Te Vao Tai Paddle Association - Ho'oumi, Nuku Hiva

Te Vao Tai

(Marquesan meaning)

The Valley Ocean

Thousands of miles from any continental landmass, in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, on the island of Nuku Hiva, in the Marquesas archipelago of French Polynesia, is the humble valley of Ho'oumi. Here one will find a peaceful people and natural beauty that restores all sense of hope that peace on earth good will towards “human” still exists. It was here we lived four months aboard s/v Infinite Grace; and here that we were received without prejudice or expectation. A kind greeting – Ka’oha Nui – and a smile began the endearment.

Daily we paddled ashore to sit and watch the children play along the water’s edge. One day we asked if they would like to try the paddle board. They were eager and excited. With big smiles, they paddled for many hours that first day. They would take turns to share the paddle; exploring the inner bay. They were careful, considerate, and brave. Each day that we returned to the beach, more children wanted to try. Parents enjoyed paddling as well.

We had enabled families a new access to the water, to explore their bay, to laugh and play, to share amongst themselves, and to build their self-confidence. From this enthusiasm and joy was born the desire to provide this access permanently - long after we would sail away aboard s/v Infinite Grace.

We met with the village elders; we met with the village parents; we met with the government officials of Nuku Hiva in the city of Taiohae. We asked them if they would like to have a paddle association to foster and support this activity long term. They replied, “yes; this would be good for the children, good for the community, good for the valley.” And so, we helped them to form “Te Vao Tai” – a paddleboard association for the village of Ho'oumi.

To kick start this association we pledged a commitment to donate the first five (5) paddleboards to develop the program. We invite you to join us in support of this effort.

WHY WE DID IT: to enable the children of Ho'oumi and their families to

 Enjoy the water

 Play and encourage happiness

 Exercise and practice balance

 Build self-confidence

 Share

 Foster a caring community

 Teach responsibility

WHY YOU MIGHT CONSIDER A CONTRIBUTION:

 Amity

 Kindness

 Goodwill

 Experience true altruism

 Promote joy and share happiness

 “Pay” (we like to say “give”) forward

 Acknowledge positively the people you encounter

 Give without reward or recognition – an act of true selflessness

“The children are so happy that they will always be able to paddle. There are parents who still can’t believe it. It’s such a huge gift. For the first time, other people are thinking about their children. Their kindness and respect have been rewarded. A very good life lesson. You are helping to make our children good adults of tomorrow, hence our greatest motivation. We will always be very grateful to you.” (Parents of Ho'oumi, Nuku Hiva)