Tahitian paddler Iloha Eychenne celebrates ICF world cup victory and a new chapter representing her home

Iloha Eychenne's triumphant return to Tahitian waters

Iloha Eychenne secured a remarkable victory in the women's division at the second stop of the ICF Canoe Ocean Racing world cup in Tahiti. She dominated the 23-kilometer course, traversing both open ocean and a lagoon, finishing significantly ahead of her competitors. For Eychenne, an acclaimed waterwoman and three-time Va’a world champion, this win was more profound than merely topping the podium. It represented a substantial personal advancement on one of Tahiti’s most challenging downwind routes and marked the beginning of her official role as a representative for Tahiti on the global stage. This triumph arrives at a pivotal moment, with her inaugural ICF Canoe Ocean Racing world championship scheduled for October in Spain, followed by the sport's premier event returning to her home waters in Tahiti in 2027.

Personal growth, race strategy, and future aspirations

Reflecting on her performance, Eychenne expressed immense satisfaction, calling it "one of my finest surfski downwind races." She highlighted significant personal improvement, noting, "When I first tackled this course in 2023, I capsized 11 times. Today, my greatest achievement wasn't just crossing the finish line first, but witnessing my immense progress, as I didn't capsize even once!" The 23-kilometer route presented diverse conditions. Eychenne focused on her own race plan, explaining, "I simply maintained my own line and relished surfing the waves." She emphasized rhythm over tactics, stating, "I remained in my own zone, listening to my music, enjoying the ocean, and treating it as my personal playground."

This ICF world cup also served as a crucial test event for the upcoming 2027 Pacific Games and the 2027 ICF world championships, both slated for these waters. Eychenne anticipates stronger competition, noting, "Many of the world's top female paddlers will come to Tahiti, so we must...

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