The Wai Tui International which was originally conceived by the late Colin Philp, whose vision, dedication and deep respect for canoe culture helped establish the event as one of Fiji’s most celebrated paddling competitions is being revived by Outrigger Fiji and will run from the 3rd to the 6th of April 2026 in Nadi.
Once a celebrated fixture in the 1990s and early 2000s, the annual Wai Tui International returns to Fiji’s sporting calendar with renewed purpose, welcoming elite and emerging paddlers from across the Pacific and beyond, and reaffirming Fiji’s role as a regional hub for the sport’s development and competition.
Fiji Outrigger President, Loretta St Julian-Ooms says Philp's legacy continues to inspire the paddling community today, and the event’s revival honours his pioneering contribution to Fiji’s ocean-sport heritage.
The announcement also follows Team Fiji’s strong performances at the 2025 International Va'a Federation (IVF) World Distance Championships in Brazil and the Pacific Mini Games in Palau, where paddlers demonstrated grit, talent, and unity on the global stage.
St Julian-Ooms says Fiji Outrigger sees these achievements as part of a broader movement and rapid rise of outrigger canoeing, also known as Va’a, across Fiji and the Pacific.
She says they are excited to bring paddlers together in a way that reflects the strength and spirit of the Pacific and the Wai Tui International is a chance to reconnect with their roots and showcase how far the sport has come in Fiji.
The 2026 Wai Tui International will feature V1 and V6 races across junior, open, and masters’ divisions, alongside cultural exchanges and opportunities for local businesses to benefit from sports tourism.
Organised with funding support from the Fiji National Sports Commission, the event has already attracted expressions of interest from paddlers in Solomon Islands, Australia, Wallis and Futuna, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the United States, Samoa, and clubs across Fiji.
With momentum building, the regatta is expected to draw hundreds of paddlers and supporters to Fiji’s shores.
Fiji Outrigger’s domestic calendar continues to grow, with record participation in junior regattas, sprint events, and club development programs. Backed by the Fiji National Sports Commission and local sponsors, the federation is investing in coaching pathways, equipment access, and inclusive programming to ensure Va’a remains accessible and sustainable.
St Julian-Oom says they are seeing more junior paddlers on the water, more clubs stepping up, and more communities getting behind the sport.
As preparations for the Wai Tui International ramp up, Fiji Outrigger invites regional partners, sponsors, and paddling communities to be part of an unforgettable event that celebrates the spirit of Va’a and the strength of Pacific collaboration.
Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations
