The one-month countdown to the inaugural International Canoe Federation Ocean Racing World Series 2026 is officially underway, marking a historic milestone for the discipline.
For the first time, Canoe Ocean Racing will be elevated beyond a collection of standalone events and showcased as a unified global circuit.
“This series will be a single global platform representing athletes, federations, and audiences from every continent,” said Marian Sarbu, Chairman of the ICF Canoe Ocean Racing Committee.
“This is the moment we have been building towards.
“A World Series means a clear competitive pathway for athletes at every level.
“It means greater visibility, stronger media reach, and a far more compelling proposition for the commercial partners and broadcasters who can help take this sport to new audiences.”
The series launches on the Portuguese island of Madeira, a fitting starting point after its successful hosting of the 2024 World Championships.
The opening event, taking place from 1 to 3 May, will gather the world’s top paddlers -some of whom have already confirmed their participation.
Following a two-month break, the World Series makes history with its first-ever World Cup stop in Asia, confirmed to be staged from July 3 to 5.
Kuantan, Malaysia will host a thrilling three-day programme, bringing the discipline to a new and growing audience.
The journey continues in late July to Tahiti, French Polynesia, a spectacular Pacific setting that not only promises breathtaking racing conditions but also offers a preview of the 2027 World Championships, set to be held at the same venue.
Competition will run from July 31 to August 2 as paddlers battle for World Cup prizes.
The series then heads to Latin American for the first-ever World Cup in the region, with Fortaleza, Brazil hosting from September 19 to 21.
The 2026 World Series – and the entire ICF calendar – will conclude in La Reunion, France on November 15 after a week-long schedule of racing.
Building on two successful editions, the island provides the perfect stage for a dramatic and fitting finale to a groundbreaking season.
“From the opening event in Madeira, every event will be part of something larger. Every result, every start line, every finish will carry the weight of a global series – and that changes everything about how we present this sport to the world,” said Sarbu.
“Canoe Ocean Racing has the ambition, the scenery, and the stories to captivate global audiences. The World Series is how we make sure the world is watching.”
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