FIJI Outrigger continues its 2026 season this Saturday, February 28, with the second regatta of the year — V6 Distance 1 — at USP Lower Campus, Laucala Bay. The event comes as clubs across the
country intensify preparations for the Wai Tui International, now just five weeks away, with registrations closing on March 3.
Saturday’s regatta will see Junior, Open, Mixed, Novice, and Masters crews take on distances ranging from 6km to 20km across Laucala Bay. Courses will run from the USP Jetty through key markers including Tip of the Rocks, Sandbank Beacon, Nukulau Passage, and the Red Lollipop Beacon, depending on category and distance.
With the season now in full swing, the regatta is expected to draw strong fields as paddlers test combinations, refine steering lines, and build endurance ahead of April’s international showcase.
A season defined by momentum and rising standards
Fiji Outrigger president Loretta St Julian-Ooms said the early-season intensity reflects how seriously clubs are preparing for the return of the Wai Tui International.
“Every regatta carries a different kind of energy,” she said. “Crews know that Wai Tui is a chance to measure themselves against the region, honour our paddling heritage, and show how far Fiji has come with the sport that we love.”
The Wai Tui International, returning after 14 years, will run from April 3-6 at Wailoaloa Beach, Nadi, featuring V1 and V6 marathon and sprint racing across Junior, Open, and Masters divisions. Interest from across the Pacific continues to grow, with hundreds of paddlers signal ling their intention to compete.
Why this weekend matters
Regatta 2 offers a critical mid season checkpoint for clubs:
• Junior crews continue to show strong growth, reflecting Fiji Outrigger’s investment in youth development.
• Open and Masters paddlers will use the longer distances to sharpen race strategy and test fitness under pressure.
• Mixed and Novice divisions provide an important pathway for new paddlers entering the sport.
The technical nature of the Laucala Bay courses, including multiple ama and non-ama turns, tidal movement, and exposed stretches, makes the regatta a valuable rehearsal for the tactical demands of April’s marathon events.
Final call for Wai Tui International registrations
Fiji Outrigger reminds all paddlers that registrations for the Wai Tui International close on March 3.
Individual entries, including V6 crew members, can be submit ted via www.ticketmax.com.fj/WTI26.
