An iconic outrigger canoe competition, the Wai Tui International, is set to make a grand return to Fiji following the nation’s remarkable success in recent international competitions. Scheduled to take place from April 3-6 in Nadi, the event is open to both local and global paddlers, accommodating participants of various skill levels from junior to elite categories.
Originally founded in the 1990s and early 2000s by the late Colin Philp, this celebrated event has been revitalized to pay tribute to his invaluable contribution to Fiji’s rich canoe culture. Loretta St Julian-Ooms, the President of Fiji Outrigger, emphasized that the revival honors Philp’s legacy and continues to inspire the paddling community across the region.
This renewed enthusiasm for the sport comes on the heels of Fiji’s impressive performances at recent events, including notable podium finishes at the 2025 International Va’a Federation (IVF) World Distance Championships in Brazil and the Pacific Mini Games in Palau. “Fiji Outrigger views these achievements as part of a growing movement in outrigger canoeing, known as Va’a, throughout Fiji and the Pacific,” Ms. St Julian-Ooms stated.
The 2026 Wai Tui International promises to be a vibrant showcase of competition, featuring V1 and V6 races across various divisions—junior, open, and masters. This event also fosters cultural exchange and provides opportunities for local businesses, highlighting the positive impact of sports tourism.
With the backing of the Fiji National Sports Commission, the Wai Tui International has already garnered interest from paddlers from numerous locations, including Solomon Islands, Australia, Wallis and Futuna, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the United States, and Samoa. This growing momentum is expected to attract hundreds of paddlers and their supporters to Fiji, adding vibrancy to the local sporting landscape.
The local outrigger community continues to prosper, with record attendance in junior regattas, sprint events, and developmental programs. As investment in coaching pathways and equitable access to resources grows, the sport aims to sustain its accessibility for future generations.
Ms. St Julian-Ooms also noted, “We’re witnessing an increase in engagement from junior paddlers, with more clubs and communities rallying around the sport.” As enthusiasm builds for the upcoming competition, Fiji Outrigger invites regional partners, sponsors, and paddling communities to join in celebrating the essence of Va’a and the collaborative spirit of the Pacific.
Fiji’s commitment to fostering a robust paddling culture reflects a hopeful outlook for the sport’s future, reinforcing the connection between community, competition, and cultural heritage. The revival of the Wai Tui International signals not only a celebration of the sport but also a chance to inspire the next generation of paddlers in Fiji and beyond.