From the Club
Blog
Stories from the water, training tips, and news from the Mana Va'a community.
Mana Va’a Is Growing: Meet Sarah Henly-Shepard in Playa Potrero
We’re thrilled to introduce the next chapter of Mana Va’a: a new home on the water in Playa Potrero, Guanacaste, near Playa Flamingo. Leading this expansion is our partner, Sarah Henly-Shepard. Sarah brings years of experience paddling and competing in Hawai‘i, where she developed a deep connection to va’a and the culture surrounding it. She carries the mana of the sport—the strength, spirit, respect, and sense of community that make outrigger paddling so special—and is committed to helping...
5 Tips for Your First Va’a Paddle in Costa Rica
There’s nothing quite like experiencing Costa Rica’s Pacific coast from a va’a. Whether you join us in Malpaís or Playa Potrero, a little preparation will help make your first paddle safe, comfortable, and memorable. Safety comes first Before every paddle, we monitor the weather, wind, and swell conditions to determine whether it is safe to launch. If the conditions aren’t suitable, we will adjust or reschedule the session. Life preservers are always carried onboard, along with a VHF marine...
Join Our Outrigger Canoe Training Sessions Today
Are you ready to embrace the thrill of the ocean while building strength and camaraderie? Outrigger canoeing is not just a sport; it's a lifestyle that connects you with nature and a community of passionate paddlers. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a complete beginner, our training sessions offer something for everyone. Join us today and discover the joy of paddling! What is Outrigger Canoeing? Outrigger canoeing originated in the Pacific Islands and has evolved into a popular sport...
Explore Costa Rica with Mana Va'a Outrigger Canoe Tours
Costa Rica is a paradise for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. With its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich culture, it offers countless opportunities for exploration. One of the most unique ways to experience this beautiful country is through Mana Va'a Outrigger Canoe Tours. This blog post will take you on a journey through the wonders of outrigger canoeing in Costa Rica, highlighting the experiences you can expect, the benefits of this activity, and tips for making the...
The Ancient Art of Va’a: Why Outrigger Canoeing Connects Us to the Ocean
Born from voyaging Long before va’a became a recreational and competitive sport, it was a vessel for exploration, connection, and survival. Pacific voyagers developed extraordinary knowledge of the ocean, reading the stars, winds, currents, waves, clouds, and wildlife to navigate across vast distances. Their canoes carried families, food, plants, tools, traditions, and knowledge between islands—helping communities travel, trade, fish, and discover new places. The va’a was never simply a boat....
Meet the Pacific Swells: Best Costa Rica Spots for Va'a Paddling
Costa Rica's Pacific coast offers some of the most rewarding outrigger paddling anywhere in the world. Here are a few of the club's favorite launch points. Calm-water mornings Glassy conditions at first light are ideal for building crew timing before the trade winds pick up. Open-ocean swell runs For experienced paddlers, downwind swell runs turn a workout into something closer to flying.
Shop Unique Outrigger Canoe Merchandise at Mana Va'a
Outrigger canoeing is more than just a sport; it’s a way of life for many enthusiasts around the world. The thrill of gliding across the water, the camaraderie among paddlers, and the connection to Polynesian culture make it a unique experience. If you’re passionate about this activity, you’ll want to showcase your love for it through unique merchandise. At Mana Va'a, you can find a variety of outrigger canoe merchandise that not only reflects your passion but also supports the community and...