Learn the essentials of outrigger paddling
for speed, power, and efficiency
With Tahitian master coach David Tepava
of the world-renowned Shell Va’a team.
Now available worldwide in multiple languages:
🇺🇸 English 🇫🇷 Français 🇧🇷 Português 🇯🇵 Japanese 🇨🇳 中文 🇪🇸 Español
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Meet the Master
David Tepava is the legendary coach and steersman of Tahiti's Shell Va'a, the most successful 6-man outrigger team in history. Under his leadership, Shell Va’a has set the standard of excellence to which competitive paddlers and teams all over the world aspire.
Watch David's Message
Why Va'a Vitals?
Outrigger Paddlers
If you are a novice, intermediate, or skilled paddler, now you can get exclusive secrets from the most successful va’a coach in history—tools and technique once reserved for competitive paddlers. You’ll benefit from the experience, wisdom, and insights of David Tepava, to avoid bad habits and develop the skills to become a faster, better paddler.
Dragon Boat and Other Paddlers
More and more Dragon Boat paddlers are discovering the benefits of va’a, to expand their expertise and test new waters, like the open ocean. Outrigger paddling is an exciting sport with a rich Tahitian tradition. It can add to your enjoyment of recreational or competitive paddling. And no better way to learn than from a Tahitian master coach!
You'll learn:
- Correct posture and paddle technique
- Essential phases of the stroke
- Distributing power throughout the stroke
- Paddling with maximum efficiency
- Avoiding common mistakes
and more...
What Fellow Paddlers Say
Rogerio Miguel Milezi
on VA'A VITALS I: The Foundations (Portuguese)
"Gostei bastante, mas acho que poderia ter mais conteúdo e o Certificado ser mais bonito!"
David Eder
on VA'A VITALS I: The Foundations (English)
"Very informative basics with a twist in an original approach."
Tony
on VA'A VITALS I: The Foundations (English)
"Me and the team have got a lot out of part 1. We see paddlers online doing it, but now it makes a lot more sense. Looking forward to the follow-ups as I'm sure there is more!"
Get a Certificate of Completion
Complete the online training to prepare for the next course in the series or your in-person va'a lessons with David Tepava.
Watch the Videos
Learn the key concepts and paddling fundamentals.
Review the eWorkbook and Take the Quiz
Test your knowledge and unlock your official completion certificate.
