The International Canoe Federation (ICF) is the global governing body for canoe and kayak sports, founded in 1946. It is headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, and works with 171 national canoe organisations worldwide. The ICF oversees 10 paddle sport disciplines, including canoe sprint, canoe slalom, canoe marathon, dragon boat, paracanoe, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). It is affiliated with major sports organisations, such as the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The ICF is responsible for organising world championships and international competitions for its disciplines, ensuring they adhere to its rules and regulations. Canoeing has been an Olympic sport since 1936, with both canoe and kayak events. Canoe sprint involves calm water races, while canoe slalom takes place on flowing water with obstacles. The ICF also governs non-Olympic disciplines, including freestyle canoe, canoe ocean racing, and Wildwater canoeing. In recent years, stand-up paddleboarding has gained popularity and has been added to the ICF's event calendar.
The ICF works through five continental associations: Asia, Africa, Europe, Oceania, and the Americas. These associations organise continental championships and represent their member national federations at ICF board meetings. The ICF's main decision-making body is the Congress, held every two years, where rules, governance decisions, and elections take place.
The ICF's president, Thomas Konietzko, was elected in 2021. The organisation also has a vice president, treasurer, and several committee chairs, who oversee the ICF's operations and competition organisation. The ICF is committed to promoting diversity, inclusivity, and sustainability in paddle sports, as outlined in its "Fit for Future" strategic plan, which covers key areas like athlete support, governance, and fan engagement.
The ICF also manages anti-doping regulations and conducts in-competition tests at all major events, following the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) guidelines. Its commitment to clean sports is demonstrated through strict rules and education on the importance of fair play.
The International Canoe Federation (ICF) oversees various disciplines within paddle sports, each with its own specific format and rules. These disciplines are divided into flatwater, whitewater, and other categories.
Canoe Sprint
Canoe sprint, also known as flatwater racing, is a race held on calm water over distances of 200m, 500m, and 1000m. Competitors race in canoes or kayaks, either individually (K1/C1), in pairs (K2/C2), or in teams of four (K4/C4). The goal is to cover the distance in the shortest time, following a straight course within assigned lanes.
Canoe Slalom
Canoe slalom involves navigating through a series of gates on a flowing water course. Competitors must complete the course as quickly as possible while avoiding penalties for touching or missing gates. This event is conducted in single (K1/C1) or double boats (C2) for men and women.
Canoe Marathon
Canoe marathon races take place over long distances, often including portages where athletes carry their boats over land. The focus is on endurance rather than speed, and races can be held in canoes or kayaks.
Wildwater Canoeing
Wildwater canoeing is a timed event in which athletes race down a fast-flowing river, navigating through natural obstacles. The competition has two formats: sprint races and classic races, with sprint being a shorter, faster race and classic being longer.
Canoe Freestyle
Canoe freestyle, also known as playboating, involves performing tricks and manoeuvres in a small area of whitewater. Competitors are judged based on their creativity, difficulty, and execution of moves.
Dragon Boat
Dragon boat racing is a team event where participants paddle in large, traditional-style boats. Teams consist of 10 to 20 paddlers, a drummer to keep the pace and a steerer. The race is usually held over a straight course of 200m, 500m, or longer distances.
Paracanoe
Paracanoe is an adapted version of the canoe sprint for athletes with physical disabilities. The races are held over distances of 200m in kayaks (K1) or va'a boats (V1), a type of outrigger canoe.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
SUP involves competitors standing on boards and using a paddle to move through the water. The ICF introduced world championships for SUP in 2019, with races held over various distances in both flatwater and ocean environments.
Ocean Racing
Ocean racing takes place in open water, with competitors navigating long distances through changing conditions. The sport is also known as surfski racing, and competitors race on specialised surfskis designed for rough water.
The membership of the International Canoe Federation (ICF) is made up of national canoeing federations from different countries. These federations represent their nations and are responsible for promoting and developing canoe sports in their respective regions.
Below is an outline of the key aspects of ICF membership:
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