Tahiti to celebrate its wet and wild side during Bora Bora Liquid Festival

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Bora Bora has rightly become known as an idyllic hideaway for lovers and escape artists. But the island’s jagged peaks and lapis-colored lagoons are a world-class playground for active types seeking adventures ranging from trekking lush mountains to enjoying the world’s fastest growing watersport, SUP, or stand-up paddle.

This winter, travelers can escape the chill and have the chance to participate in these activities during the first annual Bora Bora Liquid Festival, scheduled to take place at Matira Beach from December 12-18, 2011. The Liquid Festival celebrates authentic Tahitian culture with an abundance of activities designed to transport attendees into the heart of French Polynesia. They will find an exciting week-long program filled with competitions and races featuring world-class aquatic athletes, such as Alex Kostich, competing in events including long distance swims, circle-island Va’a Polynesian outrigger races and SUP sprints.

In addition to the adrenalin-pumping competitive events, guests will also enjoy DJs spinning at beach parties, festive barbecues, traditional Tahitian dancing expositions, kids’ programs, watersports lessons, and deeply discounted tours and activities open to everyone, including guided Waverunner tours and unforgettable shark and ray feeding adventures. The mid-December timing is also ideal for active and family travelers to experience a great getaway that doesn’t conflict with Christmas or the New Year’s holidays.

Known originally as the Bora Bora IronMana, the Bora Bora Liquid Festival began in 2000 as the only Va’a-1 (one-man traditional Polynesian outrigger) endurance paddling event in the world covering over 56km, or 34 miles. The brainchild of Bora-based aquatic athlete, Stephan Lambert, the event has grown over the past decade into a much larger, inclusive event open to all that celebrates local culture as well as sporting excellence.