The word Va'a in Samoan and Tahitan means 'boat', 'canoe' or 'ship'. Va'a have been travelling the Pacific Ocean for more than 4,000 years. Va'a were originally developed by the Austronesian speaking peoples of the islands of Southeast Asia for sea travel. These vessels were used to transport these people both eastward to Polynesia and New Zealand and even further into the world. Va'a for fishing are also used among certain non-Austronesian groups, like the Sinhala in Sri Lanka, where they are known as oruwa.
The technology has persisted into the modern age. Va'a can be quite large fishing or transport vessels, and in the Phillipines, outrigger canoes are often fitted with petrol engines.
Records of the modern day sport show that mostly fishermen, families and small olynesian and Melanesian villages hosted small va'a races. Later, teams from different islands were competing against each other and today, paddlers from all over the world come together to race in Va'a.
The modern Va'a sport was developed in Tahiti and Hawaii, but now the sport is enjoyed by many countries of the world.
Last Modified on 28/08/2011 12:27