The team which was led by Otea Tommy, who represented the country at the Pacific Games in Papua New Guinea and a singles event in Tahiti, finished ahead of Palmerston and Atiu which settled for silver and bronze medals, respectively.

The other members of the winning team include Marie William, Ioana Puna, Teina Taulu, Henry William and Tungane Manuel.

While hailing the five kilometre V6 event a success, the Cook Islands Canoeing Association president Catherine Evans says the battle between the top three was an intense one.

Five teams took part in the competition. Mangaia and Puaikura were the other two teams.

“The times between the teams were not too far. There were some experienced paddlers, some of who were paddling in the past making their return,” Evans says.

“It was good to see the mix between the new and old paddlers competing in the event. We also had paddlers that went to PNG representing their respective teams.”

Evans says perfect conditions made the race an exciting one.

“We also had a good crowd at Trader Jacks to welcome the competing teams.”