ABOUT
A MIND-BODY EXPERIENCE
ARE Tahiti’s Signature Course, “The Basics of Paddling,” combines the essentials of mental preparedness and physical technique. This mind-body approach addresses paddlers as a whole, helping them develop the mindset to be in sync with the water and their canoe plus the techniques to master the proper skills and mechanics of paddling. We also instill a profound appreciation of culture—the centuries-old Tahitian tradition of Va’a—which is integral to the sport of Va’a.
Meet ARE TAHITI Coach Iloha Eychenne
Program: The Basics of Paddling
ARE coach Iloha Eychenne lives for Va’a and the joy and opportunity of sharing her passion for paddling with others. Eychenne was born in Tahiti, after her parents moved to the South Pacific from Toulouse, France. Va’a has been a part of her life since age 5 (2000). Her first competitive outrigger win was in a V6, at age 13, in the Heiva i Huahine traditional va’a races. She won the Te aito Tahiti three years running—2022, 2023, and 2024—in a V1. She is currently the IVF world sprint champion, a title earned at the 2024 Hilo World Sprints. When she is not coaching other paddlers, Iloha continues to train for and compete in races in French Polynesia and around the world.
Paddle While Preventing Injury
Iloha believes that paddling goes hand in hand with knowing your canoe—and your body. She stresses optimal posture and technique to prevent injuries. This comes her with firsthand knowledge as a physiotherapist, a practice she studied in France. Iloha’s unique combination of knowledge, both of the canoe and body, helps paddlers learn with utmost safety in mind. She has also refined here technique and efficiency, so paddlers paddle smart, not strong. She believes that by optimizing posture and training, one can paddle without overdoing the need for strength.
Meet ARE TAHITI Coach Teihotu Dubois
Program: The Basics of Va'a
Teihotu Dubois grew up in Tahiti in a Va’a family with a zeal for paddling from an early age. He has been racing competitively for 20 years, including Hawaiki Nui (junior), Heiva, Tahiti Nui, and a third place at the Super Aito (2012). He has raced in V1, Surfski, and V6 canoes. He bridges two generations of paddling, from the “old school” fiberglass canoes to carbon boats that were introduced in 2005. Teihotu combines racing with a love of teaching and sharing his skills with others. He believes good paddling begins with respecting that the ocean is stronger than you are and that it is essential to learn how to get in sync with the wind, current, and everything around you—to become immersed in the total experience of paddling.
A Love of the Water, a Mastery of Technique
In addition to instilling in paddlers a love for the water, Teihotu also stresses the essentials of technique—form, stroke, and balance. Once you learn the fundamentals, you'll experience the feel and glide of your canoe, with minimal drag, and make a true connection with the power of the canoe, the water, the elements... and yourself. This connection is the essence of being at one with the water and reaching your full, paddling potential—whether it’s competitive or simply enjoying paddling as a fun and fulfilling recreational sport.