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Air Tahiti Magazine 56
culture © m.o. rocca - tahiticommunication lemy lambert, constructeur de va a / lemy lambert, va a builder > "i began to get into canoes in 1963. my older brother was president of faa'a outriggers that consisted of about 300 rowers at that time. we would train uniquely for the heiva races, which was the only competition in polynesia during this era. speed races came along a little later around 1975." the legendary maire nui club played a large roll in the renaissance of va'a. between 1975 and 1977, this courageous group of rowers from tautira in tahiti iti made it several times into the prestigious molokai canoe race in hawaii. they entered in the koa category, set aside for wooden canoes. "the maire nui brought home the spirit of competition," says john gabilou. "after this group, more clubs began to rise and then business men came into the canoeing world. they understood that this team sport could bring profits to their businesses by giving their personnel motivation that carried over to their work. it's in this way that canoeing became important again in french polynesia. canoeing isn't just a cultural symbol in our country but a communal and fun sport. that's all you need to know to understand its success." the vision of these few pioneers came true and even passed their expectations. this traditional activity that was a necessity in ancient times once again found its place in modern polynesian society as a practical and popular sport as well as a high level sport. > canoeing isn't just a cultural symbol in our country but a communal and fun sport. that's all you need to know to understand its success
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