ICF Canoe Slalom Committee activities Q4 2025

The October to December period marked a transition from World Championship delivery into forward planning for the next Olympic cycle. Activity focused on discipline evolution, governance and regulatory alignment, future event hosting, Olympic liaison, and strengthening international technical capability in preparation for the 2026–2028 cycle. 

Committee Meetings and Governance 

Slalom Committee meetings were held online during October and November. 

A significant governance milestone during the reporting period was the approval of the Olympic Qualification System (OQS) by the ICF Board of Directors. The Chair extends sincere thanks to colleagues on the OQS Working Group for their collaborative and constructive approach. The OQS will be considered by the IOC before approval and distribution in early 2026.

Kayak Cross Summit and Committee Debrief

The ICF Kayak Cross Summit, held in mid-November 2025 in Épinal, brought together athletes, coaches, technical officials, organisers, manufacturers and federation representatives to reflect on the discipline’s successful Olympic debut at Paris 2024 and to shape its future direction. 

Following the Summit, the Slalom Committee held online debrief meetings during October and November to consider governance and programme implications. Discussions confirmed strong alignment around the need to simplify Kayak Cross rules, formats and presentation, while preserving the discipline’s distinctive head-to-head racing appeal. 

At a strategic level, there was broad consensus that future growth is best supported by: 

• clear, intuitive competition formats that prioritise head-to-head racing 

• improved judging clarity and consistency, enhancing athlete confidence and spectator understanding 

• short, high-intensity courses that improve broadcast clarity and operational simplicity 

• accessibility and global participation, particularly for developing paddle sport nations 

• equipment innovation balanced with safety and sustainability, aligned with IOC priorities 

The Summit and subsequent Committee discussions provided clear direction for regulatory refinement and event presentation, informing planning for the 2026 kayak cross programme and beyond, with a focus on universality, youth engagement and sustainability.

Future World Championships and Olympic Liaison 

Ongoing liaison continued with Oklahoma City in preparation for the 2026 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships, with discussions focused on venue readiness, operational planning, athlete services and structured knowledge transfer from recent hosts.  

Venue upgrades are on track, with channel works, new obstacles and kayak cross start system to be installed ahead of the ICF Ranking in March 2026. 

In parallel, engagement continues with organisers of the Olympic Games LA28, supporting early alignment between ICF Slalom requirements and Olympic Games planning. A technical visit with ICF and LA 2028 is planned at the end of January. 

Elsewhere, technical meetings with 2026 event organisers are underway. 

ITOs and Major Event Engagement 

International Technical Officials (ITOs) for the 2026 season were confirmed at the ICF Board in December. During the reporting period, Slalom Committee members continued to contribute at major international events, developing officials and helping build capability in Asia: 

• Alena Maskova officiated at the China National Games, accompanied by former Chair Jean Michel Prono. 

• Sue Natoli officiated at the SEA Games in Thailand. 

These appointments reflect the strength and depth of the international officiating system and ICF Slalom’s global technical leadership. 

2027 World Cup Series 

Planning for the 2027 World Cup Series progressed during the period. Dates for the 2027 WC events have been confirmed, with World Cup Final dates still pending. 

Redlands Whitewater Centre – Design Search and Project Progress 

A major and highly positive recent development was the launch of the design search for the Redlands Whitewater Centre, with Expressions of Interest opened for a Principal Consultant to lead the facility’s design. 

The project will be delivered by the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) as part of the Games Venues Infrastructure Program, jointly funded by the Australian Government and the Queensland Government. 

Located within Birkdale Community Precinct, the venue will be just the second whitewater facility of its kind in Australia and is being designed as a multi-purpose community and high-performance asset. 

The Redlands Whitewater Centre will support: 

• international-standard Canoe Slalom and kayak cross, including a kayak cross launch platform 
• high-performance and community paddling and rafting 
• adventure tourism and year-round recreational use 
• disaster resilience and swift water rescue training for emergency services 

The facility will include full amenities, changerooms, boat storage and a spectator terrace, with temporary capacity for up to 8,000 spectators during the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

Additional features include a beginner channel for water safety and recreational use, and a training lake suitable for paddling development and canoe polo. 

The launch of the Principal Consultant EOI represents a significant milestone and demonstrates strong government commitment to delivering a venue with lasting sport, community and emergency services legacy.

Looking Ahead 

The coming quarter will focus on: 

• support for continental event in Africa 
• supporting Oklahoma City 2026 and LA28 through detailed planning phases 
• preparing the 2026 season with organisers 
• continuing to strengthen governance, officiating and development pathways  

By Richard Fox, Chair of the ICF Canoe Slalom Committee