ICF Canoe Freestyle Committee activities

Rules Working Group 

There have been fewer competitions in the final quarter of 2024, but a lot has been going on behind the scenes in Canoe Freestyle.  

The Rules Working Group has been busy tidying up our move definitions and ensuring our rules keep up with our paddlers. These rule changes were passed by the ICF Board of Directors and will be in place for next year’s World Championships.  

The new rules can be found here. 

Two consultations were held to gauge the community’s views on two of our existing classes - squirt and OC1.  Consultations are still ongoing and results will be shared when all stakeholders views have been considered.  

Re-election and new members 

At this year’s ICF Congress, my nomination was endorsed by the National Federations and I will serve another four years as Chair.  I have an ambitious agenda with development at its core.  

Three new members joined the Canoe Freestyle Committee in Tanya Neilson, Mason Hargrove and Jez Jezz. Together they bring unique skills and experience to the committee.  

Tanya will concentrate on development, while Jez will focus on sports presentation and Mason brings with him the athletes point of view.  

Thanks need to go to Ciaran, Matt and Rowan who stood down this year. Their contribution over the last four years has been invaluable. They all remain integral to the freestyle community and will continue to input into our work moving forward.  

With the World Championships in Plattling on the horizon, all our efforts are now focused on working with the Host Organising Committee and the German Canoe Federation to deliver the best event ever.  

We are also hoping to increase our international reach with Valerie, Maxi and Tanya working on next year’s development camp and Charlie rolling out the judges seminar. 

By Terry Best, Chair of the ICF Canoe Freestyle Committee