Caribbean Paddlers–Bocas Take Gold in Panama City. Next Stop: Brazil!

Bocas del Toro’s Caribbean Paddlers have earned the right to represent Panama at the 2026 Pan-American Va’a Championship after winning the Open Women’s V6 division in Panama City.

Competing under the Remo Caribe club, the six-member crew took first place in the second event of Panama’s National Va’a and Outrigger V6 Circuit on September 5, 2026. The 24-kilometer race tested the paddlers’ endurance, concentration and ability to maintain their rhythm under difficult conditions.

Caribbean Paddlers–Bocas completed the course in 2 hours, 19 minutes and 29 seconds, finishing more than 12 minutes ahead of the second-place team!

Official Results

The Bocas team finished 12 minutes and 27 seconds ahead of Panafem Paddlers and 15 minutes and 13 seconds ahead of Tehani / Casa Xavaa.

The crew entered the race hoping to build a lead of at least five minutes. Finishing more than 12 minutes ahead exceeded expectations; even surprising the paddlers themselves.

A Demanding 24 Kilometers

The race was physically and mentally demanding. Conditions were hot, with flat seas and almost no waves or bumps for the paddlers to use for assistance.

Although the surface appeared calm, a strong current beneath the water made the course especially challenging. The crew often felt as though it was working against the current, forcing the paddlers to generate their own speed for the entire 24 kilometers.

The heat, length of the course and absence of waves to ride made it difficult to maintain concentration. Much of the competition became a mental battle: continuing to push through fatigue, staying focused and keeping the team’s rhythm intact.

The victory required the crew to draw on all of its physical strength and mental discipline.

Racing Beneath the Panama City Skyline

The course was also one of the most scenic the team has ever experienced. Much of the race took place with the Panama City skyline in view.

The route passed through the waters around Ocean Reef and beneath the bridge before opening toward the Cinta Costera and the city skyline. The combination of ocean, architecture and cityscape created a spectacular setting for an ocean-paddling competition.

At times, the surroundings were so beautiful that they made it difficult to stay focused on the race. The team considers the course one of the most impressive settings in Panama for va’a and ocean paddling.

Six Women Representing Panama

Caribbean Paddlers’ Open Women’s V6 crew is made up of six Panamanian women. Two members are from the Ngäbe-Buglé Comarca, one is from Colón and three are originally from Panama City. All six now live in Bocas del Toro.

The women train together in Bocas and proudly represent both the province and Panama. Their backgrounds reflect the country’s geographical and cultural diversity, while their shared home in Bocas has helped them build a strong team identity.

Early-morning training in Bocas

The crew trains together on the water five to six days a week, often beginning at approximately 5:30 a.m., while it is still dark.

They have maintained their training schedule through Bocas del Toro’s heavy rain, thunderstorms and challenging weather. Their preparation frequently includes strong currents, waves, wind and rapidly changing ocean conditions.

Those demanding conditions have helped develop the crew’s endurance, discipline and ability to work together under pressure. The Panama City victory was the result of months of consistent preparation; not simply one strong performance on race day.

Caribbean Paddlers–Remo Caribe sent two V6 teams to the competition, including a crew in the Club Élite Femenino category which took the silver medal with a time of 1:29:50.

On the Way to Brazil

The victory secured the team’s qualification for the Pan-American Va’a Championship, which will take place in Porto Seguro, Bahia, Brazil, from November 25–29, 2026.

The Bocas crew does not intend simply to participate. Its goal is to compete for a medal, represent Panama proudly and demonstrate the strength of the growing va’a community in Bocas del Toro.

The team also hopes to introduce the international paddling community to the athletic talent and challenging ocean conditions that Bocas has to offer.

Team Launches Urgent Sponsorship Campaign

With limited time remaining before the championship, the team is seeking sponsors and donations to help cover the cost of traveling to Brazil.

The crew must purchase six international flights, beginning its journey in Bocas del Toro rather than Panama City. That makes the overall transportation costs considerably higher. Other expenses include domestic transportation, accommodation, registration, meals, uniforms and equipment.

Businesses, organizations and individuals can support the team by sponsoring the full crew or contributing toward specific expenses. A detailed sponsorship budget is available for potential sponsors, and businesses can discuss visibility through team uniforms, paddles, social media and other promotional opportunities.

Every contribution helps. Those who cannot donate can still support the paddlers by sharing their fundraising campaign.

Support the team’s campaign: gofundme.com

More information about the team is available at caribbeanpaddlers.com

Looking Toward 2027

The country of Panama is preparing to welcome the Pan-American va’a community in 2027. Caribbean Paddlers hopes Bocas del Toro can play a central role and potentially serve as the setting for the championship.

Through its international performances, the team wants to showcase Bocas as a paddling destination and highlight what the province can offer athletes from around the world. The official host and venue for the 2027 event should be confirmed soon. At the time of this publication, Bocas del Toro is being considered as the host for the event. Fingers crossed…!!!

For now, the team’s focus is on Brazil; and on raising the support needed to bring six Bocas-based athletes to the Pan-American stage.