ICF Canoe Slalom Committee activities Q2 2026

The second quarter of 2026 marked the commencement of the World Cup racing season and continued positive momentum across competition delivery, venue development and Olympic planning. The Committee's work extended well beyond competition oversight, with significant focus on supporting the opening World Cup season, progressing preparations for the 2026 World Championships in Oklahoma City, advancing strategic whitewater infrastructure projects, and continuing collaboration with organisers and host cities looking toward LA28 and Brisbane 2032. 

International Competition 

The opening three ICF Canoe Slalom World Cups in Tacen, Prague and Augsburg successfully launched the major events of the 2026 season, with strong participation across each event. Forty-four National Federations have now been represented during the World Cup Series.  

The federation count jumped from 29 at Tacen to 41 at Prague (World Cup 2 drew a noticeably broader field, including first appearances from Andorra, Argentina, Chile, Kenya, Comoros, Djibouti, and more), then eased slightly to 39 at Augsburg. 

In men vs women participation, both fields have grown steadily each round, with men consistently outnumbering women roughly 5:3 at every stop. 

Europe supplies the bulk of federations at every World Cup (19→23→24), but the more telling story is in the wider continents: America and Africa each roughly doubled their federation count from Tacen to Prague, and Asia grew steadily across all three stops (2→4→5). 

The 2026 ICF Junior & U23 Canoe Slalom World Championships were held in Krakow, Poland, from 30 June to 5 July 2026. Across the Junior and Under 23 categories combined, 449 individual-event starts were recorded (232 Junior, 217 U23) from National Federations spanning five continents, competing for medals in six individual disciplines and four teams events per age category. 

In the U23 category, France triumphed over Czechia for overall gold medals, while the Czechs dominated the junior events by a large margin reflecting overall European participation and domination. China (junior) and USA (U23) were the exception in terms of medal winning performances outside of Europe. 

In participation terms, men’s entries continue to outnumber women’s entries by 3:2. 

Oklahoma City 2026 

Preparations for the 2026 World Championships and LA 2028 Olympic Games have remained a major priority. 

Fortnightly coordination meetings have continued with Riversport, Oklahoma City, and ICF Headquarters to oversee infrastructure upgrades, course refinement, kayak cross infrastructure, and operational readiness. The collaboration between the City, Organising Committee and the ICF has been thorough and exemplary, and provides confidence that Oklahoma City will deliver an outstanding World Championship. 

Strategic Infrastructure 

Progress has continued on several important international venue projects. Regular liaison has been maintained with the Queensland Government, Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) and Redland City Council regarding the development of the Redland Whitewater Centre, with venue delivery proceeding as planned. Similarly, update meetings have continued with project partners progressing the Baku Whitewater Centre, supporting the development of another important international venue that will expand opportunities for canoe slalom in emerging regions. 

Governance and Collaboration 

The Slalom Committee members have continued regular communication throughout the quarter, reviewing the conduct of competitions and continuing collaboration with ICF Headquarters, National Federations, organisers and technical officials. 

Planning has also continued with LA28 representatives while work progresses on future operational improvements arising from the Kayak Cross Summit earlier this year. 

Appreciation 

On behalf of the Committee, I would like to acknowledge the outstanding contribution of our International Technical Officials, Chief Officials, Chief Judges and volunteers who have officiated throughout an exceptionally busy period of competition. 

Their professionalism, expertise and commitment ensure the consistent delivery of world-class competitions and provide invaluable support to athletes and organisers across every continent. 

Chair's Reflections 

As we reach the midpoint of 2026, it is encouraging to see Canoe Slalom continuing to evolve in a positive direction. Participation remains strong, our international calendar continues to grow, and the successful delivery of the opening World Cups and Junior & Under 23 World Championships demonstrated high quality performances from the next generation of athletes. 

Equally significant is the investment being made in the future of our sport. The continued progress of major venue developments in Oklahoma City, Redlands and Baku reflects growing confidence in canoe slalom as both an Olympic discipline and a community recreation asset. 

Richard Fox, Chair of the ICF Canoe Slalom Committee