Ranitea Mamatui: Carrying Tahiti Across Continents

Sixteen thousand kilometers separate Tahiti from mainland France and that is the distance Ranitea Mamatui chose to cross to pursue her studies. At 21, the Polynesian paddler has traded lagoon waters for a new life at Aix-Marseille University, where she is training to become a physical education teacher.

Raised by the ocean and introduced to Va’a by her father at just five years old, Ranitea grew up with paddling as a natural extension of her identity. A former asthmatic child, she found strength and resilience through the sport.

Today, far from her island, without her usual equipment or team, she continues to carry the same values the ocean taught her: humility, kindness, and determination, proving that Va’a is more than a discipline; it is a way of life.

 Hello Ranitea, can you introduce yourself and tell us what you are currently doing in life?

Hello, my name is Ranitea Mamatui. I am 21 years old and currently a first-year student in the MEEF EPS Master’s program at INSPÉ at Aix-Marseille University. I moved to France to pursue my studies and to train to become a physical education teacher.

 Do you remember the very first time you stepped into a canoe? What did that moment feel like?

I don’t think I can remember the exact first time I got into a canoe, but I clearly remember the first few times. My father had been practicing Va’a since I was very young, and he put me on a canoe for the first time when I was five or six years old. It wasn’t anything official, just a normal Sunday outing with my family.

My first real competitions came later, when I was in middle school. I was a very sick child and suffered from asthma. Through school sports and the Va’a option, I discovered a true passion for the discipline. It became much more than just a sport, it became part of who I am.

 How has growing up in Tahiti shaped you, both as a person and as an athlete?

Growing up in Tahiti, by the ocean, allowed me to develop a deep love for nature and the sea, as well as a natural attachment to Va’a, a sport that embodies these elements perfectly.

Living in a French overseas territory also gave me a strong sense of community. In both everyday life and sport, I learned what it means to live together, while also developing autonomy and independence.

We live in what many consider a paradise, where life feels softer and privileged. But that doesn’t remove the demands of the modern world. Society is gradually becoming more individualistic, and building stability for the future remains essential.

Living in an exceptional environment does not exclude responsibility or ambition. On the contrary, it reinforces the desire to build your future with seriousness and determination.

You mentioned that you moved away for your studies. Are you still continuing the sport?

I’ll be honest: today, I find myself in France with very few points of reference. When I say “nothing,” I mainly mean the absence of my usual environment no equipment, no coach, no family nearby. Right now, I only have myself and an paddle not even a canoe. in Tahiti I was sponsored by Timi Va’a, but since I arrived in France it has been difficult because I no longer have a canoe.

My family, especially my father, have always been essential in preparing for my biggest sporting events. He was the one who taught me how to paddle. Over the years, I also met many people who influenced my journey and from whom I learned valuable lessons.

So yes, I continue to paddle when I can. But it’s not easy to find yourself 16,000 kilometers away from where you grew up, in an environment you don’t know.

Can you share your most memorable moment from the Hawaiki Nui Va’a race?

I had the opportunity to participate in many races in Polynesia with teams like Ihilani and Teva.

I only raced the Hawaiki Nui Va’a once with Teva, but all the races I did with these teams gave me diverse experiences and allowed me to see different ways of working and racing.

What they all had in common was one simple truth: you can never give up. And that value, resilience is something that is very close to my heart.

 Have there been mentors or key figures who influenced your journey?

My father, William Mamatui, taught me everything about physical preparation and discipline. My mother, Ioane Merina, shaped the woman I am becoming. For her, Va’a was never everything. I had to work hard in school and be responsible in daily life.

The three of us progressed together.

Along the way, we met many people who influenced me: Heiarii Mama from EDT, his father Maxime Mama, Philippe Bernadino and his niece Hinatea, and Vaimiti Maoni, who often invited me to race with his team.

More recently, I worked with a coach whose name I prefer to keep anonymous, who taught me a great deal about technique.

From all these experiences, the values I carry with me are humility, kindness, and resilience.

Looking ahead, what are your goals?

Here in France, I plan to participate in federal races and continue living the Va’a lifestyle, even if not at the same competitive level as last year.

Professionally, my priority is my Master’s degree, which is the reason I left my island. I am studying to become a physical education teacher in middle and high schools.

For me, school is the best place to raise awareness about the importance of sport among young people simply because everyone goes through it.

Of course, if I soon have access to equipment, I will not refuse the opportunity to continue paddling and competing in the races that are accessible to me.

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