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 federation was called the International Polynesian Canoe Federation (IPCF). Over time, it became clear that the term “Polynesian Canoe” did not adequately recognize other Oceanian regions, particularly Melanesia and Micronesia, which also have a long-standing tradition with outrigger canoes.
The federation’s members discussed what term could best represent the canoe internationally. It was agreed that the original term for the canoe in each culture should be considered. In Aotearoa (New Zealand) it is “Waka ama,” in Hawaii “Wa’a,” on the Marquesas Islands “Vaka,” and in Tahiti “Va’a.” A key question was raised during a members’ meeting: which terminology sounded better for international designation - OC1, V1, V6, V12 or W1, W6, W12?
After much discussion, the members decided to adopt “Va’a” as the international term for the outrigger canoe. Accordingly, the International Polynesian Canoe Federation (IPCF) was renamed the International Va’a Federation (IVF).
The IVF World Championships are held annually, alternating between the Elite and Club World Sprint Championshipsin even years and the World Distance Championships in odd years, with the first Distance Championships held in 2017.
At the 13th World Sprints in 2008 in Sacramento (USA), adaptive paddling was included for the first time as a fully recognized medal discipline. This discipline is now referred to worldwide as Para Va’a.
The first IVF European Va’a Championship, designated for V1, V1r (OC1), and V2r (OC2), took place in May 2009 in Italy.
As the governing body for international va’a sport, the IVF now comprises more than 35 members and member areas.
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 federation was called the International Polynesian Canoe Federation (IPCF). Over time, it became clear that the term “Polynesian Canoe” did not adequately recognize other Oceanian regions, particularly Melanesia and Micronesia, which also have a long-standing tradition with outrigger canoes.
The federation’s members discussed what term could best represent the canoe internationally. It was agreed that the original term for the canoe in each culture should be considered. In Aotearoa (New Zealand) it is “Waka ama,” in Hawaii “Wa’a,” on the Marquesas Islands “Vaka,” and in Tahiti “Va’a.” A key question was raised during a members’ meeting: which terminology sounded better for international designation - OC1, V1, V6, V12 or W1, W6, W12?
After much discussion, the members decided to adopt “Va’a” as the international term for the outrigger canoe. Accordingly, the International Polynesian Canoe Federation (IPCF) was renamed the International Va’a Federation (IVF).
The IVF World Championships are held annually, alternating between the Elite and Club World Sprint Championshipsin even years and the World Distance Championships in odd years, with the first Distance Championships held in 2017.
At the 13th World Sprints in 2008 in Sacramento (USA), adaptive paddling was included for the first time as a fully recognized medal discipline. This discipline is now referred to worldwide as Para Va’a.
The first IVF European Va’a Championship, designated for V1, V1r (OC1), and V2r (OC2), took place in May 2009 in Italy.
As the governing body for international va’a sport, the IVF now comprises more than 35 members and member areas.