ICF Canoe Ocean Racing Committee activities Q2 2025

Canoe Ocean Racing Reaches New Heights
The world of Canoe Ocean Racing is riding a wave of success after a historic and action-packed trimester that displayed the sport’s rapid development and growing global appeal.

A World Cup to Remember 
All eyes were on Spain for the EuroChallenge, which hosted the first 2025 ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Cup – and it turned out to be an amazing event. For the first time in Canoe Ocean Racing World Cup history, paddlers from five continents came together to compete, sending a clear message: Canoe Ocean Racing has truly become a global sport. The race itself offered spectacular conditions, drawing an impressive number of athletes eager to test themselves on the course that will also host next year’s World Championships. Organisers rose to the occasion, delivering what many called the best World Cup event ever. At the top of the podium stood two familiar names: Gordan Harbrecht from Germany, the reigning World Champion, claimed victory in the men’s race, while Kira Bester from South Africa took the women’s crown – both proving they are the ones to beat.  Among the standout competitors were some of the biggest names in canoeing, adding to the prestige of the event were several world-renowned athletes, including the 2024 SS2 World Champions Chloë Bunnett and Victor Rodriguez from Spain, multiple-time champion Walter Bouzán, and South Africa’s Uli Hart and Matthew Fenn, adding even more prestige to the event.

Breaking New Ground in Officiating
It was not just the athletes making waves. This trimester also marked the launch of the first-ever ITO online seminar for Canoe Ocean Racing, a pioneering step in raising the level of officiating worldwide. Officials from New Zealand, China, South Africa, Spain, France, the UK, Portugal, and Saint Maarten connected online to exchange ideas and sharpen their skills. This initiative laid the groundwork for a stronger, more unified global officiating network.

Countdown to the World Championships Begins
With the 2026 ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships on the horizon, preparations are in full swing. The release of the second official bulletin and the opening of race entries have set the stage for what promises to be a standout competition. Anticipation is high, and excitement is building across the global paddling community.

Steering the Sport Forward 
Behind the scenes, the Canoe Ocean Racing Committee has been hard at work, meeting three times over the last three months to shape the sport’s future. Our efforts have also extended to productive talks with key federations and organisations. From Australia to Singapore, Brazil to Tahiti, La Réunion to the Asian Canoe Confederation, the USA to Malaysia and Thailand, the Committee has been forging partnerships and fine-tuning its strategic development plan. One of the most exciting developments in these discussions has been the close collaboration with the ICF Paracanoe Committee to explore ways of integrating Paracanoe athletes into Canoe Ocean Racing. These conversations are a crucial step towards making the sport even more inclusive and accessible in the years ahead. The feedback from all corners of the paddling world has been all positive, reinforcing the belief that Canoe Ocean Racing is entering a new era of growth, diversity, and opportunity.

Looking Ahead
As the waves settle after an exhilarating few months, one thing is clear: Canoe Ocean Racing it’s a fast-growing, exciting sport with a bright future – and the momentum shows no sign of slowing down. Stay tuned for more!

By Marian Sarbu, Chair of the ICF Canoe Ocean Racing Committee