FINAL registrations for the Wai Tui International have now closed, with organisers confirming that close to 300 paddlers will line up on Wailoaloa Beach this Easter – a milestone that cements the event as one of the Pacific’s fastest-growing va’a competitions.
Athletes will travel from across Fiji and eight other nations – Australia, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, and the United States – joining local clubs for four days of racing from 3–6 April 2026.
Hosted on the open waters of Nadi Bay, the Wai Tui International features a full program of V1 and V6 racing across junior, open, and masters divisions. The schedule blends explosive sprint events with longer endurance courses, giving teams a chance to test speed, strategy, and resilience in Fiji’s warm coastal conditions.
This year’s turnout reflects the growing strength of Fiji’s paddling community and the increasing appetite for high-level regional competition. For many clubs, the regatta offers a rare opportunity to benchmark against international fields while deepening the Pacific connections that underpin the sport.
With registrations now locked in, organisers say the focus shifts to delivering a world-class event that showcases Fiji’s capability as a host and the Pacific’s shared commitment to paddling.
