AS the Wai Tui International returns this Easter, Takia Outrigger Canoe Club is highlighting Jone Koroitanoa, a former junior paddler who now coaches the club’s youth squad.
Jone first joined Takia as a young paddler from Suva. Nearly a decade later, he leads the junior development program preparing athletes for the April 3–6 races at Wailoaloa Beach.
“The support I received as a junior is what I want to give back,” he says.
Takia’s junior squad includes 12 Suva-based paddlers and youth travelling from Australia, Samoa, and New Zealand. Their growth reflects rising interest in unior Va’a as the event returns after 14 years.
Families, clubs, and sponsors — including Simple Green Fiji, Fiji Chemicals, BRED Bank, Capital Insurance Ltd, and Architects Pacific — have strengthened the program, helping young crews show improved endurance, coordination, and confidence.
With hundreds of paddlers expected, Takia will field teams across Junior, Open, and Masters divisions. For Jone, the real reward is seeing young paddlers develop.
“Ten years ago I was one of those kids learning to paddle. Now I’m proud to guide the next group coming through.” The Wai Tui International runs April 3–6 at Wailoaloa Beach, featuring V1 and V6 sprint and marathon races.
