Molokabra 2025: Showcasing the Outrigger Canoe Explosion in Brazil

A few hours before the start of the Molokabra, we had the chance to sit down with one of the key figures shaping the growth of va’a in Brazil: Lígia Felismino. Architect by profession and paddler by passion, Lígia discovered canoeing in 2021 and quickly embraced the sport as a lifestyle, balancing her love for competition with her deep connection to nature and community. Today, she is not only an active athlete in V1 and OC6 but also the president of FEVAACE, the Va’a, Para-va’a, Outrigger Canoeing and Surfski Federation of Ceará, where she works to unite clubs, foster new talent, and expand access to the sport. With the Molokabra set to host the Ceará Downwind Championship, we spoke with Lígia about the event’s significance, the region’s unique conditions, and the inspiring rise of va’a along the Ceará coastline.

Olà Lígia! To begin, could you introduce yourself? Who are you, and what is your sporting background? How did you get into va’a and which disciplines do you currently practice?

Hello Mathieu! I am Lígia Felismino, an architect by profession and passionate about va’a. I started paddling in 2021, right after the pandemic, looking for an outdoor sport. Since then, I fell in love with the canoe. Today, I paddle V1 and OC6 and compete in state and national races. Va’a has become part of my life, not only because of the sport but also for the connection with nature and the friendships it has brought me.

What is FEVAACE? What are the federation’s main activities, and what exactly is your role in it?

FEVAACE stands for FEderação de VA’a do estado de CEará and is the Outrigger Canoe and Para-Canoe Federation of Ceará. It is responsible for organizing the sport in the state, bringing clubs together, promoting championships, and helping va’a grow here in Ceará. I serve as president of the federation, and my role is precisely to coordinate all of this: supporting clubs, encouraging new athletes, and ensuring that the sport continues to grow and become increasingly accessible to everyone.

This year, the Molokabra will also host the Ceará Downwind Championship. Before we talk about that, could you explain the importance of Molokabra in the world of outrigger canoeing and water sports in Brazil?

Molokabra is one of the most special events on the va’a calendar in Brazil. It’s not just a race: it’s a big gathering of the va’a community. Ceará has perfect conditions for downwind – strong and consistent winds, open sea, and an extensive coastline offering incredible courses. That’s why Molokabra has become a reference: athletes from all over the country – and even abroad – come here precisely for this experience. Beyond the sporting challenge, the event gives great visibility to our coastline and boosts the local economy, showing that va’a goes far beyond sport – it also creates a positive impact for the state.

Will the Ceará Downwind Championship be contested across the three stages of Molokabra or only in a single race?

For experienced athletes, the Ceará Downwind Championship will be held across all three stages of Molokabra. This is very special because athletes will have the opportunity to experience the event in full, making the most of what our coastline has to offer. Each downwind run brings a unique challenge, which makes the competition even more exciting.

We will also have a special category for athletes who are just starting in downwind: a 12 km course from Mucuripe to Barra do Ceará. The idea is to encourage more people to challenge themselves and gain the experience and confidence to take part in the main race in the coming years.

What are the awarded categories in the Ceará Downwind Championship? As far as we know, there will be no V6 — is there another event that serves as a downwind championship for the V6 category?

The awarded categories follow the national standard of the CBVA’a (e.d the Brazilian Outrigger Canoe Federation), including V1, OC1, OC2, and V3 across different age groups and levels (Open, Master, etc.). The V6 will not be part of the Ceará Downwind Championship, since this format requires different logistics and a specific structure for larger canoes.
But we have been working to create opportunities for all athlete profiles: as mentioned earlier, we included a special 12 km category for beginners, which is a great gateway into downwind.

What are the usual conditions in Ceará for practicing downwind? Which runs are the most traditional or popular in the region?

Ceará has truly privileged conditions for downwind: strong and consistent winds almost year-round, open sea with favorable swells, and an extensive coastline that allows for incredible courses. This makes the state one of the best places in the world for the sport.

Among the most traditional runs is the stretch from Fortaleza to Cumbuco, which is very popular among athletes and is where Molokabra takes place. We also have amazing events in Preá and Jericoacoara, which offer different challenges and beautiful scenery. Together, these factors make our coastline perfect for anyone who wants to progress in downwind.

From an outside perspective, the number of va’a clubs in Ceará, especially in Fortaleza, seems impressive. Could you tell us a little about the development of va’a in your region in recent years?

Outrigger Canoeing has grown a lot in Ceará in recent years, whether it’s with or without a rudder. In Fortaleza alone, we already have several very active clubs, and more and more people are discovering and falling in love with the canoe. This growth is the result of the work of clubs, coaches, and athletes dedicated to the sport, but also of the strength of events we have here, like Molokabra, which brings visibility and attracts people from all over Brazil.
Today, outrigger canoeing is already part of many people’s daily lives, driving tourism, creating jobs, and strengthening coastal communities. It’s very beautiful to see how the sport has become part of our coastal culture.

To find out more:
Molokabra on Instagram
FEVAACE Website
FEVAACE on Instagram