To all paddlers,
We are pleased to announce that the 3rd Va’a Japan OC1/V1 National Championships in Minami Izu will be held on April 19–20, 2025 (Saturday–Sunday). Now in its third year, this event is attracting paddlers from all over Japan as well as many international participants.
To elevate Japan’s outrigger canoe racing to the global stage, we are strengthening our safety measures. This year, we plan to introduce two new safety initiatives:
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Enhanced On-Water Safety with LIFEGUARD SHIZUOKA (Planned)
To ensure a safer race in the open ocean, where the Kuroshio Current flows, we will introduce additional safety measures. Alongside local fishermen’s support boats, LIFEGUARD SHIZUOKA is scheduled to provide on-water safety using IRBs (Inflatable Rescue Boats). This will help create a secure environment where all paddlers can focus on their race with confidence. -
Implementation of HAWKCAST Live Tracking System (Planned)
We plan to introduce a GPS tracking system widely used in races worldwide. This system will allow family members and friends on land to track paddlers’ locations in real time. Additionally, in the event of an emergency, it will enable a quicker response.
Through this event, we aim to further develop outrigger canoe racing in Japan and provide all participants with a safer and more fulfilling race experience.
We look forward to your entry!
Va’a Japan Race Director, Kenny Kaneko
2025 Va’a Japan 3rd National Championships in Minami Izu
Date: April 19 (Sat) – April 20 (Sun), 2025
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., LIFEGUARD SHIZUOKA (Planned), Neosystem Inc.
Sponsors: Hammers and Legends, PADDLER, KEEP PADDLING Inc., Patagonia, Stance, Leus, Eyevol, Paddle Factory, Grin House
Race Overview
Course:
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Long Course: 22 km
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Short Course: 6 km (Course may change depending on race-day conditions.)
Craft & Divisions:
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OC1
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V1
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OC2
Categories:
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Junior (19 & Under): OC1/V1 Mixed (Short Course Only)
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Open (20 – 45 years old)
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Masters (46 & Over)
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OC2
Awards:
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The top 3 finishers in the V1 & OC1 Long Course will receive overall awards.
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If there are 1-3 entries in a division → Only 1st place is awarded.
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If there are 4 or more entries in a division → Top 3 finishers will be awarded.
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OC2 participants in the Short Course will be classified under the Open Category.
Schedule
April 19 (Sat)
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16:00 – 18:00 Race Check-in @ Shimogamo Tropical Botanical Garden
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18:00 – Pre-Race Party @ Shimogamo Tropical Botanical Garden (Catering by BE HAPPY Izu)
April 20 (Sun)
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07:00 – 08:00 Race Check-in (Main Tent)
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08:00 Opening Ceremony
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09:00 Short Course Start
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11:00 OC1/V1 Long Course Start
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15:30 Closing Ceremony & Prize Draw
Race Cancellation & Changes Due to Weather or Unexpected Situations
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If the race cannot be held on April 20, it may be moved to April 19.
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If the race is canceled on both days, entry fees will not be refunded.
Safety Regulations
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All paddlers must wear one of the following:
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Life jacket
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Floating vest
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Inflatable life vest (e.g., RESTUBE)
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Leash is mandatory for OC1.
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A spare paddle must be attached to the canoe.
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The HAWKCAST GPS tracker distributed at check-in must be worn or attached to the canoe during the race.
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If lost, a replacement fee of ¥30,000 will be charged.
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Entry Fees (ENTRIES CLOSE MARCH 31, 2025)
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OC1/V1 Long Course: ¥17,600 (tax included)
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OC1/V1 Long Course (Junior): ¥15,400 (tax included)
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OC2 Long Course: ¥31,900 (tax included)
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OC1/V1 Short Course: ¥14,300 (tax included)
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OC2 Short Course: ¥28,600 (tax included)
Entry fees include:
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Va’a Japan cap by Hammers and Legends
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PADDLERS NIGHT (Pre-Race Party)
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Race-day Bento Lunch
(Note: Starting this year, the VA’A JAPAN x Hammers and Legends Race Jersey will be available for purchase separately.)
Rental Canoes
VA'A JAPAN x HAMMERS+ LEGEND SPECIAL EDITION JERSEY
Special Edition jersey from Va’a Japan & Hammers + Legends – ¥7,040 (tax included)
If you would like to order, please do so through the entry page.
WE HAVE CLOSED ORDERS ON JERSEYS
PADDLER'S NIGHT
This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with paddlers from all over Japan and around the world! This year, the party will be held at Shimogamo Tropical Botanical Garden, featuring catering by Be Happy, a popular spot in Minami Izu.
Plus, don’t miss out on the exciting rock-paper-scissors prize giveaway!
RACE COURSE
