ICF Canoe Slalom Committee activities Q1 2026

Strong Global Competition Delivery and Participation 

We are already through the first quarter of 2026 and the year is moving at pace. The season has opened with strong global activity across five continents, complemented by important developments in the United States as we build toward the 2026 World Championships and the LA28 Olympic Games. 

The international calendar has delivered well in the opening months, with 11 ICF ranking competitions successfully staged across five continents. In terms of scale, Pau in France led the way with 32 National Federations and 607 entries, followed by Oklahoma City, United States with 25 federations and 326 entries, and La Seu d’Urgell with 23 federations and 344 entries. These events continue to demonstrate both the depth and diversity of participation, and we extend our thanks to the hosting National Federations and all participating teams for their ongoing support. 

At a continental level, championships have been successfully delivered in both Africa and Oceania, with Underberg in South Africa and Vector Wero in Auckland hosting events at the end of January. These competitions remain important in strengthening regional pathways and engagement. 

Looking ahead, the World Masters Championships are confirmed for August 2027 in Grantully, Scotland. With Masters participation growing globally, this event is expected to attract strong interest, and it carries a sense of history for the sport, providing a meaningful link to its heritage in the UK. 

Progress in Governance, Olympic Pathways and Event Planning 

Alongside competition delivery, progress has been made across governance and systems. The proposed slalom rule changes for 2027 are being finalised and will be submitted for ICF Board approval in May. The Olympic Qualification System has been published, with supporting Q&A material prepared by ICF headquarters to assist National Federations, and clarity is building around the pathway to LA28. As part of this, Montgomery in the United States has been confirmed as the World Cup Final in 2027 and concluding ranking event for the ICF LA28 Olympic Qualification System. The Montgomery venue has been well received by athletes and teams, supported by a recent technical visit from ICF Technical Manager Manon Bocquet, and the location is shaping as a strong addition to the global calendar. 

From a technical perspective, Kayak Cross continues to evolve as a discipline, with a strong focus on officiating consistency and future development. The Kayak Cross Summit II, scheduled for 10–12 April, will bring together Chief Officials, Chief Judges and Assistant Chief Judges from the 2026 season, alongside the ICF Canoe Slalom Committee.  

Looking ahead, key activities include the pre-season briefing for National Teams at the end of April, continued consultation on Phase 2 and 3 of the Olympic Qualification System, and ongoing technical coordination with event organisers. Competition schedules have been published, and digital coordination platforms, including global WhatsApp groups, are supporting communication across the community. 

Venue Development, Infrastructure and Future Growth 

Venue and event development has been a key focus during the quarter, particularly in the United States. An ICF technical visit to Oklahoma City in March confirmed that preparations for the 2026 World Championships are progressing well. The venue layout reflects a strong focus on both athlete services and fan engagement, with a broadcast partner now secured to support full competition coverage. Course upgrades are advancing, with obstacle configurations continuing to be refined with engagement from ICF Advisor Rafal Smolen, Hydrostadium and the Oklahoma venue and city. 

Meanwhile, discussions with LA28 personnel are helping shape the next iteration of the Venue Design Book. Importantly, legacy elements such as a central multi-use building and channel inlet gate upgrades are embedded within the development. 

Beyond event delivery, strategic infrastructure projects continue to move forward. The Baku Azerbaijan slalom course design team has now been confirmed, with WPI and Hydrostadium engaged to lead this work. In Australia, the Redlands Whitewater Centre, as part of the Birkdale Community Precinct for Brisbane 2032, is advancing through its procurement phase, with a design consultant expected to be appointed by the end of the second quarter. 

Importantly, this project has also reached a significant milestone in its environmental approvals pathway under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Consequently, the Federal Government has commenced a public consultation process. This represents a critical step forward and reinforces the commitment to environmental stewardship, supported by scientific evidence, while delivering long-term outcomes that integrate recreation, conservation and community benefit. 

Conclusion 

Overall, the first quarter of 2026 reflects strong global delivery, steady progress in governance and systems, and positive momentum across major events and infrastructure. There is clear alignment emerging between competition growth, venue development and Olympic pathway planning. 

Focus now shifts to maintaining delivery consistency through the World Cup season, and refining preparations for the 2026 world championships, with thanks, as always, to our sport team at ICF HQ for keeping us in the flow! 

By Richard Fox, Chair of the ICF Canoe Slalom Committee