Closer Look at July 4th Fautasi Race: Fautasi Fight Club

A closer look at the July 4, 2024 Fautasi Race in Pago Pago harbor where fierce competition turned into a heated confrontation between rival crews. Witness the passion and intensity that defines this traditional sport as tensions flared on the water. This video captures the essence of village pride, the spirit of competition, and the unexpected moments that can unfold during such a beloved event. Don't miss this captivating glimpse into the heart of Samoan culture and the excitement of the fautasi races!
In this closer look version we have included extra clips that we not included in the original race video. Some of those clips have bad lighting due to the position of the sun, or have shaky camera movement. We apologize for those imperfections, but heard from our viewers that including more footage will help viewers understand what happened on that emotional day.
Key moments:
01:53 3 seconds after the start
03:41 Matasaua and Lupulele tangle oars
04:49 Fealofani Samoa Fagasa looses an oar on the right side
05:32 Fealofani Samoa Fagasa starts to drift right into Paepaeulupo'o
05:45 Fealofani and Paepae tangle oars for the first time
06:15 More tangling and tempers flare with throwing water bottles
06:27 Still clear of the red buoy
06:45 Lupulele and Aeto tangle in the backfield
07:15 Paepae and Fealofani collide! Aeto and Matasau tangle in the backfield. Lupulele off course.
07:30 It just gets ugly for a while
07:42 another view from shore of the same scene
11:16 Fealofani fuli!
15:14 Boats crossing finish line
15:50 back to the scene of the tangle
23:08 Props to the support boats for their hard work. Mao lava!
Official results of the race can be found here: www.talanei.co....
✅️ 1st Place: Manu’atele Matāsaua
✅️ 2nd Place: PagoPago Aeto
✅️ 3rd Place: Ili’ili Lupelele
✅️4th Place: Fagatogo Iseula
“According to overwhelming evidence, the remaining fautasis did not adhere to the rules of our starting line. However, each fautasi still gain to receive a consolation prize. Congratulations to our consolation prize winners:
✅️ Nuuuli Manulele Tausala 1
✅ Nuuuli️ Manulele Tausala 2
✅️ Fagasā Fealofani Samoa
✅️ Aua Paepae Ulupo’o
The statement continued, “Our heartfelt wishes and prayers are with Vatia Fuaō fautasi, as they were unable to race due to an unforseen accident the day prior to the race. “
Our hearts are with you Fuao and Vatia.

[@mokuadventures]

Keep all comments clean so the nice families who support the teams arent offended. Fa'afetai.

[@iTzBruceyW]

So Fagasa did drift towards Paepae in the beginning 5:30. Did Fagasa's captain ever specify what caused this?

[@mokuadventures]

Yep, looks like. Was is it the broken oar on the right side that cause the boat to drift right? Hard telling.

[@travistuaphotography2023]

@@mokuadventuresi think our skipper was confused with which buoy was the finish line. and im from fagasa

[@mokuadventures]

Very good point. Confusing morning for many due to the changes made because of the weather and waves. Malo.

[@iTzBruceyW]

@@travistuaphotography2023 okay thanks for clarifying.

[@iTzBruceyW]

@@mokuadventures I was thinking that as well, but the offset wouldn't be too much due to the mass of the boat to turn that drastically. anyways, I think an official drone should be flown at all times before the race start. a way better perspective than the side view cameras from boats or on land.

[@maloautasilaufou-ot1dj]

Se Malo PaePae

[@falagitanielu1357]

Aga ole faukasi g makou Upolu ma Savaii ae e faaiu sao i uka e iai a male kgk uma ai g aea 💯🪖🦈

[@maloautasilaufou-ot1dj]

Okou Z