Va’a World Long Distance Championships take place in Brazil

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — V1 paddlers John Goeke and James Tamasese represented American Samoa solidly at the Va’a World Long Distance Championships in Niteroi, Brazil this past week. 

James (on left) raced in the men’s 40+ and 50+ 16 km races placing 12tg and 10th respectively in his races.  John (on right)  placed 4th in his Men’s 70+ 12 km race. 

Both paddlers have competed in the previous championships in Samoa (2023) and Australia (2019). 

James was the sole paddler representing American Samoa in the inaugural 2017 Championships held in Tahiti.  James is President of the Floating Coconut Outrigger Canoe Club and John is a founding member of Alo O Samoa Outrigger.  Both clubs are members of the American Samoa Association of Paddlers.

[courtesy photo]