Te Puu Ao captain Ralph Ruka, who has been training his team in the waters off Tutukaka Coast, said he was looking forward to the challenging race after watching his wife Auriole compete five times.
"Usually I'm in the support boat but this time I'm paddling. The biggest challenge can be the heat and then there are the sea conditions. It can be flat or there can be huge swells."
Ruka said the atmosphere during the regatta was amazing.
"The people are so awesome and welcoming. The racing is hard out with good crews from around the world paddling."
A team of novice paddlers from Parihaka will get their first taste of international competition when they hit out in the 12km Iron race.
They will be under the guidance of experienced paddler Richard Pehi who will steer the crew.
"Some of them have only been paddling for four months. The goal is to enjoy themselves and give them a bit of experience."
The club also has a team of Golden Masters competing - paddlers aged 60 and over.
The blessing of the waka will be held tomorrow with about 500 paddlers expected to descend on Rarotonga along with hundreds of supporters.
New Zealanders are a driving force behind the Vaka Eiva festival with over 350 heading to the event.
The New Zealanders will compete against teams from Australia, Hawaii, Canada and Cook Islands in a series of races including open ocean racing and sprints, which are held on Muri Lagoon.
Since it began in 2004 with about 200 paddlers, it has swiftly developed into the largest sporting event for the Pacific Island nation.
"An event like this in the stunning Cook Islands gives New Zealand clubs and paddlers an incentive to keep paddling through the cold winter months," NZ Waka Ama president Lara Collins said.
The Vaka Eiva festival - considered the only true Polynesian sport - is a great chance to participate in the culture of the islands with traditional welcomes, dancing, drumming and carving.
