The Story of Va’a –The Polynesian Canoe
Va’a, or the Polynesian canoe, has its roots in the ancient cultures of the Pacific, where it was much more than a vessel—it was a symbol of identity, a connection to nature, and a way of community life. Originating thousands of years ago among Austronesian seafaring peoples, its unique design—a canoe with a lateral outrigger (ama)—enabled long-distance travel across the vast ocean with both speed and stability.
Thanks to the va’a, these peoples colonized the islands of Polynesia—including Hawai‘i, Tahiti, Samoa, and Rapa Nui—carrying families, food, tools, and traditions. Navigation was guided by the stars, ocean swells, and wind patterns, making them masters of ancestral seafaring. The va’a was not just a means of transportation; it was a deeply rooted cultural, spiritual, and social expression.
Today, this tradition has evolved and flourished as a recreational and competitive sport practiced around the world. Thousands of people paddle va’a for its physical benefits, its connection to the environment, and its powerful spirit of teamwork. It has also become a high-performance sport, with international races that honor both cultural heritage and athletic skill.
Our Mission
We are Costa Rica’s first outrigger canoe club. Our mission is to promote this ancestral sport nationwide, inviting people of all ages to experience a practice that blends physical activity, teamwork, and a deep connection with nature. We aim to share the knowledge we’ve gained, foster appreciation for Polynesian canoe culture, and build a strong community of paddlers committed to the growth of the sport and respect for the environment.
Our Vision
We aspire to become a continental benchmark in the development of outrigger canoeing, forming teams that represent Costa Rica in Pan-American and world championships.
We also want to be a driving force for shared adventures—creating teams not only to compete, but to explore remote and inaccessible places together. Our local expeditions will combine sport, nature, outdoor meals, and moments of true community.
In the long term, we aim to host international competitions, positioning Costa Rica as an ideal destination for the practice of this sport and contributing to sustainable and sports-driven tourism along our coasts.
Our Story
Santiago Casares
Maximo Moring
The origin of Mana Va'a
We’re Santi and Max, ocean lovers and lifelong paddlers who met through our shared love for va‘a—the traditional Polynesian outrigger canoe.
We began our journey at Manu ‘O Ke Kai Argentina, the club where we learned almost everything we know about paddling, community, and the spirit of the sport. It was there that our passion truly took root.
After spending time immersed in Polynesian culture while living in Hawai‘i and Samoa, we embraced the values, traditions, and deep spiritual connection that va‘a carries.
Mana Va’a was born from that passion. For over 12 years, this dream has been with us—present in every barbecue, every beach day, every family hangout. It’s been a constant in our friendship and a shared vision that always found its way into our conversations.
Today, that dream becomes a reality.
Mana Va’a is Costa Rica’s first outrigger canoe club—a space to train, explore, and connect with the ocean and with each other, one stroke at a time.