2026 Va’a Japan 4th National Championships in Minami Izu

(Entry period: February 15 to March 31)
The deadline for entries including a jersey is March 1.

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Date: April 18 (Sat) – April 19 (Sun), 2026
Location: Yumigahama Beach, Minami Izu, Shizuoka Prefecture
Organizer: Va’a Japan
Supporters: Minami Izu Town, Minami Izu Tourism Association, Izu Fisheries Cooperative Association, Minami Izu Chamber of Commerce, Izu Outrigger Canoe Club, PADDLER Inc., 
Sponsors: freee K.K., Hammers + Legends, PADDLER, patagonia, Outrigger Zone, Kai Wa'a, PUAKEA designs, PADDLE FACTORY, Keep Padlling

 

Race Overview

Course:

• Long Course: 21 km

• Short Course: 6 km (Course may change depending on race-day conditions.)

 

Craft & Divisions:

• OC1

• V1

• OC2

 

Categories:

• Junior (19 & Under): OC1/V1 Mixed (Short Course Only)

• Open (20 – 39 years old)

• Masters (40 – 49 years old)

• Grand Masters (50 +)

• OC2

 

Awards:

• The top 3 finishers in the V1 & OC1 Long Course will receive overall awards.

• If there are 1-3 entries in a division → Only 1st place is awarded.

• If there are 4 or more entries in a division → Top 3 finishers will be awarded.

• OC2 participants in the Short Course will be classified under the Open Category.
   

Schedule

April 18 (Sat)

• 16:00 – 18:00 Race Check-in @ Shimogamo Tropical Botanical Garden

• 18:00 – Pre-Race Party @ Shimogamo Tropical Botanical Garden (Catering by BE HAPPY Izu)

 

April 19 (Sun)

• 07:00 – 08:00 Race Check-in (Main Tent)

• 08:00 Opening Ceremony

• 09:00 Short Course Start

• 11:00 OC1/V1 Long Course Start

• 15:30 Closing Ceremony & Prize Draw

 

Race Cancellation & Changes Due to Weather or Unexpected Situations

• If the race cannot be held on April 19, it may be moved to April 18.

• If the race is canceled on both days, entry fees will not be refunded.

 

Safety Regulations

• All paddlers must wear one of the following:

  • Life jacket

  • Floating vest

  • Inflatable life vest (e.g., RESTUBE)

• Leash is mandatory for OC1.

• A spare paddle must be attached to the canoe.

 

Entry Fees ​(ENTRIES CLOSE MARCH 31, 2026)
 

LONG COURSE

• OC1/V1 　　　　  : ¥19,800 (tax included)

• OC1/V1  (Junior)  : ¥16,500 (tax included) *Under 19

• OC2 　　　　 　　: ¥37,400 (tax included)

• OC2 （Junior）　  : ¥33,000 (tax included) *Under 19

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​SHORT COURSE

• OC1/V1 　　　　  : ¥17,600 (tax included)

• OC1/V1  (Junior)   : ¥15,400 (tax included) *Under 19

• OC2 　　　　  　　: ¥33,000 (tax included)

• OC2 （Junior）　  : ¥30,800 (tax included) *Under 19
  
   

Entry fees include:

• Va’a Japan cap by Hammers + Legends

• PADDLERS NIGHT (Pre-Race Party)

• Race-day Bento Lunch

• Sports insurance

・Participants who register and complete the payment of entry fee by March 1 will receive a VA'A JAPAN x Hammers + Legends race jersey.
(The entry fee remains the same for registrations after March 1.)

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Rental Canoes

Rental canoes are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
While we will ask for your preferred canoe, we cannot guarantee availability of your preferred model.

We have already received a large number of inquiries from overseas paddlers, even before entry officially opens.
As canoe availability cannot be guaranteed, please submit the form and wait for our confirmation.

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