Onake delivers in Bora Bora
From paddling clear blue waters to swimming with rays, Onake Paddling Club’s trip to Bora Bora was one to remember. Courtesy Onake Paddling Club
For 13-year-old Charlotte Stacey, traveling to Bora Bora with Onake Paddling Club for the Talifit Bora Race was “the trip of a lifetime.”
From paddling in the clear blue waters to seeing her hard work pay off during the international outrigger competition, the trip was another example of the international experiences that Onake continues to offer its young athletes, having just returned from Hawaii a few months ago.
Like Hawaii, this trip was in a different climate to what the paddlers have had experience training in.
“Paddling in the heat was the challenging part,” Stacey said. “It was hot, but we had lots of fun.”
Stacey placed second in the U14 V6 two-KM race with her teammates, and made the semifinals of her V1 race after placing second in her first race, ultimately placing fifth in the V1 category.
Her mother, Roseann Rice, was able to attend the trip with her daughter, as part of the crew supporting the paddlers.
Every paddler made the podium during the trip. Courtesy Onake Paddling Club
“The support our paddlers have was amazing. Being in Bora Bora with a crew that became family was comforting, knowing we had each other through everything,” she said. “I’m proud of all the paddlers and their dedication.”
Over three days of competition, Onake took home hordes of medals, with every one of their paddlers making the podium at some point throughout their races.
“Our goal was to offer a great opportunity to the paddlers, and this venture certainly surpassed all expectations,” said Onake manager Sharon Rice.
Eighteen paddlers and four coaches took part in the trip. Maris Jacobs was one of those coaches, and also placed fifth in the V1 women’s open 250m race, and second in the V6 open mixed 500m race, where she raced with Sondra Cross, Teiewentsarihtha Rice, Addison Goodleaf, Jesse Rice, and Lanho Goodleaf.
“It was a jaw-dropping moment for us to arrive in such a beautiful place to paddle,” Jacobs said.
Throughout the past few months, Onake has been offering about five fitness opportunities per week to athletes, with training taking place at the Kahnawake Youth Center (KYC) weight room and the Crossfit gym amongst other venues.
“The turnout to those has been great. There’s unwavering commitment from these young paddlers,” Jacobs said. “It’s wonderful to be a part of it.”
Lanho was also on coaching staff for the trip. He said it was a thrill to be able to bring the group on such an adventure.
“The flights were long, but as soon as you see the islands and the water, it’s worth the whole trip,” he said.
When the group wasn’t racing, they took in all that Bora Bora had to offer. They participated in paddling workshops with elite Tahitian pro paddlers, went swimming with reef sharks and rays, had lunch on a private island where they make salt from the ocean water, and took a 4x4 truck tour to one of the island’s mountain peaks.
“The overall experience, from preparation to competing in the Talifit Bora Race in Bora Bora, was overwhelmingly positive and successful, thanks to the collective efforts and support of coaches, athletes, and parents,” Sharon said. “I am extremely proud to have been a part of this team.”
The entire group came back closer than ever, and Roseann said it’s a very meaningful thing that families can travel with their young paddlers.
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“I know my child is in great hands with Onake, through their trips, camps, and activities, and I also get to travel with my daughter to all these different places, making memories with a team that has become family,” she said.
The full results of Onake’s races are available on their Facebook page.
