Outrigger canoeing through sport, culture and community
Explore VA'A
Over the past 20 years, outrigger canoeing has grown steadily in Singapore. Since 2023, Va‘a Association Singapore (VAS) has officially governed the sport, driving its development locally and internationally.
Men Long Course Single Craft - race start
At Seringat beacon
MBS and Singapore flyer in the background
Men Long Course Single Craft - race start
WHAT IS VA'A ?
Va‘a—also known as outrigger canoe or waka ama—traces back over 3,000 years to early seafarers from Southeast Asia who voyaged across the Pacific.
Once essential for travel and cultural exchange, va‘a has evolved into a global sport. Governed by the International Va‘a Federation (IVF), it features solo (V1) and team (V6, V12) races on flat water and open ocean.
Rooted in tradition and growing worldwide, va‘a now connects paddlers across Oceania, the Americas, Europe, Africa—and increasingly, Asia.
PROMOTING VA'A IN SOUTHEAST ASIA
5 clubs powered by passion
Singapore’s Va‘a Association represents 5 clubs with a community proudly international, inclusive, and united by a passion for paddling :
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American Dragons Singapore
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Kiwi Waka Ama Singapore
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Singapore Paddle Club
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Va‘a Team France Singapore
Training & racing locally
Training takes place year-round —from open sea conditions off Sentosa and East Coast Park to the calm, flat waters of Kallang Basin and Marina Bay Reservoir.
Bringing together thousands of local and international paddlers, local events like Singapore Ocean Cup or Singapore Canoe Marathon reflect the sport’s rising popularity and competitive spirit.
Developing Va'a regionally
Singapore isn’t just building the sport at home—it’s helping it take roots across the region, actively supporting the rise of Va‘a in countries like the Philippines, Taiwan, and Indonesia.
Promoting elite paddling
Since 2017, Singapore has proudly fielded teams at both the IVF World Long Distance and World Sprint Championships, with athletes achieving semi-final and final placements, and even top 10 finishes on the global stage.
MEET THE TEAM
Backed by over a decade of experience in the sport, our team brings together passionate paddlers committed to advancing outrigger canoeing in Singapore. Each member plays a key role in growing the community and shaping the future of Va‘a.
Mike Matthews
President
Zack Chen
Vice-President
Xavier Keutch
Secretary
