Iloha Eychenne
Iloha Eychenne is one of the most accomplished and versatile ocean paddlers of her generation. Hailing from the island of Huahine, in French Polynesia, she has built an extraordinary career across multiple disciplines — va’a, OC1, surfski, and SUP — earning worldwide recognition for her talent, strength, and humility.
A true va’a specialist, Iloha is a three-time V1 World Champion (2023, 2024, and 2025), confirming her dominance in solo rudderless outrigger canoe racing. Her connection to the ocean and her technical precision make her a reference in traditional Polynesian paddling. She also shines in V6 team racing, where her leadership and rhythm are key to her crews’ success.
In OC1, Iloha continues to break new ground. In 2024, she won the Gorge Paddle Challenge in Oregon, USA — one of the world’s most prestigious downwind events.
Her team accomplishments are equally impressive. In 2025, Iloha captured victory at the iconic Na Wahine O Ke Kai with Ihilani Va’a, a top Tahitian crew, writing her name into the history of women’s va’a.
Crossing into SUP racing, she placed 6th in the Long Distance event at the 2024 ICF SUP World Championships in Sarasota, Florida — an outstanding result for an athlete still new to the discipline.