Hundreds of overseas visitors are expected in the Cook Islands for this year's Vaka Eiva paddling tournament - the single largest annual international sporting event on the Cook Islands' calendar.
Vaka Eiva starts this Friday.
This year the week long competition includes about 520 international paddlers as well as 100 overseas supporters.
It is expected to generate hundreds of thousands of dollars for the local economy.
Vaka Eiva involves a series of races, culminating in the Round Raro which sees competitors circle the main island.
Paddlers are coming to the event from Canada, New Zealand, Tahiti and Australia, while there will be a strong Cook Islands contingent.
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