Va’a: the Displacement in Time

Va’a are Polynesian pirogues. Va’a means displacement in time, space on time, movement,  voyage. Va’a can be single armed, double armed, in the past carved out a single tree log. Nowadays Va’a are cast in wool glass or composite materials. Va’a are used for fishing, tours or for competitions. Some say Va’a allowed Polynesians to explore as far as Chile.

Before the competition (100 km rowing around Moorea island and back to Tahiti), Va’a are weighted
Teams (female with young paddlers or male) take care of the last details of the pirogues
Each team signs up for the race, here is the Shell sponsored team, multiple winner of past competitions
The jury on the pink support boat gives the last recommendations, rowing on strong winds like today can be dangerous, despite that Va’a are extremely stable
Va’a are aligned at shore, everything’s ready to start the race

Each Wednesday, Friday and Sunday the following episodes will be published and links will be activated at 11AM CEST of the scheduled date:

September 2023-
0. French Polynesia: my displacement in time – from 6.9.23
1. Dots in the ocean – from 8.9.23
2. With wet ankles in Big Moana – from 10.9.23
3. Would you mind bringing the fruit? Be quick! – from 13.9.23
4. Coconut split – from 15.9.23
5. Moana’s ritual – from 17.9.23
6. On the road to the Rock of Displacement – from 20.9.23
7. A dangerous hug – from 22.9.23
8. It’s war! – from 24.9.23
9. Heiva nights: dancing the myth– from 27.9.23
10. Catch the fight – from 29.9.23

– October 2023-
11. Another portion of fruit, please – from 1.10.23
12. Lift it if you can – from 4.10.23
13. Keep Moorea always on your mind – from 6.10.23
14. Allons enfants de la Patrie a Tahiti! – from 8.10.23
15. Return to the Spear Age – from 11.10.23
16. What’s on in Papeete – from 13.10.23
17. Teahupo‘o, surf for the gold medal – from 15.10.23
18. Papeete open air – from 18.10.23
19. Heiva nights: back to the origins – from 20.10.23
20. Va’a: the displacement in time – from 22.10.23
21. Va’a: the competition – from 25.10.23
22. Heiva nights: across time – from 27.10.23
23. Heiva the champions – from 29.10.23

– November 2023 –
24. Don’t wake up Te Fiti – from 1.11.23
25. Sharks ahead! – from 3.11.23
26. Na na Huahine – from 5.11.23