A stellar cast of paddlers have arrived in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates ready to shine at the 2025 International Canoe Federation Stand Up Paddling World Championships.
More than 460 athletes from 54 countries will compete for glory across the sprint, technical and long distance categories from Wednesday to Sunday.
Among those are several defending champions who will be seeking to back up their success in Sarasota last year with victory again in Abu Dhabi.
Katniss Paris of the United States has fond memories of her triumph on home waters in 2024 and is determined to retain her women’s sprint crown.
Click here for live startlists and results from Abu Dhabi
“Last year was amazing,” said Paris.
“It meant so much to me in so many ways, so it was really special.
“We have got really strong competition again this year with a carbon copy of last year’s line-up so it should be really competitive.”
Paris is set to face competition from compatriot and 2023 world champion Sey Chelle who will be looking to reclaim the title.
Other challengers include Spain’s Alba Alonso Frey who secured bronze last year and Puerto Rico’s Mariecarmen Rivera who has impressed this year.
In the men’s sprint, Bulgaria’s Andrii Kraitor will be aiming to retain his crown after powering to victory in Sarasota.
Spain’s Manuel Hoyuela and South Africa’s Cameron Tripney, who placed second and third respectively in 2024, are back to challenge Kraitor for top honours.
With last year’s technical world champion Noic Garioud of France not in Abu Dhabi, Japan’s Shuri Araki will be eyeing glory.
Araki came up short against Garioud in Sarasota and will now be looking to go one better.
The Japanese paddler is also the reigning champion in the men’s long distance as he targets more success.
Australia’s Michael Booth, a two-time long distance winner, is making the trip to Abu Dhabi as he looks to return to top spot.
The battle for the women’s long distance title has been blown open due to the absence of three-time champion Esperanza Barreras of Spain.
Rivera, who came second behind Barreras last year, will looking to seize her opportunity and is also a strong contender for the women’s technical.
Full coverage of the ICF SUP World Championships can be viewed on the Planet Canoe YouTube channel.
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