ICF Canoe Freestyle Committee activities Q2 2025

Quarter 2 of 2025 continued the momentum from Q1 with a packed schedule, exciting developments, and major progress across the global freestyle community. 

Center of Excellence Launch 
The annual Columbus Cup in Georgia, United States, was a resounding success. Standout performances came from husband-and-wife duo Nick Troutman and Emily Jackson, who each claimed gold in their respective divisions. While in Columbus, I met with Dan Gilbert, head of the newly established USA Freestyle Center of Excellence, a joint initiative with the ICF. This exciting venture is already underway and aims to serve as a global model for future centres of excellence. 
Read more here: ICF News – Canoe Freestyle Added to School Curriculum 

Development Camp 
Next up was the San Juan Open in Argentina, held on the renowned 2017 World Championships feature. The event was organised by Maximiliano Montoya and the San Juan Kayak Club, with support from ICF Canoe Freestyle Committee member Mason Hargrove and Chief Official Charlie Brackpool. In parallel, a development camp and judges seminar was hosted by Maxi, Charlie, and Mason. This event is shaping up to become a regular and much-anticipated fixture in the freestyle calendar. 

World Championships in Plattling 
The flagship event of the year, the 2025 ICF Canoe Freestyle World Championships, was held in Plattling, Germany after two years of meticulous planning. Leading up to the competition, exceptionally low water levels posed serious challenges. The community was notified of potential schedule adjustments and responded with admirable understanding and flexibility. Ultimately, for safety reasons, the final two days of competition were cancelled. However, all medal rounds were successfully completed beforehand. Ottilie Robinson Shaw (GBR) and Tom Dolle (FRA) were among the gold medallists. 
More details: ICF News – Titles Awarded After Worlds Cut Short 

Development Camp in Plattling 
During the World Championships, another ICF Development Camp took place, led by Valerie Bertrand and Maxi, and managed by Tanya Neilson and Thomas Rosset. The global kayaking community once again came through, supplying equipment for athletes from emerging nations. Paddlers from India, Kenya, and other countries competed in their first ICF Freestyle event. 
Read more: ICF Development Camp in Plattling 

New Categories: Masters and Cadets 
Another milestone achieved was the introduction of an official ICF masters category and an unofficial cadets class (under 15s). Both were well-received and are likely to become regular features in future events. Despite the challenges, the 2025 ICF Freestyle Worlds were widely seen as a success story and a testament to the resilience of the freestyle community. 

Freestyle Euro Cup Returns 
The quarter closed with the exciting reintroduction of the Freestyle ECA Euro Cup at the Natural Games in Millau, France. Another Euro Cup event is scheduled for Nottingham later this summer. 

Looking Ahead 
With a series of successful events, groundbreaking development initiatives, and new competitive categories, ICF Canoe Freestyle is thriving. We look forward to an even stronger second half of the year as the community continues to grow, innovate, and inspire. 

By Terry Best, Chair of the ICF Canoe Freestyle Committee