In the heart of rushing waters, there lies a deep connection between humanity and nature. For the global community of rafting guides and athletes, every bend of the river is not just a playground but a...
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Gear up for an adventurous journey down Europe's challenging rivers as the 2024 Rafting Cups Series unfolds in a series of exciting events. From Uzice in Serbia, to Val di Sole in Italy and Pau, France; the continent is set to witness top-notch rafting competitions.
1. May 4-5 - European Cup -Pau, France - Bulletin
The launch of the Rafting Cups Series is the event at Stade d'Eaux Vive, Parc Aquasports in Pau, on May 4th, 2024. The Stade d'Eaux Vive will be all set to welcome teams from across Europe for the first continental clash on European soil. Get ready for an exhilarating showdown as participants and spectators alike gather to witness the excitement and skills on display at this renowned venue, which has hosted numerous worldwide events in the past.
2. June 7-9 - European Cup - Uzice, Serbia - Bulletin
We move into the southwest of Serbia: Uzice, from June 7th to June 9th. Surrounded by the stunning landscapes of Zlatibor mountain and Vrutc lake, after the success of the past 2023 edition Uzice sets the stage for fierce competition on the Djetinja River.
3. June 21-22 2024 - European Cup - Val di Sole, Italy - Bulletin
The action continues in Val di Sole, Italy, from June 21st to June 22nd, 2024. Situated in the heart of the Italian Alps, this leg of the series offers not only a formidable course but also a captivating setting. Teams will demonstrate their teamwork, precision, and passion for rafting as they navigate the rushing waters against the stunning backdrop of Val di Sole mountains.
As the Rafting Cups Series unfolds across these European destinations, participants and fans are in for an incredible experience. From the initial warm-up in Pau to the challenging waters of Val di Sole, this series is a celebration for the world of rafting. So, mark your calendars, secure your tickets, and get ready to ride the waves of the 2024 Rafting Cups Series!
@worldrafting
The spotlight is currently shining on the Asian continent as it hosts the first international competition of the year! The WRF Asian Championships 2024, Satluj Valley, Himachal Pradesh, India; held from March 3rd to March 9th in the breathtaking backdrop of India's Himalayan foothills, this event promises a week of adrenaline-pumping action and intense competition. See the official sport programme below.
March 4th: Welcome to the Himalayas
Participants' Arrival at Hotel Koti Resort (transport included from Delhi Airport for all the teams) Accreditation Procedures for Teams Flag Parade in Shimla Opening Ceremony at HPTDC Hotel Peterhof, ShimlaMarch 5th: Getting Ready for Action
Downriver Official Training Rx Qualifications RaceMarch 6th: The Overture
Downriver Race Slalom Official TrainingMarch 7th: Navigating the Rapids
Slalom RaceMarch 8th: A Grand Finale and Farewell
RX Knockout Phase Race Official Closing Ceremony Departure
We remind everyone the deadline to register:
Numeric Entries: February 10th, 2024
Nominal Entries via WRF Platform: February 15th, 2024
Bulletin: WRF Asian Championships 2024, Satluj Valley, Himachal Pradesh - India
Shaukat Sikand - President of the Indian Rafting Foundation | WhatsApp Contact: +91 9810857600
@worldrafting
The World Rafting Federation takes the opportunity to makes a warm appeal to river lovers and enthusiasts, encouraging them to participate in the Olympics with a sporting spirit and enthusiastically supporting the canoeing athletes of the International Canoeing Federation (ICF) involved in the competition.
The healthy and passionate cheering helps to create an atmosphere of celebration for the most important event of all times. The Olympics are the symbol of peace and brotherhood between peoples who come together in the name of sport and compete fairly. This is the time when the world unites through sport.
Olympic Solidarity is an opportunity to demonstrate that water sports deserve to share the world stage paving the way for a future where rapids and wild waters find their place at the heart of the Olympics.
Tickets for canoe slalom events at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 are officially on sale. It's your chance to be part of the action and experience world-class competition first-hand as the very best in our sport strive for podium success on the world’s biggest stage, the Olympic Games.
Canoe slalom events will captivate audiences from the 27 July to the 5 August, featuring:
Kayak Singles (women’s / men’s) Canoe Singles (women’s / men’s) Kayak Cross (women’s / men’s)These competitions will be hosted at the state-of-the-art Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium, a venue that was inaugurated in June 2019.
Do not miss this chance to be part of the excitement! Purchase your Olympic Tickets for Paris 2024 today and be a part of history.
How to Get Your Tickets:
You can now purchase your tickets for the canoe slalom events on the following link: https://tickets.paris2024.org/en/events/jeux-olympiques-225/canoe-kayak-slalom-2243/?affiliate=24R
@worldrafting
Buckle up for a new adventure: Bosnia and Herzegovina proudly announces the hosting of the WRF European Rafting Championships 2024 - on Neretva River, Konjic.
From June 10th to 15th, this picturesque destination will become the battleground for the continental's top rafting teams The pristine Neretva River is the blue heart of Europe; it carves its way through Bosnia and Herzegovina’s impenetrable forest. A mesmerizing blue-green, that runs 225 kilometers from deep within the Dinaric Alps to the Adriatic Sea – at some points disappearing into subterranean channels before re-emerging in bubbling springs. Renowned for its crystal-clear waters and stunning hues, will be the stage for this exciting competition. Characterized as a typical mountain river, the Neretva boasts an incredible drinkable clarity upstream from Konjic, a rarity in itself. In June, the water levels will be optimal for an exhilarating competition, ranging from third-degree to intermittent fourth-degree challenges along the course.
The city of Konjic is ready to welcome all the strongest rafters from all over Europe to discover its cultural heritage and local cuisine; the city is approximately 50 kilometers south of Sarajevo. The accommodation & food will be free of charge if the Team is registered on time. See the Official Sport Programme below.
June 10th: Welcome to Konjic
Accreditation Procedures for Teams Slalom Official Training Opening CeremonyJune 11th: Getting Ready for Action
Downriver Official TrainingJune 12th: The Overture
Downriver Race RX Qualification RaceJune 13th: Navigating the Rapids
RX Knockout Phase Mixed and Para-Rafting - RX Knockout Phase Women & Men
June 14th: A Grand Finale and Farewell
Slalom Race Official Closing Ceremony Departure
We remind everyone the deadline to register:
Numeric Entries: April 30th, 2024
Nominal Entries via WRF Platform: May 15th, 2024
Bulletin 1: WRF European Rafting Championships 2024 - Konjic, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bulletin 2 : WRF European Rafting Championships 2024 - Konjic, Bosnia and Herzegovina
@worldrafting
In a triumphant return to the waters, Mexico recently hosted an exciting rafting competition in mid-December 2023. The event saw the participation of 8 teams in the men's category and 3 in the women's category.
The captivating moments of this competition were brilliantly captured by the talented photographers from "Somos Rios." Their work, showcased on Instagram under the handle @somos_rios, beautifully encapsulates the energy, determination, and sheer thrill of the competition!
What makes this event particularly special is that it marks the first of its kind since 2017. The palpable excitement and passion exhibited by the participants reflected the long-awaited return to competitive rafting on these waters.
Chevy Rodriguez, the enthusiastic voice behind the event, expressed gratitude for the support and shared excitement about the upcoming National competition in the first semester of 2024. Stay tuned for further updates on the competition as the rafting community in Mexico gears up for yet another riveting chapter.
@worldrafting
Get ready for a thrilling year of rafting competition as 2024 unfolds with a series of prestigious Continental Championships across the globe. From the heart of Asia in March to the shores of South America in late October, this year promises a sporting spectacle like never before.
The journey begins in March as Asia takes the spotlight, hosting its own Continental Championships. From March 3-9 - Shaukat Sikand - President of the Indian Rafting Foundation invite us all to join us for the 2024 Asian Rafting Championships in Himachal Pradesh, India an enchanting realm nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas.
Asia, the birthplace of various cultures and histories, is ready to demonstrate not just its athletic excellence but also the unity that accompanies continental competitions. Countries will unite to compete for fame and make their mark in the records of sports history.
As the warmth of spring transitions into the vibrant days of summer, the focus shifts to Europe (TBD) and Africa (May 13-17). These continents will host their own championships, inviting the top teams to compete on the big stage.
The grand finale unfolds in the colorful landscapes of South America (October 30-31, November 1-2-3). As the leaves fall on one hemisphere, the intensity of the rapids rises in the other. Chile, known for its passionate embrace of adventure sports, will host a rafting spectacle like no other. Nations will race for the title in a quest for the victory. Registrations are open - join now!
WRF ASIAN RAFTING CHAMPIONSHIPS 2024 - BULLETIN 1
WRF EUROPEAN RAFTING CHAMPIONSHIPS 2024 - BULLETIN 1
WRF AFRICAN RAFTING CHAMPIONSHIPS 2024 - BULLETIN 1 soon
WRF PANAMERICAN RAFTING CHAMPIONSHIPS 2024 - BULLETIN 1
@worldrafting
Dear WRF Friends,
As we welcome the new year, it's time for reflection! 2023 finally marked the return to sporting normality after years impacted by the Covid pandemic. Unfortunately, our world remains in turmoil with ongoing economic, social crises, and persistent wars, making it challenging to foster dialogue and sports. Yet, we persist in organizing and participating in sports, hoping to contribute, albeit modestly, to the cause of peace.
I'm here to share the remarkable events of this year, filled with satisfaction for all of us. From a sporting perspective, alongside various national and international championships, our senior World Championship stood out as the highlight of the year!
The event, hosted in the stunning Valtellina valley in the Alps near Milan, on the Swiss border, was a tremendous success. We extend immense gratitude to Mr. Benedetto Del Zoppo, the Italian President, and his rafting company for the impeccable organization. The event received substantial public and media attention, and the weather favored us greatly!
However, the true measure of success lies in the participation: 32 nations, with over 90 teams competing. In the annals of rafting history, these numbers are unprecedented. Notably, the youth component in these teams is significant. Countries like Japan, Brazil, Chile, Argentina and Italy showcased exceptional performances, amid a rising competitive standard. The margin between podium contenders and others is narrowing, emphasizing the sport's increasing competitiveness.
Africa's presence with teams from Morocco, and delegations from Uganda and Senegal, underscores our movement's global representation. Major sporting institutions have recognized and admired the high level attained by our events. I'd like to acknowledge the Czech Republic, a pivotal nation in the river world, whose expertise has contributed significantly to our progress.
This recognition is well-deserved by the WRF team for their unwavering dedication and passion to the rafting movement. While there's room for improvement and corrections, our enthusiasm and status as a continuously evolving laboratory keep us optimistic. Recent board decisions have embraced numerous alterations and enhancements, always considering the feedback from our base.
Gratitude extends to our volunteers, young media handlers, judges led by Stefan Purjakov, and Massimo Desiati, who leads the sports movement with remarkable competence and passion. Kudos to the coaches for sharing their knowledge, all the athletes, disabled participants who bring immense sporting satisfaction, and everyone contributing to spreading joy.
On the training front, significant innovations have been greenlit concerning workshop conduct and methods. Alex Aitken joining the coordination managed by Alejandro Buzzo has formed a group of approximately 30 experienced instructors, all eager to contribute their river expertise. In the upcoming developments, crucial information and a dedicated team will spearhead the execution of River Guide workshops, courses, and exams worldwide, adhering to WRF regulations and in collaboration with the National Federations. This initiative aims to provide many individuals with the opportunity to benefit from the WRF Training Programme associated advantages.
Our commitment to environmental sustainability and gender equality remains unwavering. Initiatives like the WhiteWater Wonder Woman community project, led by our vice-president Blerina Ago and Blendina, continue to grow, addressing crucial issues in women's sports. The "Bee a Rafter" project supporting bees, essential for the global ecosystem, encourages everyone to purchase a hive from https://www.3bee.com/en/owner/world-rafting-federation/. We've also aided the establishment of the Vjosa national wild river park in Albania and seek support for our Bulgarian friends to preserve the "Kresna Gorge."
Our continental boards are making strides: South America, Africa, Asia, and Europe, all progressing steadily. Special thanks to the ICF and other international sports organizations for their belief in us and their unwavering support.
Lastly, my heartfelt thanks to our incredible General Secretary Matteo Benciolini, the Executive Board, the Board of Directors, Continental Councils, National Federations, judges, and all our commissions. Their commendable work, driven purely by passion, earns my utmost respect. We deliberate, produce, make mistakes, all while striving to serve the interests of the great rafting family. I wish you a joyous holiday season, surrounded by the love of family and friends.
Danilo Barmaz