Samoa Outrigger Canoeing Association has started their preparations for the 2019 Pacific Games to be held in Samoa. 

A perfect weather out on the Taumeasina Island Resort open ocean yesterday contributed to a much anticipated third round of the Samoa Outrigger regatta race of the year.

Five local club teams including Laumei, Tautai, Nafanua, Vaai lau Foe and Alyia, took part in the open men’s and women’s and open mix V6 13 kilometers dash yesterday.

President of the Samoa Outrigger Canoeing Association, Billy Peters, said these regattas are their individuals build ups for next year’s Pacific Games.

He also mentioned that they need to start their preparations now so that by the time Samoa Outrigger Association finalises a coach for team Samoa, the paddlers would be prepared. 

“Our monthly events regattas are basically preparing our individuals for the upcoming Pacific Games next year.”

“We still haven’t got a coach but this is the best platform to prepare our team individually and get them prepared.”

The Nafanua Paddling Club took home the first prize for the women’s division regatta, Tautai Club coming in second with HJ Keil Laumei club coming in third place.

HJ Keil Laumei club scooped the open men’s regatta race first place, and the open mix regatta first prize.

Nafanua Club came in second place in the open mix, Tautai Club coming in third, Alia Club on fourth place with HJ Keil Laumei 2 in fifth place.

Second place for the men’s division went to Vaai lau Foe Club with Alia Club coming in third spot.

Peters says the association faces challenges with improper equipment.

He mentioned most of the vessels and oars they are using at the moment dates back to 10 years ago.

“The vessels we are using dates back 10 years ago and we are trying as much as we can to promote this sport because this is a traditional sport in Samoa and it has been recognised internationally.”

With the 2019 Pacific Games just 15 more months away, Samoa Outrigger Association is set to host this event monthly and to consistently prepare their team for the upcoming Pacific Games.

Results

Open Men’s

1 HJ Keil Laumei

2 Vaai Lau Foe

3 Alia Club

Open Mix

1 HJ Keil Laumei

2 Nafanua Club

3 Tautai Club

4 Alia Club

5 HJ Keil Laumei 2

Open Women’s

1 Nafanua Club

2 Tautai Club

3 HJ Keil Laumei