2026 ICF World Ranking and CAC African Championships
Canoe Slalom returns to the African Continent! We are extremely excited to be bringing Slalom back and also hosting the first ever African Championships which has Kayak Cross. Our events will build on our fantastic history of extreme kayak racing on the Umzimkulu river.
Combined Slalom and Kayak Cross Venue
The race venue is a beautiful grade 1-2 rapid which will provide the perfect location for Africa's best canoe slalom athletes.
Kayak Cross Open
The Kayak Cross events will be open to all kayakers as part of the Paddlesport South Africa slalom committee drive to grow the sport.
Thrombi Kayak Cross Origins
This race has traditionally been held on the challenging Thrombi Gorge. For the Championship we will be 40km upstream but the origins will not be lost
African Champs by the numbers
The best slalom and kayak cross paddlers from South Africa and Africa will be taking part in this historic event!
African Countries
Medal events
Participants
Kayak Cross History
This will be the first African Championships for Kayak Cross and the first time an ICF level 3 kayak cross event is being held in Africa.
South Africa has pioneered the approach of “Kayak Cross First” to drive the growth in the sport and our team will be looking to put together some good results!
Slalom Returns to Africa
For over a decade, there have been no continental championships for slalom on the African Continent. This event marks a key return to Africa for the discipline!
The championship venue is a sample for other African countries to develop the sport with a gentle grade 1 rapid providing a simple way to demonstrate that expensive artificial white water venues are not necessary for hosting high level events.
Volunteers Key to Event Delivery
Continental and ICF level 3 events require a lot of manpower to run. We are fortunate to be supported by a big squad of volunteers who will be assisting in managing the event and ensuring a successful event.
If you want to get involved, feel free to reach out to the event manager: don@canoeslalom.co.za
Khotso Lodge and Horse Trails will be the official race village and accommodation partner for the event. They are well known in the paddling community as many paddlers stay here to paddle on the river during summer! We are very happy to have their support in delivering this event! We will be hosting the final prizegiving at the lodge on the 31st of January.
For accommodation bookings please visit: https://www.khotso.co.za/accommodation
Accommodation options are available like camping, dormitories and a log cabin. All the race officials and the TIP development camp will be staying there.
Partners
Confederation of African Canoeing
Title SponsorCAC plays an important role in this event by providing a substantial financial sponsorship to cover the event and the supporting TIP camp
Sani Springs
Product SponsorSani Springs water is bottled on the same land as the race event! We are proud to have them supporting us as a product sponsor
Khotso Lodge
Venue and AccommodationThe Khotso lodge and horse trails is the official accommodation venue for the event. Their coffee shop at the "Balam river deck" will be the race venue as well!
Lizzard
Product SponsorLizzard Rash tops are legendary and will be part of the kayak cross head to head gear that we will be using.