Hawaiian Canoe - Wa`a
Tahitian Canoe - Va`a
Photos Steve West
Extract from Paddlers Guide to Outrigger Canoeing
Since Hawai`i was populated by voyages from the Marquesas and Tahiti, it stands to reason that the Tahitian va`a pre-dates the Hawaiian wa`a and that any modification over time of these first Tahitian va`a to arrive in Hawai`i are mere modifications.
Va`a from the island of Huahine.
Unfortunately, this fact seems overlooked to the extent that today, Hawaiian and Tahitian artisans are no longer free to disseminate knowledge regarding design, as rulings of dubious intent have effectively halted the evolution of the Hawaiian wa`a in any meaningful way. Juxtaposed to this, the Tahitians continue to evolve their va`a designs free from constraint as is just and appropriate.
As a consequence design differences between the Hawaiian Wa`a and Tahitian Va`a have become ever wider since the implementation of strict specifications defining what is or is not an Hawaiian Canoe - wa`a.
Strip Planked va`a Tahiti
Reverse transoms and large volume bows common to Tahitian va`a.
Below, a Hawaiian Mirage wa`a pushing the extremes of Hawaiian specifications.
Select images to enlarge.
Whereas va`a of French Polynesia, are many and varied, often strip-planked and fibreglassed in all manner of shape and size, Hawaiian wa`a design has essentially been been made redundent, confined within strict rulings which allude to being 'traditional' irrespective that no 'traditional' Hawaiian racing wa`a ever existed.