ICF SUP Committee activities Q1 2026

During the first quarter of 2026, the ICF Stand Up Paddling (SUP) Committee focused on strategic development, governance, event planning, and technical regulation of the discipline. The Committee held regular online meetings to address key priorities and ensure alignment with the International Canoe Federation’s broader objectives.

Governance and Committee Development

A key priority during this period was the expansion and strengthening of the Committee’s structure. Following earlier discussions, the nominations of Michael Booth (Australia) and Sathish Kumar (India) were officially approved by the ICF Board of Directors in March 2026, and both joined the Committee as advisors. 

This expansion reflects the Committee’s commitment to improving global representation, particularly from Asia and Oceania. Efforts also continued to ensure balanced gender representation and to maintain a diverse and inclusive governance structure. 

In parallel, the Committee worked on improving internal communication and administrative processes, including access to shared resources, establishment of regular monthly meetings, and enhanced coordination through digital platforms.

Strategic Direction and ICF Coordination

The Committee remained actively engaged with broader ICF developments, including updates from the ICF Board and Competition Committee. Key topics included: 

• The bidding process for the 2027 ICF SUP World Championships, with interest expressed from Asia (China and India), and a strategic preference to host the event outside Europe.  
• Long-term event concepts such as the World Paddle Games (planned for 2030), which will include SUP as part of a multi-discipline format.  
• The Committee also emphasised its advisory role in guiding ICF leadership on SUP-specific needs and development priorities.

Event Planning and Calendar Development

Significant progress was made in planning the 2026 competition season: 

• Preparations for the 2026 ICF SUP World Championships in Italy were a central focus. Key areas included venue selection, race format (flatwater vs. technical/ocean), logistical constraints, and the need to improve broadcasting standards.  
• The Committee reviewed and supported the development of the 2026 World Ranking Series, ensuring a more global calendar with events across Europe, North America, and other regions.  
• Efforts continued to expand the ranking series beyond Europe, including engagement with organisers in the Americas and Asia. 
• Discussions were held regarding future hosts, including potential test events and strategic development in new regions.  

The Committee also addressed challenges related to event organisation, including financial viability, bidding processes, and the need for clearer guidelines for organisers.

Rules and Technical Development

A substantial portion of the Committee’s work focused on reviewing and refining competition rules: 

• Evaluation of rule change proposals submitted by other ICF technical committees, including nomination deadlines, International Technical Official (ITO) processes, and digitalisation of officiating systems.  
• Review of specific proposals such as:  
• Introduction of a 60+ masters category (supported)  
• Modifications to inflatable board construction (under further review)  
• Use of drone footage for protests (not supported in its proposed form)  
• Development of the Committee’s own rule proposals, including:  
• Harmonisation of terminology 
• Clarification of board handling at the start  
• Removal of outdated or irrelevant references  

The Committee also contributed feedback on broader governance topics, such as the role and effectiveness of event juries and the selection and evaluation process for ITOs.

Development Projects and Initiatives

The Committee advanced several development-focused initiatives: 

• Coaching Development: Work was initiated on creating a structured SUP coaching qualification system, potentially including multiple certification levels. This programme aims to standardise coaching education globally and create new development and revenue opportunities.  
• ITO Development: The Committee identified gaps in the geographical distribution of International Technical Officials, particularly in South America, and discussed potential training programmes and grant applications to address these gaps.  
• Gender Balance Initiatives: Continued efforts were made to support gender balance among officials and participants, including exploring targeted development projects.

Communication and Promotion

Improving communication—both internally and externally—was another area of focus: 

• Establishment of a media coordination group to streamline communication with the SUP community and stakeholders.  
• Plans to enhance transparency through Committee member profiles and improved information sharing with National Federations.  
• Efforts to update digital presence and ensure accurate and timely dissemination of event and regulatory information. 

Financial and Organisational Support

The Committee continued to monitor its budget and discussed targeted financial support initiatives aimed at developing the sport in emerging regions and supporting event delivery where necessary. 

Summary 

Between January and March 2026, the ICF SUP Committee made significant progress in strengthening its governance, advancing global event planning, refining competition rules, and launching key development initiatives. The Committee remains focused on expanding the global reach of Stand Up Paddling, improving organisational structures, and aligning its work with the long-term strategic vision of the ICF. 

 
By Noemi Horváth, Chair of the ICF Stand Up Paddling Committee