Anyone looking for some Polynesian flavour this weekend should paddle by the Glenmore Reservoir.

Competition at the Va’a Outrigger Worlds Sprints gets underway Saturday morning with 1,400 competitors from around the world.

“It’s a cultural event as well as an athletic event,” says John Amundson, a local paddler. “Hawaiian canoes are the ones you see in Hawaii 5-0, they have a main, long hull and then on the side, a float.”

Athletes have come from as far away as Brazil and New Caledonia.

Activities start Friday afternoon with a parade of nations at Heritage Park and feast.