ICF Canoe Marathon Committee activities Q4 2025

These may seem like quiet months with no competitions, but preparations for the 2026 season are in full swing and it is also important to think about how we will approach next season and how we can offer the athletes a good programme. 

Survey Distribution and Evaluation 

On 18 October, there was an online meeting with the Canoe Marathon Committee to discuss various points following the World Championships. Every year after the World Championships, we distribute a survey among the team leaders (of juniors/under 23/seniors) and also the masters (athletes), which is important to us in order to improve competitions where possible. It is a luxury to have many participants in competitions, and we would like that, but it puts pressure on the programme, which is another challenge to solve. This year's Canoe Marathon meeting also evaluated the Para competitions, and we still have some improvements to make in that area, which we will do together with the Para committee. 

Long-term Planning 

We have also started work on a long-term strategic plan that must ensure that the competitions remain interesting for both competitors and the public at the venue and at home. Within the CAM, we are working with a working group on operational requirements. This group meets monthly to draw up a clear plan for future World Championships. The final document will also be discussed with the entire committee during the annual face-to-face meeting in Madrid at the end of January 2026. 

Events to Look Ahead to 

The last few months have been important for Canoe Marathon to prepare for the 2026 season, where the World Championships in Gualeguaychu, Argentina (October 19 - 25) and the World Cup in Bazhong, China (May 23 and 24) have already been the subject of much discussion, in order to make it another great marathon year, which the paddlers worldwide certainly deserve. 

So it's certainly not quiet, and that's fine, because it means that if we want to innovate and grow, there can be no quiet moments. We would like to thank the ICF staff members for their support in 2026, that was much appreciated. 

By Ruud Heijselaar, Chair of the ICF Canoe Marathon Committee