📍 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
📅 August 13–21, 2025
Located just 25 km (or 45 minutes) from the Rio de Janeiro International Airport, the VA’A RIO 2025 headquarters offers convenient access to one of Brazil’s most iconic coastal cities. Athletes and media alike will enjoy the stunning scenery and vibrant culture of Rio during this international celebration of outrigger canoe racing.
Two route plans are currently proposed for VA’A RIO 2025:


Livestream in English and Portuguese
Wednesday, August 13 Canoe & Course Familiarisation
Thursday, August 14 Canoe & Course Familiarisation
Friday, August 15 Canoe & Course Familiarisation + Opening Ceremony
FAQ – 2025 IVF World Distance Championships Brazil
What va’a are being used at the event?
All teams will use:
V6 – the Te Tai made by Netuno
V1 – the Timi made by Netuno
What are the measurements of the va’a?
Specifications and images can be found on the IVF event page.
Where is the venue of the event?
Praia de São Francisco.
How many bailers will each va’a have?
Each V6 will have 2 bailers, and each V1 will have 1 bailer.
Can we bring our own bailers?
Yes, this is a personal preference.
Are we allowed to take a sponge in the va’a?
Yes, this is a personal preference.
Will the va’a have bailer holders?
No.
Can paddlers put padding inside the va’a? Are teams allowed to add their own padding?
Va’a will not have padding. Paddlers may add extra side padding if desired, but it cannot be permanently attached and must be removed after the race.
Can paddlers put padding for foot rest inside the va’a?
Yes, provided it does not leave any marks and is removed after the race. Applies to both V1 and V6.
Can teams re-rig their va’a prior to their race?
Yes. Teams can re-rig their va’a 1.5 hours before their race. Teams in the first race of the day can rig their va’a the evening before (specific times will be provided).
Is there clarification on overlap/passing/turning rules?
Yes, please see the attached official sheet.
Will spray skirts be available for V6?
Yes, and if conditions require, the Events and Technical Committee may make their use mandatory.
Will it be compulsory to wear skirts on V6?
This will be decided on race day by the race director.
Are life jackets/personal floating devices (PFDs) required?
Yes, in accordance with CBVAA regulations, life jackets/PFDs must be worn at all times. Removal during the race will result in team disqualification.
Are life jackets/PFDs provided?
No, paddlers must bring their own or source them in Brazil.
Can PFDs be inflatable?
No, inflatable PFDs are not allowed.
Can PFDs with different branding be used?
Yes, branding on PFDs is allowed.
What are the penalties for infringements (e.g., starting over the line)?
10-minute penalty for crossing the start line early.
1-minute penalty for each overlap or passing infraction, called by an official.
Is there a time limit for teams to finish a race?
The time limit will be set on race day and communicated during the daily race briefing.
Can water systems be fixed to the va’a?
No for V1s, and not recommended for V6s. Personal hydration systems are recommended. There are no drink holders on any va’a.
Can GPS devices be attached to the va’a?
Yes, if they can be easily removed without leaving permanent marks.
Can a cord be attached between the two iako?
Yes, if it can be easily removed without leaving permanent marks.
Can GoPros be attached to the va’a?
No.
Will drinking water be available to refill bottles?
Yes.