Te Aito 2026 Results: Brice Punuataahitua and Iloha Eychenne Claim Open Titles

The 38th edition of Te Aito, the oldest race on the Tahitian Va’a Federation calendar, took place on June 5 and 6 in Taaone, Pirae, bringing together more than 1000 paddlers across all age groups, from young beginners to elite and veteran competitors.

Throughout the weekend, Tahiti’s best paddlers battled for victory in one of the most prestigious events of the season. Among the youngest competitors, Heimaea Ly Wa Ut claimed victory in the U10 girls’ division, while Tamahau Shun secured the win among the boys. In the U12 categories, Hikianalia Hoatua Deane and Toahei Moe emerged victorious in the girls’ and boys’ races respectively.

The competition remained fierce in the U14 divisions, where Maniniura Poareu topped the girls’ field and Heiva Tinorua crossed the line first among the boys. In the U19 category, Maia Campbell delivered an impressive performance to take the win ahead of Chance Tavita.

Among the women, Iloha Eychenne proved to be the strongest paddler of the day, securing victory ahead of Nateahi Sommer. In the Veterans 40 division, Vairoto Depierre added another notable result to his career by taking first place.

The highlight of the weekend came in the prestigious Open Men’s race, where Brice Punuataahitua claimed the Te Aito 2026 title after mastering the demanding 22-kilometer course. He crossed the finish line ahead of Charles Teinauri, who finished second, while Manutea Million completed the podium in third place.

A Demanding 22 km Test

The Open Men’s course stretched from Taaone to Motu Martin in Mahina and back, covering a total distance of 22 kilometers. The route required a combination of endurance, tactical awareness, and technical skill, particularly on the exposed sections where paddlers had to adapt continuously to changing ocean conditions.

Favorable Conditions for Racing

Competitors raced in generally favorable conditions, typical of the beginning of Tahiti’s dry season. Air temperatures hovered between 24°C and 26°C, while warm tropical waters and moderate trade winds provided a fair but challenging playing field.

Although some sections of the course were exposed to wind and ocean movement, conditions remained manageable throughout the weekend, allowing the race to be decided primarily by fitness, race strategy, and paddling efficiency rather than by extreme weather or sea state.

With more than 1000 participants and strong competition across all categories, Te Aito 2026 once again reinforced its status as one of the most important and respected events in the world of Polynesian va’a.

Te Aito 2026

Top 10 Open MEN (22 km):

1. Brice Punuataahitua (Shell Va’a) 1h 41′ 13”
2. Charles Terinauri (Shell Va’a) 1h 42′ 18”
3. Manutea Million (Manihi Va’a) 1h 42′ 57”
4. Keith Vernaudon (Team OPT) 1h 43′ 16”
5. Tutearii Hoatua (Team OPT) 1h 43” 50”
6. Narai Atger (Toa Tai Va’a) 1h 43′ 54”
7. Darren Harbulot (Lanterna Verde) 1h 43” 55”
8. Steeve Teihotaata (Lanterna Verde) 1h 44′ 08”
9. Revi Tuna Sing (EDT Va’a) 1h 44′ 12”
10. Hotuiterai Poroi (Air Tahiti Va’a) 1h 44′ 19”

Top 5 Open WOMEN (14 km):

1. Iloha Eychenne (Matairea) 1h 26′ 06”
2. Vaimiti Maoni (Ihilani Va’a) 1h 33′ 00”
3. Marguerite Temaiana (Paea Va’a) 1h 33′ 38”
4. Puarui Guntaro (Teva) 1h 35′ 00”
5. Tahia Teikeetini (Ihilani Va’a) 1h 35′ 12”

FULL RESULTS (COMING SOON)

OPEN WOMEN

OPEN MEN

U19 GIRLS

U19  BOYS

MASTER WOMEN

MASTER MEN