What is Fautasi?

Fautasi are "long boats" in which around 50 people "row" to get from one destination to another. 

The fautasi are "traditonal" in the sense that they existed during pre-contact times, but have become a part of modern Samoan maritime and sport culture. 

The major difference between fautasi and paopao (outrigger canoes) is that the crew of a fautasi rows (facing back to the ocean while propelling forward), while those in an outrigger paddles (facing toward the ocean). Paddling is a traditionally Pacific technique while rowing is a British/western style.