1 week Ago By Marcia Negri
VANAGI CANOE RACE: A FATHER-SON canoe-racing team has retained the 2025 Trukai Vanagi Race B Grade title on Saturday at Ela Beach. Skipper Vewa Giriwa (father) and crew Lakarua Vewa (son), from Kapari, Viriolo in the Abau District, Central province outclassed 22 other canoes through a 13-race course to claim back-to-back title. Vewa said the race was good given the wind being light, enabling them to claim the number one spot.
“When we started, there was no wind and going through the first course, we were in the lead. “We dropped in the second course to fourth place and when we were coming up on the final course, we picked up pace to finish strong, completing all 13 courses.” Vewa said last year, he was accompanied by his brother-in-law as crew.
This year, he decided to team up with his son. “It was a good race and we are looking forward to defending the title next year, we prepared for a month. “Last year, we took part in the wooden canoe and this year is in the fiber glass canoe and fiber glass is very good to race in.
” Waikato, who claimed the title in 2022, came second the following year and reclaimed it again in. The name derived from the University of Waikato in New Zealand where canoe owner Voro Alu’s oldest daughter went to school. The owner said the name was to remember where his daughter went to school.
Canoe designer Moale Purina, said he had to design the canoe again to compete in the race. Preparation towards the race was tiring and we maintained the canoe again maintenance and brought canoe from Kapari, Viriolo from village to race. Team Waikato walked away with K5000 in cash prize money and trophy.
Coming in second was Kotawin, followed by LGK..
