The Cook Islands will become a haven for paddlers this winter when it hosts two weeks of paddling events in Aitutaki.
Motu2Motu Aitutaki and Aitutaki Paddle Camp promise to captivate both local and visiting paddlers, transforming the beautiful island of Aitutaki into a ‘paddler’s paradise’ for two action-packed weeks.
Motu2Motu Aitutaki, now in its 11th successful year, is a week-long oe vaka extravaganza scheduled from 4th to 8th December 2023. This sought-after event, spans 36 kilometers with seven legs, six changeovers, and mixed crews, promising an exhilarating week.
The sell-out event continues to attract international visitors and is a staple on the Cook Islands’ sporting event calendar. Notably, this year’s edition will feature an enhanced format, including a 10km race for both women and men, along with a 10km iron race tailored for open women’s, open men’s, and masters teams.
These additions offer teams a unique chance to paddle on Aitutaki lagoon with their teammates before competing in the highlight 36km Motu2Motu race.
Introduced in 2022, Aitutaki Paddle Camp is a boutique-style event catering to a limited audience of 30 participants. Running from 27 November to 1 December, this exclusive camp provides a valuable learning platform for novice to skilled paddlers, offering expert guidance from top coaches hailing from Australia, Canada, Hawaii, and the Cook Islands.
It’s a rare opportunity to experience paddling on one of the world’s most iconic lagoons, develop paddling experience, meet like minded people and experience true Polynesian culture.
Away from the vakas, visitors to the Cook Islands can continue to explore the crystal-clear waters and an abundance of aquatic life just below the surface. Beautiful beaches and safe protected lagoons make swimming and snorkelling so popular, with water activities to suit everyone.
Try lagoon sailing, kayak or canoe paddling, stand up paddle boarding, kitesurfing, scuba diving, snorkelling, sea scootering, surfing or body boarding. Adventure further with glass bottom lagoon cruises with BBQ lunch, ocean cruises and deep-sea fishing.
For more information on the Cook Islands go to www.cookislands.travel