Athletes and coaches from Samoa and the Cook Islands participated in the Pacific Games paddling test events in Tahiti, with support from the Oceania Canoe Association (OCA) and Paddle Worldwide, formerly known as the International Canoe Federation (ICF).
Ahead of the races, athletes took part in training sessions with support from the Tahiti Federation (Fédération Polynésienne de Kayak Surfski) and coach Hector Henot.
OCA representative Matt Warren from New Zealand was also on site, overseeing the kayak programme and working closely with the International Va’a Federation (IVF), which is responsible for the va’a programme.
The test events provided an important opportunity to assess the racecourse and competition systems and ensure the paddling venue is ready for the Pacific Games 2027.
The wider Paddle Week focused on paddling and athlete development, with the Pacific Games paddling test events followed by the Oceania Racing World Cup.
Canoe Ocean Racing World Series: Eychenne triumphs at home in Tahiti
Tahiti’s Iloha Eychenne struck gold on home waters while Hector Henot headed a French one-two-three at the second stop in the Canoe Ocean Racing World Series.
Tahiti, French Polynesia warmed up to hosting next year’s Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships by holding the World Cup.
It turned out to be a memorable event for home favourite Eychenne. The Tahitian athlete clocked a winning time of 1:45:54.
Samoa’s Anne Cairns came second in 1:52:47 with the bronze going to Tahiti’s Nateahi Sommer in 1:56:09.
The men’s event was dominated by France as they swept the podium. Henot came out on top in 1:32:19 as Benjamin Legavre sealed silver in 1:34:14 and Titouan Puyo bagged bronze in 1:34:52.
There was more Tahitian success in the men’s U23 category.
Tiamano delivered a home gold in 1:40:30 as Switzerland’s Maurus Zullig registered 1:43:03 for silver. The bronze medal went to Tahiti’s Teariki Nouveau 1:43:46.
Australia’s Beau Jacob was triumphant in the men’s junior category after seeing off the home challenge. Jacob clinched gold in 1:44:22 as Tahiti picked up silver and bronze with Teanuanua.
Teauroa finishing in 1:45:40 and Teahi Tuarau crossing in 1:45:43.
Source: paddleworldwide.com/news/eychenne-triumphs-at-home-as-henot-tops-french-clean-sweep-in-tahiti
