scheduled. Fisher and the organising team have signalled they will monitor conditions closely — particularly the heat — while maintaining the programme that has brought a wide field of crews back to Fiji’s paddling calendar.
Further results, including official confirmation on any record-setting times, are expected to be posted as the event progresses. For now, Wailoaloa’s return to hosting high-level V6 marathon racing is being celebrated by athletes, volunteers and sponsors alike as a successful relaunch of the Wai Tui International.
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