By Eleanor Gee

Local Tongan outrigger canoe athlete, Malakai ‘Ahokava (36), is aiming to qualify for the 2020 Olympics in kayak sprints with two-time Olympian Pita Taufatofua, after having a taste of high level competition last month in Szeged, Hungary.

The pair made their debut at the World Championships in the K2 (two man) 200m and 500m races, after training for only six days, which included the first few days paddling with their hands, a basic drill for beginners.

Although new to the sport, Malakai told Matangi Tonga he believes they can qualify for the 2020 Olympics.

“The journey we are on is one way. And we will keep going as far as we can.”

While Pita had a little experience training in a kayak, Malakai had never been in a kayak until Hungary. And neither of them had ever been in a K2 kayak.

Countries including Tonga taking part in the World Championships for the first time were given one week to train with kayak professionals before their races.

Malakai said he and Pita were the only ones who had never kayaked in a K2 before “and they were laughing.”

“No one in the sport thought we could balance the kayak in the six days before the race. But we did. Although I had never been in a kayak, I can read the water as I paddle an outrigger [canoe]. 

“The hardest thing for us on the kayak is balance. We also control the rudder. When you move your left leg, you paddle with your left arm, and if you shift your centre just a little more to one side, you end up swimming in the water.”

“So, we spent more time going zig zag instead of straight. But if we have more time [training], oh easy!”

“As with new things, we start slowly like babies. We learn to crawl, then walk and then run,” said Malakai.

“I am so happy I went to compete. Even though I spent thousands of my own funds, it was worth it for me to experience it and learn.”

Support

Besides trying to master the kayak technique, the pair need funding support to attend competitions and continue training.

"I really want to do this, my heart and mind is behind this, but the funding is not enough," said Malakai.

He is hoping the Tongan Government and sporting bodies can contribute to his journey.

“I have written to TASANOC and Tonga Sports Council (TSC) to see if they can help me with some funding.”

While he hasn’t heard back from them, Malakai is continuing to look for other support.

The trip to Hungary cost him around TOP$8,000, which was most of his earnings from his custom broking business and his plantation, while Pita is paying his own way but also supported Malakai in Hungary with accommodation.

The pair were supposed to be in Japan this week to compete in another Kayak Sprint competition but could not afford to go there.

Future

Instead, they will attend a three-month training camp starting next week in Brisbane, Australia.

“We will camp with the Australian team so we can compete with them,” said Malakai.

They have received support from the Kayak Federation of Hungary, who donated a paddle to Malakai “and they are sending Pita’s paddle and two kayaks to Brisbane, for us to train in.”

While in Tonga, Malakai does not have a race kayak to train on but instead uses a surf ski which he says is very different but that’s all he can do to keep up with his fitness and technique.

“I’ve been sticking to my training routine and I won’t stop. And what helps with my training is my work, going to ‘uta (plantation). And I’m trying to stick to my diet, although it is really difficult, and workout, and then [I train] on the water in the evenings.”

Malakai said he has learned a lot from Pita and says they will do everything they can to excel in the sport.

“What I’ve learned from Pita is whatever he does, he always gives it his very best. And it doesn’t matter if people support him or not, he does not give in. He inspires me to believe in myself.”

Malakai represented Tonga in outrigger canoeing at the Pacific Games held in July in Samoa. But he said with kayaking, it reaches a much higher level of competition at the Olympics.

He said the main reason he agreed to partner with Pita on this journey last month is to help bring the sport to Tonga because he believes it will help local Tongans, like himself, be able to have the chance to represent the kingdom at the Olympics.

“If this sport is brought to Tonga, I’m telling you, it is a natural fit for Tongan people. Because Tongans are strong.”

“We have opened the door for Tonga in Kayak.”