Bose Vavataga 
The return of the Wai Tui International after a 14-year break is being seen as a major step forward for outrigger canoeing in Fiji, with a strong focus on growing the sport and exposing local athletes to international competition.
Fiji Outrigger President Loretta St Julian-Ooms says the event was revived with support from government and the wider paddling community, while also paying tribute to former national coach Colin Philp.
She says bringing international teams to Fiji allows local paddlers to compete at a higher level without the financial burden of travelling overseas.
Loretta says canoeing is part of Pacific identity, once used to travel between islands, and the event helps reconnect people to that history.
This year’s regatta has drawn competitors from 10 countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Samoa, Nauru and the United States.
Some Australia clubs include former Fiji reps.
“We were expecting maybe three or four countries to come, but we’re really glad with the response. Social media has helped reconnect paddlers, including many Fijians who used to compete here and are now based overseas. They’ve been excited to come home.”
The competition also comes at a key time, as Fiji prepares for upcoming events such as the South Pacific Games in Tahiti in 2027 and the World Sprints in Singapore later this year.
The Waitui International Regatta opens this afternoon at Wailoaloa Beach in Nadi and will run through the Easter weekend.
