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.
The Slalom Venue
The slalom venue is a beautiful grade 1-2 rapid which will provide the perfect location for Africa's best canoe slalom athletes.
Its a venue that is perfect for all water levels
The Kayak Cross Course
The Kayak Cross venue is one of the best rapids on the river for kayak cross racing. Defined by a large wavetrain in the center of the river its a great location for some fearsome racing!
Thrombi Kayak Cross Origins
This race has traditionally been held on the challenging Thrombi Gorge. For the Championship we will run on glenhaven but the origins will not be lost with social paddles down this impressive gorge included as part of the weekend's activities
Kayak Cross Race course
Have a look at the race venue that will be used for the kayak cross races at the championship
Partnerships
The CAC African Championships is proudly supported by the Drak Challenge, “the most fun you can have canoeing”. This 2 day marathon will be run alongside the championships.
By partnering with such a strong canoeing marathon event, we are able to ensure a good event delivery and share the positives of all the events. The Kayak Cross races will be held on Friday the 30th of January when the registration for the marathon is happening which will give marathon participants the chance to take part in the kayak cross races!
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