Samoa Outrigger Canoe Association - Alo Vaa - SOCA

Ready to take your V1 skills to the next level or try it out for the first time?

​We are happy to share an incredible upcoming opportunity for our paddling community! Glen Hughes of Laumei Outrigger Canoe Club is running a specialized V1 Clinic to help you build your confidence and technical skills in V1.

​As one of our seasoned Masters paddlers with years of experience under his belt, learning from Glen is a great opportunity for anyone interested in trying out or mastering the V1. Whether you are looking to fine-tune your technique for the upcoming V1 Dash Series or are a V6 paddler eager to step into a single hull, you won't want to miss this.

Check out the flyers for both V1 Clinic & V1 DASH details and take note of the contact points and get on it now!

​📥 How to Register: Secure your spot today by messaging our SOCA page or reaching out directly to the
Laumei Outrigger Canoe CLUB

SOCA TUTO'ATASI REGATTA 2026 V1 RACES

And your V1 Results are Officially Locked 🔒 In!

Massive Congratulations to all our V1 Paddlers for your amazing efforts!

Thank you to our Partners, Sponsors and Va'a Aiga for powering our events in celebration of our country's 64th Independence!

SOCA TUTOATASI REGATTA 2026 - V1 Races

There is a unique power in va'a, it belongs to no single generation or gender. It belongs to anyone with the passion to pick up a paddle.

​At this year's Tuto’atasi Regatta, we had a sea of women and men taking to the shores of Apia. We had our youngest V1 paddler at just 11 years old and two of our Masters in their 60s.

It was a definitive reminder that on the water, strength is measured by heart and dedication, not by age or background.

Congratulations to all our podium winners and teams who participated in the SOCA Tuto’atasi Regatta 2026, with the official V6 results now locked in.

Key Achievements:
​✅️ Massive surge in registered paddlers hitting the water
​✅️ Doubled our youth impact, with increasing number of junior paddlers
✅️ 42 entries across 9 divisions, resulting in 18 thrilling races!

Thank you once again to the Government of Samoa, Vailima, Pure Pacific Water, Zac Hirage, URBANSOUND, JetSki Samoa making our event possible and for helping us grow our sport. Faafetai, Faafetai Tele Lava!

Celebrating the champions of the SOCA Tuto'atasi Regatta 2026! 🏆🥇🥈🥉🇼🇸

Swipe through to see the proud smiles from our official prize-giving ceremony!

While we celebrated the 64th Samoa Independence, an event of this scale does not happen without an incredible village of support. A massive, heartfelt fa'afetai tele lava to our partners and sponsors who stepped up to make our event possible:

Government of Samoa | Vailima | Pure Pacific Water | JetSki Samoa | URBANSOUND | Zac Hirage

And to the hard working SOCA Race Committee and our incredible volunteers you are the absolute backbone of our sport. We paddle forward safely and successfully because of your dedication.

Stay tuned for the full, final results breakdown by division will be posted right here next!

📷 Adaway Media

🔥🚣‍♀️ SOCA Independence Regatta 2026 🚣‍♂️🔥

Samoa Outrigger Canoe Association (Asosi Alo Va'a)

Pure determination. Powerful teamwork. Fierce competition.

These action shots capture the true spirit of Va'a as crews from SOCA's 9 affiliated clubs across Samoa battled it out on the waters of Apia Harbour during SOCA's Independence Regatta, proudly held as part of Samoa's 64th Independence Celebrations.

From the first stroke off the start line to the final sprint for the finish, paddlers gave everything they had on the water. Every race showcased the athleticism, discipline, teamwork, and passion that continue to make Va'a one of Samoa's most exciting and fastest-growing sports.

One of the highlights of the regatta was the diversity of participation across all age groups. From our Junior Boys and Junior Girls divisions featuring paddlers as young as 11 years old, to our Open Men and Open Women, Masters Men and Masters Women divisions, and even paddlers over 60 years of age, the day truly celebrated a lifelong love of Va'a. We were also proud to include our Social Paddlers Division, providing an opportunity for even more members of our community to experience the excitement of competition.

The Black Sand Beach Waterfront and Apia Harbour provided an incredible backdrop as spectators lined the seawall, cheering on crews and enjoying a day filled with non-stop racing action.

SOCA extends its heartfelt appreciation to the Government of Samoa for its continued partnership and support, and for providing the opportunity for Va'a to once again be part of our nation's Independence celebrations. Together, we continue to promote healthy lifestyles, youth development, cultural pride, community engagement, and sporting excellence through Va'a.

Fa'afetai tele lava to our valued sponsors, race officials, volunteers, SOCA Executive Committee, Race Committee, affiliated clubs, paddlers, coaches, supporters, and families. Your collective efforts made this event possible and contributed to another successful chapter in Samoa's paddling journey.
These photos tell the story of the strength, unity, sportsmanship, and competitive spirit that define our Va'a community.

🇼🇸 One Ocean. One People. One Va'a Family.

📸 Photos by Adaway Media - Macquarie Mailo | Mataafa Keni Lesa | John Hunt

🇼🇸 SOCA Independence Regatta 2026 🇼🇸
What an incredible day of racing on the waters of Apia Harbour - 1st June 2026.

On Monday, the Apia Black Sand Beach Waterfront came alive as paddlers, families, supporters, and spectators gathered to celebrate Samoa's 64th Independence through our national sport of Va'a. The harbour was buzzing with excitement as crowds lined the seawall, enjoying a full day of sprint racing and witnessing fierce competition across all divisions.

From our youngest junior paddlers to our Open and Master paddlers, right through to our Masters 60+ Women and Men divisions, every race showcased the passion, determination, and spirit that continues to drive the growth of Va'a in Samoa.

On behalf of the Samoa Outrigger Canoe Association (SOCA) Samoa Asosi Alo Va'a, we extend our sincere gratitude to the Government of Samoa for its continued partnership and support, and for allowing SOCA and the sport of Va'a to be part of Samoa's 64th Independence Celebrations. We are honoured to contribute to this important national occasion and to celebrate our culture, heritage, and people through our sport.

Fa'afetai tele lava to all our valued sponsors, race officials, race committee, volunteers, SOCA Executive Committee members, affiliated clubs, paddlers, coaches, families, and supporters whose dedication and hard work made this event possible. Your commitment continues to strengthen and elevate Va'a in Samoa.
This regatta marked SOCA's 5th official regatta in its 2026 Calendar of Events and the success of the event reflects the collective efforts of our entire paddling community.

Congratulations to all participants, and thank you to everyone who joined us in making this year's Independence Regatta another memorable celebration of sport, unity, and Samoan pride.

🇼🇸 "Viia pea le Ali'i ma ia manuia pe le tatou alo atu I luma"

📸 Photos by Adaway Media
Macquarie Mailo | Mataafa Keni Lesa | John Hunt

Samoa Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee