Athletes competing in this year’s International Canoe Federation Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships in Durban, South Africa, will be in the running for ZAR 200,000 (more than $11,500) in prize money.
Set to be held from October 17 to 19, the Local Organising Committee decided to double the prize pool from ZAR 100,000, thanks to sponsors and budget savings.
The men’s and women’s winners in the singles races will now pocket ZAR 26,000 (around $1500) each, while the top male and female U23 and junior paddlers will get ZAR 5000 each.
The winning mixed doubles pair will take home ZAR 7000, with the U23s and junior boats set to receive ZAR 2000.
The event also saw the SS1 entries break the 500 mark, with 221 participants registering for SS2.
“We are delighted to be able to make the decision today to double the prize money awarded to all the World Championships categories,” Race Director Colin Simpkins said.
“At virtually the same time we were making the call to double the prize money, the entries for the singles event reached 500 boats, so we are looking at a bumper championship event.
View this post on Instagram
“We will have just about every top surfski paddler coming from all over the world, and I believe this year’s World Championships will have the strongest field ever, which is fitting because it is being held at the home of surfski racing – where the first ever surfski race was held way back in 1957.”
Defending champions Gordan Harbrecht of Germany and South Africa’s Kira Bester are among the stars who are ready to go all out at the World Championships.
Action at the Durban Undersea Club will also see Australian three-time champion Cory Hill, South Africa’s most successful paddler Hank McGregor, and other home favourites Kenny Rice and Nicolas Notten battle it out.
Among women, Bester is expected to face tough challenges from the 2019 winner, Dani Richards of New Zealand, and compatriot Michelle Burn.
For all the latest information on the World Championships, click here.
Related links
