Hundreds of islanders will participate in the the Micronesian island of Kosrae’s second island-wide Outrigger Canoe Competition on October 24, one of the largest events of its kind in Micronesia.
“Canoeing is becoming a major sport on Kosrae,” says Grant Ismael, executive director of the Kosrae Visitors Bureau. “This race draws Kosraens of all ages, and visitors love the camaraderie and excitement.”
Some 800 paddlers from Kosrae’s four villages ― Utwe, Malem, Lelu and Tafunsak ― will compete for prizes and community pride during the event and celebration. The teams will race in traditional six-person outrigger canoes. In all, 130 canoes will take part in the race.
The Outrigger Canoe Competition held by the Micronesian island of Kosrae involves some 130 canoes, crewed by teams from all over the island
The official day of competition comes after months of practicing and preparation, including building the traditional outrigger canoes used in the race. Tall breadfruit trees are felled and brought down the mountain by each village. Village teams dig out the trees to make canoes with the guidance of a traditional canoe master builder.
On the day of the race, all of Kosrae turns out in their village colors to cheer for their teams. One of the favorite Kosraen traditions is to out-sing and out-cheer the other village teams.
To learn more about Kosrae’s second island-wide outrigger canoe competition contact Grant Ismael of the Kosrae Visitors Bureau at kosrae@mail.fm.
Located in the mid-Pacific Ocean in Micronesia, Kosrae is becoming known as an eco-traveler’s paradise and is an internationally acclaimed dive destination. Kosrae is one of the four states of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and has a population of some 7,300 people.
A mountainous island, Kosrae’s lush green interior is surrounded by one of the world’s most pristine reef systems and white coral beaches on the island’s rim. To learn more about Kosrae, go to www.kosrae.com.
The village teams in the Micronesian island of Kosrae's Outrigger Canoe Competition make their canoes from tall breadfruit trees felled and brought down the mountains by each village
According to Wikipedia, Kosrae is the most eastern of the Caroline Islands. The island is located 370 miles (590 km) north of the equator, between Guam and the Hawaiian Islands. Its land area is 42 square miles (110 square kilometers).
Kosrae’s airport (IATA code KSA) is served by Continental Micronesia flights between Hawaii and Guam three times a week in each direction, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The flights stop at other FSM and Marshallese destinations on the way, according to Wikipedia.
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Kampare Dansak…Your the best
LETS GO UTWAE YOU GUYS MAKE US PROUD