International Va'a Federation World Sprint Championships Singapore 2026

This August, Marina Bay transforms into a world-class outrigger canoe racing arena.

Singapore is hosting the International Va'a Federation (IVF) World Sprint Championships for the first time in Asia — welcoming over 3,000 athletes from 30+ countries for the largest outrigger canoe racing event in history. 

Va'a (pronounced "vah-ah") is the Polynesian word for outrigger canoe — a high-performance racing craft stabilised by a lateral float, built for pure speed on open water. Think less dragon boat, more Formula One on water.

The programme spanned single-paddler crafts (OC1 and V1), team crews (V6 and V12), dedicated Para-Vaʻa categories for adaptive paddlers, and multi-generational age-group divisions — reflecting a community that has grown steadily since the sport's introduction in Singapore in 2002.

Watch the legendary watermen and waterwomen of Hawaii, Tahiti and New Zealand battle it out on Singapore waters, and cheer on our own athletes as they race on home soil for the very first time.

The action spans 500m, 1000m and 1500m sprint races, with the crowd-favourite turn race — where crews hit full speed, spin around a buoy, and race back — guaranteed to get your heart pumping.

No ticket needed. Watch for free from the Merlion, Esplanade, Fullerton or Marina Bay Sands waterfront. Stay for the pop-up booths and fringe activities on site.

One of the most spectacular sporting events Singapore has ever hosted — ten days of world-class racing you won't want to miss!

Learn more about the sport by reading our Fun Fact Sheet!