ICF Wildwater Canoeing Committee activities Q1 2026

The first quarter of 2026 has been an active and successful start to the year for the Whitewater Canoeing Committee, marked by strong engagement across coaching, officiating, and development initiatives.  

Successful Start with Coaching Seminar  

The year began with a highly successful online coaching seminar series. More than 130 participants from 23 nations across all continents joined four evening sessions, highlighting the global interest in Whitewater Canoeing development. The series covered a range of insightful and relevant topics:  

The first seminar focused on combining boat categories at elite level. Czech star Marie Nemcova shared her experience competing in both K1 and C1, outlining the technical, physical and psychological demands of managing dual disciplines.   

France’s Theo Viens added his perspective on combining C1 and C2 with partner Nicolas Sauteur, highlighting the importance of communication, joint preparation and the technical and motivational advantages of competing in more than one class.   

Seminar two explored the evolving role of physiotherapists in Wildwater Canoeing teams. Belgium’s Clémence Castaigne and Czechia’s Adela Fialova described their wide-ranging responsibilities, from injury prevention and rehabilitation to mental support, logistics and team communication.   

Fiolova also examined trends toward a more holistic approach in sports physiotherapy, integrating psychological and alternative therapies while emphasising athlete mindset and emotional wellbeing.   

The third seminar turned to event organisation, with Italy’s Vladi Panato and Australia’s Robert Janiszewski detailing the planning and delivery of international races in Mezzana, Italy, including safety, budgeting and volunteer coordination.   

Hungary’s Sara Seprenyi shared lessons in organising her country’s first-ever ICF Wildwater Canoeing World Cup, highlighting collaboration and creative problem-solving.   

Participants were also guided through ICF tools and resources available to organisers.   

The final session addressed coaching junior paddlers. France’s Jules Miglinieks presented an individualised approach to developing young athletes, while Great Britain’s Jamie Christie emphasised safety, safeguarding and fostering lifelong enjoyment in the sport.  

Further details can be found here

Expansion of Education Programmes  

In February, the Committee continued its online education efforts with a seminar for judges. This marks the starting point of a structured officiating pathway, with participants set to begin the first part of their formal online training at the end of March. These initiatives aim to strengthen the quality and consistency of officiating worldwide.  

Season Kick-Off in Competition  

The first international competitions of the year already took place in mid-March with the races of the Paddle Europe Sprint Cup. Athletes from nine nations gathered in Fulda for an initial comparison of performance levels, marking an important early milestone in the 2026 season.  

Focus on Competition and Development Activities  

Currently, the Committee’s main focus lies on preparing the upcoming competition season. In parallel, significant effort is being invested in the planning and delivery of three development training camps, which will play a key role in supporting emerging athletes and strengthening global participation.  

Internal Development – Babyboom  

Developments are taking place not only in the sport itself, but also within our Wildwater Canoeing Committee. In February, three of our Committee members were delighted to welcome new additions to their families – all girls – whom we are thrilled to welcome as potential future whitewater paddlers. A joyful yet meaningful highlight that reflects the strong sense of community we share. Our warmest congratulations go to Alexandra Novakova, Annalena Momot and the wife of German Jiminez Prats.  

Ongoing Challenge: Event Organisation  

One of the key challenges remains the recruitment of organisers for World Cups as well as World Championships and Continental Championships. The Committee continues to actively seek support from all nations to ensure the sustainability and growth of the international competition calendar.  

Outlook  

With a strong foundation laid in the first quarter, the Committee looks ahead to a busy competition season, continued development activities, and further strengthening of the global whitewater canoeing community.  

By Manuela Gawehn, Chair of the ICF Wildwater Canoeing Committee