By: Summer Kennard
KOROR, Palau– “The competition was intense, but what stood out most was the respect and spirit shared between every crew out there,” said a paddler from Guam’s Maneran Galaide, capturing the spirit of the 2025 Micronesian Cup, which wrapped up Sunday after three days of fierce but friendly racing in Palau’s pristine waters.
Held from October 24 to 26, the regional outrigger paddling event brought together clubs from across Micronesia, drawing record participation from Guam, Saipan, Seattle, and host nation Palau. Teams competed in sprint and long-distance races, showcasing both athletic prowess and the camaraderie that defines Pacific paddling.
Maneran Galaide emerged as one of the weekend’s standout teams, sweeping multiple categories. The Guam-based crew claimed gold in the Open Men’s V6 500-meter Sprint with a time of 2:18:57 and went on to dominate the Open Men’s Long Distance event at 34:56:59. The team also topped the Open Mixed Long Distance with 36:16:38, demonstrating precision and endurance across every race.
For Seattle Outrigger, victory came with special significance in the Open Women’s V6 500-meter Sprint, where the team clocked 2:58:26 to secure first place. The win was a homecoming of sorts, as their coach, Mari, is originally from Palau.
“We are so lucky because our coach in Seattle, Mari, is from here,” said Kelsey Medrano of Seattle Outrigger. “She has been such an amazing coach and opened up the opportunity to come home, see her home, and paddle here. We just feel really lucky.”
Palau’s own AMF club also put on a strong performance throughout the tournament, taking first place in the Open Women’s Long Distance with a time of 40:09:07 and earning several podium finishes in sprint and mixed events.
“It was a really great experience and I am really grateful for the opportunity since I have only been paddling for about a year,” said Ian of AMF. “Witnessing and competing with other clubs with the same passion was really fun.”
The next generation of paddlers made their mark as well. Puti’on Tasi captured the Junior Boys V6 500-meter Sprint, narrowly edging Taotao Galaide by just 0.12 seconds, and also claimed victory in the Junior Girls V6 Exhibition Sprint with a time of 3:05:63.
Spectators lined Palau’s turquoise channels to cheer on competitors who braved shifting winds and tight finishes throughout the weekend. Organizers hailed the 2025 edition as one of the largest and most competitive in the event’s history.
“Each year, the Micro Cup gets stronger,” said event organizer Nihla Reddin. “The passion and unity shown through paddling reflect the heart of the Pacific.”