Oceania Canoe Association activities Q1 2025

Warm-up to World Championships 

The highlight of this quarter was the Oceania Canoe Salom Championships, which commenced on January 24 at the Penrith Whitewater Stadium. The competition was extremely tough, with athletes from 16 countries participating, including Olympic medallists in women’s kayak and kayak cross, men’s kayak and kayak cross, and both canoe classes. The event was held under a new format featuring one heat, one semi-final, and the finals. This format was well received. It showcased the immense talent present in Oceania and provided a platform for athletes to refine their skills in preparation for future competitions. Additionally, it served as a warm-up for technical officials and organisers ahead of the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships, which will take place in Penrith in October. 

Slalom stars on show 

Among the highlights at the Oceani Canoe Slalom Championships was the thrilling performance in the women’s K1 final, where the competitors showcased exceptional agility and precision. Australian star Jessica Fox took first place, closely followed by Klaudia Zwolinska from Poland and Camille Prigent from France. The men’s kayak cross was equally captivating, with numerous close finishes that kept everyone guessing who would make it to the final. New Zealand’s Finn Butcher, the Olympic gold medallist in kayak cross, displayed his versatility by placing second in the men’s kayak. In addition to the sporting action, the event featured a traditional smoking ceremony to welcome the athletes, coaches and officials to the Indigenous land of the Dharug people.  

Upcoming competitions 

Oceania is now preparing for the Oceania Canoe Polo Championships, which will take place on the Gold Coast, Australia from April 17 to 20, and the Oceania Canoe Sprint Championships, which will be held in Cambridge, New Zealand from April 11 to 13.  

OCA meeting 

The Oceania Canoe Association’s Board of Directors met in February to discuss updates regarding the ICF Congress, Pacific Games, and the Continental Development Strategy. Notably, they talked about the new support Oceania will receive from the liaison officer in Hang Zhou and how best to utilise the assistance. The Board also discussed the Olympic qualification process and its potential impact on Oceania as a continent and ongoing development. Oceania's next phase involves developing the region's strategy, centreing on the Pacific Games in Tahiti in 2027 and the 2029 Mini Pacific Games in the Cook Islands. 

By Danielle Woodward, Secretary General of the Oceania Canoe Association