International Va'a Federation
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    • Past World Events 1984 - 2019 >
      • 2023 Windsor, UK - Sprints
      • 2019 Australia - Distance
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      • 2010 New Caledonia
      • 2008 California
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      • 2004 Hawaii
      • 2002 Tahiti
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      • 1998 Fiji
      • 1996 New Caledonia
      • 1994 Samoa
      • 1992 California
      • 1990 New Zealand
      • 1988 Hawaii
      • 1986 Tahiti
      • 1984 California
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    • Para Profiles
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The International Va’a Federation was created in 1981.

The founding members were (1) the Kalifornia Outrigger Association (KOA) which has been renamed Southern California Outrigger Racing Association (SCORA) in 2004, (2) the Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association (HCRA) and (3) the Federation Française de Pirogue Polynésienne (which has become the Fédération Tahitienne de Va’a).

Originally the name of the federation was International Polynesian Canoe Federation (IPCF). Over the years it has become apparent that the term “Polynesian Canoe” did not take into account other Oceanian regions which can rightfully pretend to be also at the source of the outrigger canoe. This applied in particular to Melanesia and Micronesia.

It has been discussed among the members of the federation what term could best reflect the designation of the canoe. It was clear that the original term of the canoe would have to be used. But what is the correct original term? In fact, in Aotearoa (New Zealand) the original designation is “Waka ama”, in Hawaii it is “Wa’a”, on the Marquesas Islands it is “Vaka”, in Tahiti “Va’a”… A decision had to be taken. The following question was raised in the members’ meeting: what does sound better: V1, V6 and V12 or W1, W6 and W12?

After much discussion the members decided to adopt the name “Va’a” as the international designation for the outrigger canoe. Accordingly, the International Polynesian Canoe Federation (IPCF) was renamed “International Va’a Federation (IVF)”.

​The IVF World Championships are held each year. The event alternates between ‘Elite and Club World Sprint Championships’ on even years and ‘World Distance Championships’ on odd years, with the first Distance Championships held in 2017

At the 13th World Sprints 2008 in Sacramento (USA), adaptive paddling was for the first time included in the official program as a fully recognized medal discipline. It is now referred to as Para Va'a around the world. 

The first IVF European Va’a Championship (designated for V1, V1r and V2r) took place in May 2009 in Italy.
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As the governing body of the international va’a sport, the IVF now counts more than 35 members and member areas.
Copyright all rights reserved. International Va'a Federation
  • Home
  • About the IVF
    • IVF YOUTUBE
    • History of Va'a
    • IVF Grant Program 2020
    • Members
    • Annual General Meeting
    • Officers & Board >
      • IVF Board Profiles
    • IVF Committees
    • IVF Board Meetings
    • IVF Strategic Plan
    • Bylaws
  • Events
    • Past World Events 1984 - 2019 >
      • 2023 Windsor, UK - Sprints
      • 2019 Australia - Distance
      • 2018 Tahiti - Sprints
      • 2017 Tahiti - Distance
      • 2016 Australia
      • 2014 Brazil
      • 2012 Canada
      • 2010 New Caledonia
      • 2008 California
      • 2006 New Zealand
      • 2004 Hawaii
      • 2002 Tahiti
      • 2000 Australia
      • 1998 Fiji
      • 1996 New Caledonia
      • 1994 Samoa
      • 1992 California
      • 1990 New Zealand
      • 1988 Hawaii
      • 1986 Tahiti
      • 1984 California
    • World Event Bid Documents
    • Global Race Calendar
    • 2023 World Distance Champs
    • Championship Records
    • Race Rules
    • Anti-Doping
  • Para Va'a
    • Para Profiles
  • 2023 World Distance Champs
    • Area Co-ordinators
    • View Entries
    • Online Entries (Login)
  • Contact Us