Foto: FELIPE LIMA
,, Ceará's water sports are spoken of and respected throughout Brazil in an extremely positive way.
The Fortaleza Beira-Mar was the stage for a unique spectacle last weekend (May 23-24). With a record number of registered athletes, outrigger canoeing has consolidated its presence in Ceará. The competition gathered local paddlers alongside athletes from three other Brazilian states, driven by the high technical level of the races and the favorable conditions of the Ceará coastline for the sport, also known as Va’a.
The sea of Fortaleza is a perfect place for outrigger canoeing
Promoted by the Federação de Canoa Havaiana do Ceará (Fevaace) and organized by Kayakeria, the championship featured races throughout Saturday and Sunday, strengthening Ceará's position as a national reference in water sports.
Athletes from several Brazilian states came to paddle in the capital of Ceará
According to Galdino Malandrino, event organizer and owner of Kayakeria, this record is the result of a project started five years ago. "In 2021, when Kayakeria held its first outrigger canoe event right after the most critical period of the pandemic, we dreamed of seeing Ceará's water sports strong and integrated. This dream materialized now, in 2026. Today, Ceará's water sports are spoken of and respected throughout Brazil in an extremely positive way," celebrates Galdino. In addition to organizing the event, Galdino also competed and won the title in the main category, the Men's OC6 Open.
The Hale Kai mixed OC6 team made its debut at the event and took home the bronze
According to Angelita Teles, administrator and athlete for the Hale Kai team, who attended both days of the competition, this year's event was beautiful and well-organized. "Everything was very well done, and all of our athletes made it to the podium in this first stop," Angelita celebrates.
The championship also drew attention for its social inclusion and sustainability initiatives. One of the highlights was the Categoria Rosa (Pink Category), formed by women who have beaten or are undergoing treatment for breast cancer. These athletes use canoeing as a tool for physical rehabilitation and emotional resilience. The championship also featured adaptive athletes (PCD), reinforcing a commitment to accessibility; young athletes from social projects like IPOM and Canoa Viva also participated. Together, they left the beach cleaner by carrying out cleanup actions that brought together athletes, organizers, and the public.
This was only the first stop of the Ceará Va'a Championship
According to Sarah Carneiro, athlete for Life Hoe Clube, the next stop of the Ceará Outrigger Canoe Championship is scheduled for August this year.
