Pacific Blue Foundation
  • WHO WE ARE
  • BEQA LAGOON
    • Beqa Lagoon Initiative Community Projects
  • VEITAU WAQA
    • The Fijian Boats
  • LAU SEASCAPE
    • Development Approach
  • NEWS
    • PacBlue News
    • Field Reports
    • Annual Reports
    • Events
  • RESOURCES
  • CONTACT
  • DONATE
  • WHO WE ARE
  • BEQA LAGOON
    • Beqa Lagoon Initiative Community Projects
  • VEITAU WAQA
    • The Fijian Boats
  • LAU SEASCAPE
    • Development Approach
  • NEWS
    • PacBlue News
    • Field Reports
    • Annual Reports
    • Events
  • RESOURCES
  • CONTACT
  • DONATE
June 7, 2010 In News & Press, Uncategorized

Traditional Skills Hark Back to Past

 

Sani Bogi, 4, admires the Fijian Drua during the Waqa Vakaviti competition at the FDB foreshore in Suva yesterday.

Sani Bogi, 4, admires the Fijian Drua during the Waqa Vakaviti competition at the FDB foreshore in Suva.

Suva residents had a glimpse of the past on the harbour yesterday as villagers from Moce and Fulaga participated in a unique traditional canoe racing competition.

 

It was a rare display of traditional skills at its best, competitors braved strong winds to steer their canoes to the designated zone safely and returned to land.

Having refused to wear life jackets, the participants showcased the best in them by cleverly judging the wind with their instincts and skills, for which they were once renown.

History shows that the last traditional canoe racing was held in Suva in 1957.

The event was organised and sponsored by Pacific Blue Foundation — a Fiji registered non-government organisation.

PBF board chairman Greg Mitchell said organising the event was worthwhile because it gave people the chance to revive their skills in canoe building and sailing.

He said the traditional canoe had been a mode of transport for the islanders in the Pacific in the olden days and seeing it revived could open up doors of opportunities for the islanders and the country as a whole.

Mr Mitchell said the competition could become an international event provided if major sponsors were willing to commit themselves for the good cause.

He said even hotels could have their own canoes to entertain their guests.

The overall winner for the race were Setareki Domonisere and Jitoko Moceibure from Fulaga. They were presented with a trophy and $500. The other winners were also presented with a trophy and cash respectively.

Previous StoryRocket Stoves to Totoya
Next StoryCamakau races held at the Suva Harbour waterfront

Related Articles

  • PBF Logo4
    Position Opening - Outreach Officer
  • FLMMA logo
    Position Advert - Project Officer

Latest Posts

  • PBF Logo4
    Position Opening – Outreach Officer Friday, 13, Dec
  • 2018 Annual Report Friday, 20, Sep
  • FLMMA logo
    Position Advert – Project Officer Friday, 14, Jun
  • _YMST_1400_alt
    Preservation of resources and livelihoods in Beqa Island Thursday, 13, Jun
  • Soliyaga1_IMG_8528
    Soliyaga to produce own organic fertiliser Thursday, 13, Jun

ABOUT US

Pacific Blue Foundation is a non-profit public benefit charitable trust. Pacific Blue Foundation provides basic research, education, encouragement and dissemination of sustainable practices in coastal regions with the ultimate goal of preserving and promoting the biological and cultural diversity of the region.

CONTACT US

PBF USA
Pacific Blue Foundation P.O.Box 2014
La Jolla, CA 92038
P: 858-534-8947

PBF Fiji
P.O.Box 622, Pacific Harbor
Fiji Islands
P: 679-839-0473 E: Contact@pacificbluefoundation.org

Donate

Donation Form 2

$
Select Payment Method
Personal Info

Donation Total: $50

FIND US ELSEWHERE