ICF Canoe Ocean Racing Committee activities Q1 2026

The first quarter of 2026 was a period of intensive preparation and strategic groundwork. With a landmark season on the horizon, we were fully focused on ensuring that every element – from event operations to long-term development – is in place to deliver on the ambitions we have set for Canoe Ocean Racing.  

World Championships – Vila Joiosa  

Preparations for the 2026 ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships in Vila Joiosa, Spain, continued at pace during the quarter. Together with the ICF Staff members I conducted a site visit to assess venue conditions and confirm the operational framework for the event, and we have maintained extensive communication with the Host Organising Committee to ensure that all technical and logistical requirements are clearly understood and progressing according to plan.   

Event promotion is proceeding as planned, and early indicators point to a record athlete turnout, with the highest number of competitors expected to take part in the history of the event. The first bulletin has been released and entries are now open.   

World Series – Event Preparation  

A central priority of the quarter was direct and sustained engagement with all five World Cup Host Organising Committees. I held individual coordination meetings with the teams in Madeira, Kuantan, Tahiti, Brazil, and La Réunion to review event readiness, align on operational requirements, and confirm that preparation is progressing to the standard expected of an ICF World Series event. We remain in close contact with each organiser to address any outstanding items and to ensure that athletes and delegations will experience the highest level of competition across all five venues.  

The Dawn of the World Series  

The inaugural ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Series is almost here, and it represents a genuinely historic step for our discipline. For the first time, all five World Cups will compete under a single global identity, a unified circuit that opens the door for paddlers from every corner of the world to take part in high-level ICF competition. This is a structural commitment to making Canoe Ocean Racing more global, more visible, and more meaningful for every athlete who lines up at the start.  

Talent Identification Programme  

In parallel with competition planning, we have been developing the Talent Identification Programme linked to the World Championships. The programme is specifically designed to bring more women into Canoe Ocean Racing, providing a structured and supported pathway for female athletes to access high-level ICF competition for the first time. It is an initiative that I believe in strongly – growing the participation and visibility of women in our sport is not optional, it is essential to its future.  

Partnership with Vaikobi  

A significant addition to the 2026 season is the partnership with Vaikobi, which join as the Official Apparel Partner of the ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Series. Recognised as one of the leading brands in ocean performance apparel and a specialist in high-performance paddle sport equipment, trusted by elite athletes worldwide, Vaikobi’s support includes the provision of safety materials required for the Talent Identification Programme, as well as prizes for series winners across all five World Cup events, reinforcing the value and prestige of the overall circuit for competing athletes.  

Rules and Governance  

Two dedicated Committee meetings were held during the quarter, focused on proposed changes to the COR Rules. The review process was driven by feedback from National Federations and key stakeholders, and the proposals reflect the Committee’s intent to bring the sport closer to spectators and the wider public. The changes under consideration introduce a more dynamic competition format, with the creation of additional medal opportunities and new world titles, raising the stakes for athletes while broadening the appeal of the discipline at every event.  

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