Text: Sarah Hebert
It's 4.00 a.m. and I've only slept for two hours. As I step out of the plane, which has just landed on the tarmac at Valais-Hihifo Airport, I am hit by a wave of warm, humid air. As soon as we pass through the exit doors, we are greeted with strings of colourful flowers. The scents tickle our still sleepy noses: Ylang ylang, tiare and pandanus fruit scents hit my stomach a little this time though - I haven't eaten for hours. I've come here, as I did last year, for the Air Calin Manatai Cup. 60 water sports enthusiasts from France, Australia and New Caledonia meet here to take part in this fun event, which brings together different types of water sports.
Wallis and Futuna are French overseas territories in the Pacific Ocean, located north-east of Fiji and west of Samoa. Few of us had ever visited this small piece of land, which has been under the protection of the French state since 1888. Thanks to a treaty initiated by Queen Amélia at the time, the islands were never colonised - which perhaps explains the joie de vivre and warm hospitality of the population.
The Catholic religion is of paramount importance in Valais. I am looking forward to taking part in the traditional festivities in mid-August, as I did on my last visit. The traditional festivals are of great importance to Wallis and Futuna, where several pigs are sacrificed and offered to the king and all the chiefs according to a set protocol.
In Wallis, these ceremonies are called "katoaga" and are deeply rooted in the culture. Whether a believer or not, it is impossible not to be impressed when you take part in the mass celebrated by the bishop in the island's cathedral alongside the followers of King Lavelua Takumasiva Aisake.
Apart from the impressive nature and cultural highlights, Valais is also a dream for water sports enthusiasts. The wind is rather light at ten to 15 knots, which is why you generally have the most fun here with foils. Ben and the team from the local sailing club Wakala take you by boat every day to the many small islands along the coral reef, where you can swim your laps in crystal-clear water. Wallis is surrounded by a lagoon framed by several uninhabited islands. It is the dream spot for all water sports enthusiasts like us. The wind, which blows at right angles over the reef, makes it possible to paddle for kilometres in mirror-smooth water along the sandy bottom. Simply magical!
Me and my fellow travellers spend the nights in the hammock, which is no problem at temperatures of 26 degrees. It's just a shame if, like me, you forget your mosquito repellent spray, which is why I quickly move into my board bag at the start.
The ten days on Valais fly by. The trade wind blows reliably, we let off steam on the bathtub-warm water and explore the island. As I climb back up the stairs to the aeroplane, full of new impressions, I know that I will be back.
