ICF Canoe Ocean Racing Committee activities Q3 2025

The third quarter of 2025 has been marked by major progress for the Canoe Ocean Racing discipline, with milestones achieved across all continents.

World Cups approved

The most significant achievement of the period was the official approval of four World Cups on four continents — Malaysia, Tahiti, Brazil, and La Réunion. Together with the World Championships in Spain, the 2026 season will proudly cover five continents, highlighting the universality and dynamic growth of our sport. A visit to Molokabra provided an excellent opportunity to experience first-hand the outstanding organisation and racing conditions of one of South America’s most iconic events. The organisers delivered a top-class competition, with impressive performances and a great atmosphere throughout the event. A constructive meeting with Dennis Simões, the Continental Chair of the Americas for Canoe Ocean Racing focused on addressing the current challenges faced by organisers in the region, while reaffirming the Committee’s full support and identifying new opportunities to strengthen participation and event development across the continent.

Mexico milestone

An online meeting with the General Secretary of the Mexican Canoe Federation represented another important milestone, reinforcing the expansion of Canoe Ocean Racing in the Americas. I was pleased to open the first Canoe Ocean Racing NTO Seminar in Mexico, an essential step for regional capacity building.

Progress in Asia

The visit to China for the Asian Canoe Ocean Racing Championships, alongside the organization of the ITO Seminar in Asia, confirmed the growing strength of the discipline in the region. On this occasion, a meeting was held with the General Secretary and Vice President of the Chinese Canoe Association to discuss the future development of Canoe Ocean Racing in China.  An insightful discussion with Hongman Li, the Continental Chair of Asia for Canoe Ocean Racing, highlighted the progress achieved so far and explored practical ways to expand the discipline’s footprint in Asia.

By Marian Sarbu, Chair of the ICF Canoe Ocean Racing Committee