Seasiders paddle with pride during the canoe race held at Kahana Bay
The Fenua Riders paddled to victory during the BYU–Hawaii canoe race at Kahana Bay on July 26, hosted by Seasider Sports and Activities. The team, made up primarily of Tahitian students, took first place in the final round, followed by the Frigate Riders and the Gladiators. Representing Tahiti, the victors included Tanoa Lemaire as fa‘ahoro (position 1), Tu‘iterai Tunutu as fa‘ati‘a mua (position 2), Haoariki Harehoe as raatira (position 3), Mataiki LeBrun as tura‘i (position 4) and Natalie Teriihaunui as fa‘ati‘a muri (position 5).
“It felt incredible to win,” said Matahani Teriihaunui, a Fenua Riders member and a senior from French Polynesia majoring in communication, media and culture. “After our Tahiti team was eliminated last year, we really wanted to showcase that wa‘a is something Tahitians are excellent at,” she said. Their team, she shared, had great communication and unity, making the activity more than just a sport for them. Teriihaunui said it is also a link to cultural heritage. “Our ancestors used outrigger canoes to fish, feed families and travel. Tahitians are proud of that history.”
The team, shared business management freshman Lemaire, didn’t have a formal training schedule, but they trusted in their unity and experience from paddling back home. “We also said a prayer before the race and reminded each other about timing,” he added.
The race day included multiple heats. After placing second in the third race even with a broken paddle, the Fenua Riders surged in the final round. “We won the finale by a good distance and we were so hyped to bring the trophy back to Tahiti,” said Lemaire.
La Ree Tea, a junior from Samoa majoring in communications who paddled with team Fetuao, shared, “My highlight was when our canoe went lopsided during what we thought was our best attempt.” She said it humbled her and reminded her to enjoy the moment—something she said she lost sight of during the competition. She said paddling helped her connect to her family history. “Back home, my father supported us through fishing and farming. Though I didn’t do this growing up, trying it now helped me appreciate his sacrifices,” she said.