Dane Jackson emerged from the shadow of his famous kayaking father, Eric, a long time ago, and next week there’s every chance he will further enhance his reputation as the most exciting kayaker on the planet when he competes at the 2017 ICF Freestyle Kayak World Championships in San Juan, Argentina.

The world’s best freestyle paddlers have been gathered in San Juan, a desert town of just under 680,000 in the central-west of Argentina, for some time, perfecting their routines at a venue many are very familiar with after two World Cups last year.

Jackson will start a firm favourite in every event he chooses to compete in (his resume’ includes a gold medal in stand-up-paddling), and will be looking for a third consecutive K1 world title and a third overall C1 gold.

But the rest of the field is closing in fast, and everyone is expecting big things from American teenager Tom Dolle, oft referred to as “the next big name” on the canoe freestyle circuit.

Dolle predicted earlier this year someone would crack the magical 2000 point barrier at a world championships at this competition, and Jackson agrees.

“I’m expecting a super high scoring sick worlds to be a part of and watch, along with super tight scores,” he said from San Juan.

“I think this feature is epic, but it is also one of the first times we are going to see all the top people have very different routines I think.

“I’m excited just to be back into training mode, but definitely feeling the heat as there are a ton of great paddlers here.”

Competition is set to start Monday, with the World Championships to be streamed live in the CanoeICF webpage, on the Olympic Channel and on NBC in the USA.

More event details can be found on the ICF website.