Why we're doing it

Isn't time spent learning about forgotten ways of sailing and navigating enough of a reason? Travelling by vaka sailing canoe makes for a gruelling and challenging journey with the ever present uncertainty of using navigation methods we're new to.

Still not convinced? Ok then, beyond the aim of sailing the vaka canoe to Samoa, there are some bigger, worthier ideas. We aim to generate pride in being Tokelauan, physical and mental challenge for students and children in interacting with the environment and understanding navigation and students and children from opposite sides of the world. And last but not least, fun through learning!

Canoe Tokelau believe in:

• The value of physical and mental challenge in personal development
• Dissemination- sharing the ideas, experiences and learning in whichever way is most effective. That there is an inherent value in rediscovering and spreading knowledge
• Equality- that we can all learn from each other and that each team member’s opinion counts
• Traditional materials and techniques work well traditional foods taste good!
• Respect for the ocean- from both a safety and an environmental angle. We see the ocean as enormous and dangerous but also finite and fragile.