ILOHA EYCHENNE lives for va’a and the joy of sharing her passion for paddling with others. Iloha was born in Tahiti. 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.

Iloha 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.

TEIHOTU DUBOIS grew up in Tahiti 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. Teihotu combines racing with a love of teaching. He believes good paddling begins with respecting that the ocean is stronger than you are and that you must learn how to get in sync with the wind, current, and everything around you—to become immersed in the total experience of paddling.

Besides instilling in paddlers a love for the water, Teihotu stresses the essentials of technique—form, stroke, and balance. When 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, and the elements. This connection is the essence of being at one with the water and reaching your full paddling potential, whether it’s for competition or simply enjoying a fun and fulfilling recreational sport.