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More than a race, the Aimeho Va’a is a living expression of Polynesian culture. This unique school-based event brings communities together around Tahitian food, music and shared values, while passing on the spirit of Va’a to the next generation. It plays a key role in connecting local youth with their Polynesian heritage and inspiring young paddlers to carry this tradition forward.
The 22nd edition, the largest school Va’a event in the Pacific, will take place on 24 & 25 April 2026. The competition features two age categories: Piri-teina (under 16) and Taure’a (high school/post-bac). Each crew is made up of 14 paddlers, ensuring gender equality with 7 girls and 7 boys, forming two V6 crews plus two reserves.
The Aimeho Va’a also highlights the inclusive values of the sport. School-aged children with disabilities are teamed up with students from the Collège de Pao Pao sports programme to race together in V12 canoes.
The marathon race is scheduled for Saturday, 25 April. Covering a total distance of 39.4km, the race takes place in the calm, crystal-clear lagoon surrounding Mo’orea, with mixed crews of girls and boys competing over nine stages as they paddle around the island.
The shortest stage is Stage 9 (3.5km), while Stage 1 is the longest at 5.3km