Blessing Ceremony for the annual Country of Origin Boat Race 2025

“He Wa’a He Moku, He Moku He Wa’a” (Hawaiian saying that means “The canoe is an island, and the island is a canoe.”)

It’s a privilege once more to serve the Singapore outrigger community this morning at the annual whole-day Singapore Country of Origin 🛶🛶 boat race. Koroua (elder) TK and Aotearoa Kiwi Waka Ama Singapore opened the ceremony with an invocation and song, thereafter Alaka’i Puanani Namiko followed with a welcome oli (chant) in Hawaiian. Then, Team France 🇫🇷 led by the indefatigable Xavier Keutch were presented with lei as a token of honor and thanks for their hard work as this year’s race organiser. We were all reminded that the waʻa culture embodies the Aloha spirit, emphasizing respect, harmony, and connection to all things. The ☀️ sun broke through the clouds as the paddlers got ready to launch. There are 180 racers representing thirteen nations in COO this year!

#sghula #schoolofhawaiianhula #wa’a #holowaapa #waa #outriggercanoe