The inclusion of the in the WRF marks a fresh start for American and Panamerican rafting especially this year in occasion of the Panamerican Rafting Champs 2024 in Chile. The WRF, dedicated to promoting...
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The inclusion of the USA in the WRF marks a fresh start for American and Panamerican rafting especially this year in occasion of the Panamerican Rafting Champs 2024 in Chile. The WRF, dedicated to promoting and developing rafting globally, provides a platform for member countries to compete at the highest level, share best practices, and collaborate on initiatives to advance the sport. By joining the federation, the USA connects with the global rafting community, paving the way for enhanced training, increased visibility, and more competitive opportunities for its athletes.
This new membership will lead to the establishment of prominent competitions in the future. With diverse and challenging rivers across the country, the USA has the potential to host world-class events that could attract top athletes and enthusiasts from around the globe. The USA’s entry into the WRF is expected to foster strong collaborations with other member countries. These partnerships can lead to the exchange of knowledge, resources, and expertise, benefiting the rafting community at large. American rafters will have the opportunity to learn from international peers, participate in joint training programs, and compete in a broader range of events, enhancing their skills and competitiveness.
The WRF emphasizes environmental sustainability, promoting practices that protect and preserve natural waterways. The USA, with its vast and varied natural landscapes, stands to benefit from the WRF's initiatives and guidelines. Collaborating with other member countries on sustainable rafting practices will help the USA maintain the ecological health of its rivers, ensuring they remain pristine for future generations.
As the USA embarks on this exciting journey with the World Rafting Federation, the future of the rafting community looks promising; American rafters and enthusiasts have much to look forward to as they take their place on the international stage.
@worldrafting
The rafting world is buzzing with excitement: Austria has officially joined the World Rafting Federation (WRF). This membership not only recognizes another big step for the WRF community but also presents an extraordinary opportunity for the sport in the country.
One event that embodies the spirit of Austrian rafting is the Wildalpen competition. Over the years, this event has gained significant traction, drawing in more participants and elevating the level of competition. Known for its challenging sections and stunning natural setting, Wildalpen has become a key date on the rafting calendar, showcasing the best of what Austrian rafting has to offer.
As we look forward to the next year’s calendar, the anticipation is building. With Austria now part of the WRF, the Wildalpen event is poised to gain even more prominence, attracting top-tier athletes and enthusiasts from around the world. The future of Austrian rafting looks brighter than ever, and we can't wait to see what's next.
@worldrafting
In the heart of Colombia, where rivers once symbolized division and conflict, a notable transformation has been underway for some time. "Remando por la Paz," a team formed after the peace agreement between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, thanks to this team the community keeps growing through a unique rafting school for children aged ten and up. Equipped with rafts, paddles, helmets, and life jackets, these young adventurers embarked on a journey of self-empowerment and community building with an ambitious goal: to launch an ecotourism project that showcases their region’s natural beauty and its new era.
Jimmy Charry Rafting School - Colombia
"This river was once a frontier, a line that divided us, with guerrillas on one side and the army on the other. Today, it is a river that unites us, because we have navigated it together."
Click here to see few shots of the Jimmy Charry Rafting School: https://www.instagram.com/p/C8y6pHJNmpb/
The school, driven by the team’s vision, aims to promote river culture among children and adolescents while teaching the skills and sport of rafting. Despite the resurgence of conflict near the beloved Pato River, where armed clashes have returned after years of peace, the team remains committed to their mission. Their dedication has not gone unnoticed. In 2022, "Remando por la Paz" took third place at the National Rafting Championships in Santander, earning a spot at the World Rafting Championships in Sondrio, Italy in 2023. This year, they are set to represent Colombia at the Pan American Championships in Chile.
WRF World Rafting Championships 2023, Valtellina - Italy
Now their efforts are threatened by the renewed conflict, putting their tourism and development project at risk. However, their resolve remains firm. The official statement from the community underscores their decision to trade rifles for paddles as a step towards new horizons, aiming for peace, reconciliation, environmental protection, and the creation of new opportunities and livelihoods.
In this challenging time, the World Rafting Federation (WRF) has called for solidarity, urging support for the continued growth of this inspiring movement. Their plea resonates globally: let not the efforts of "Remando por la Paz" be in vain, and let us all continue to #RemandoPorLaPaz.
National Rafting Championships - Colombia
As these young rafters navigate the rapids, they carry with them the hope of a united and peaceful Colombia, proving that even the most turbulent waters can lead to a brighter future.