ICF Canoe Slalom Committee activities Q3 2025

The 2025 ICF Canoe Slalom season has been one of success, innovation, and collaboration, highlighted by a vibrant series of World Cups culminating in the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships in Penrith, Australia – a fitting celebration of 25 years since the Olympic Games Sydney 2000. 

World Championships Success – Sydney 2025 

The Penrith World Championships showcased the very best of our sport on and off the water. The event was marked by strong athlete performances and new champions, world-class sports presentation, and a vibrant, engaged crowd that brought the iconic Penrith Whitewater Stadium to life once again. 

Feedback from athletes, media, and stakeholders has been overwhelmingly positive, with many noting the event’s professionalism, community atmosphere, and legacy-driven approach. The ICF’s commitment to innovation and sustainability was clearly demonstrated through: 

• The introduction of Green Energy Certification, ensuring the event’s operations were powered by renewable energy 
• Engagement with First Nations communities, honouring the culture and stories of the Dharug people 
• A dynamic fan engagement program, featuring live activations, athlete meet-and-greets, and immersive spectator experiences 

Partnership and Government Support 

The Championships were made possible through the strong support of the New South Wales and Australian Governments, whose partnership with Paddle Australia and the ICF underpinned the success of the event. Broadcast coverage, media content, and the event’s overall look and feel delivered exceptional visibility for the sport – while the event’s legacy programme extended its impact well beyond competition week. 

Key legacy initiatives included: 

• The Athlete Brand Builder forum supporting athlete storytelling and commercial literacy 
• The Women’s Symposium, advancing gender equity and leadership within the sport 
• The Gala Dinner, hosted with the Premier of New South Wales, celebrating the champions and partners who have shaped the sport’s journey 
• The Social Impact Symposium, exploring how sport can drive community health, inclusion, and sustainability outcomes 

Together, these activations reflected the modern values of canoe slalom — innovation, inclusivity, and global connection.

Looking Ahead to Oklahoma 2026 

At the conclusion of the Championships, the official handover to Oklahoma City marked the next exciting chapter for the sport. The ICF Canoe Slalom Committee will continue to work closely with the OKC 2026 Organising Committee on venue upgrades, technical developments, and operational preparations for both the 2026 and 2028 events. 

A key priority for the Committee remains the advancement of the Olympic Qualification System (OQS) - a framework to be presented to the ICF Board and subsequently to the IOC. The 2027 and 2028 competition calendar will be aligned with the OQS model to support fairness, athlete opportunity, and global participation. 

Collaboration and Development Initiatives 

The ICF continues to collaborate with Paddle Australia through the supply of RTM Panames Kayak Cross boats, which supported the ICF TIP programme. This initiative is enhancing access and participation across Oceania and will serve as a key driver for growth in kayak cross worldwide. 

In November, the ICF will also partner with Swiss Canoe to host a Kayak Cross Forum, bringing together athletes, coaches, and organisers to share learnings and shape the 2026 program of work. This collaboration reinforces our commitment to innovation, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement across all areas of the sport. 

Acknowledgements and Future Outlook 

The ICF Canoe Slalom Committee extends its heartfelt thanks to: 

• Athletes and teams for their spectacular performances throughout the season 
• Organisers and host federations for their professionalism and passion 
• ICF technical officials and the ICF events team for their commitment and expertise 

Finally, we warmly welcome Amy Hilgertová and Michal Martikán as the new Canoe Slalom athlete representatives on the ICF Athletes Commission. Their experience and leadership will be invaluable as we continue to shape the future of canoe slalom together. 

By Richard Fox, Chair of the ICF Canoe Slalom Committee