Note: The introductory graphic illustrating this
activity was not part of the original document.
21. Hei-hei-waa - Canoe Racing
[Page 211] Two or more canoes race, usually out to sea, the course being a mile or a mile and a half out and around a flag buoy and return. The canoes are propelled with kapa sails.
Ellis1 speaks of Tahiti canoe-racing, faatitiaihe-mo raa vaa, as "occasionally practiced on the smooth waters of the ocean, within the reefs."
J. Stanley Gardiner2 relates that in Rotuma:
"canoe-sailing was carried on, especially on the occasions of certain big feasts in connection with the sou. The canoes employed were the small ones, the tavane, with mat sails. In each canoe only one man sailed, and the different districts would contest the prize with ten, twenty, or even more representatives. There were also commonly canoe-races for the women. The course was always inside the reef, and much fun was caused by the constant capsizing of the canoes."
1 Vol. 1, p. 210. 2 Journal Anthropological Institute, Vol. XXVII, p. 486.
22. Hei-hei-ka-pu - Tub Racing
[Page 212] Tubs for racing are made out of casks cut in halves, and propelled with the hands. Andrews gives ka-pu-wai, from ka-pu, "place," and wai, "water," a bathing tub.
20. Hei-hei-au- Swimming Race
[Page 211] Men and boys play, either in fun or for a prize of food or money.
Last update December 1, 2006