AS part of the celebrating the country’s 47th Independence Anniversary, the Aro Outrigger & Canoe Club (AOCC) successfully hosted the Delite PostIndependence Regatta on Saturday, 26th July at Iumi Water Sports Park, Henderson.
Originally scheduled for Monday, 7th July, the regatta was postponed due to high winds and unsafe conditions at the Alligator Creek river mouth.
Two weeks later, with weather conditions improved, the Club rallied with its sponsors to deliver an action-packed day on the water.
The regatta featured a full program of races, including 250m, 500m, and 3000m sprints across V6 (six-paddler) and V1 (single paddler) divisions.
Events were held in mixed, women’s, and men’s categories, celebrating skill, endurance, and teamwork. Teams included National Finance, Diesel Women’s Rugby Team, Tidal Force, Aro Vikings, and Aro Spartans.
A special congratulations goes out to all paddlers, especially those competing for the first time.
The purpose of the event was to promote outrigger canoeing and encourage greater community involvement in water sports. While traditional dugout canoes are a familiar sight, Va’a paddling introduces a unique style that emphasizes technique, coordination, and adaptability.
The event provided a valuable opportunity for new paddlers to experience this dynamic sport firsthand.
In a post-event interview, one novice paddler described the experience as “fun and exhilarating.” AOCC Assistant Coach added, “This is exactly why we host events like this. It doesn’t matter if you’re a newbie or seasoned paddler, what matters more is the fun and thrills from racing.
“Sometimes we win, sometimes we lose, but the amount of effort put in matters more, because through the struggles and challenges, the best moments are created and are laughable most times.
“As coaches, watching our teachings being implemented is a test of our own efforts and seeing everyone enjoy it is what we love to see. We’re very proud of our paddlers.”
Va’a is a sport for all ages, with AOCC’s youngest paddler aged 16 and the oldest proudly paddling into their sweet 70s.
The club remains committed to growing Va’a across the Solomon Islands, and events like this are only possible through the ongoing support of community-minded partners and volunteers.
Follow Aro Outrigger & Canoe Club on Facebook and Instagram for updates on future races, training sessions, and community events. New paddlers are always welcome.
Acknowledgement
The Aro Outrigger & Canoe Club extends its sincere appreciation to the following partners and supporters who made the Delite Post-Independence Regatta a success:
• Delite Ltd – our major sponsor for their generous sponsorship of prizes, which added value and excitement to the event.
• DJ Graphics and the National Sports Council (NSC) – for their valuable support in providing facilities and equipment.
• Tongs – for kindly lending tents that provided essential shelter throughout the day.
• Iumi Kaban Liquor Haus and Soltrend – for their prize donations, contributing to the celebratory atmosphere.
• Events like this are made possible through the efforts of our volunteers, community-minded sponsors, and all those who continue to support the development of Va’a in the Solomon Islands.
