HEADLINE
The 2024 Panamerican Rafting Championships are set to make waves in Pucón, Chile, with an impressive lineup of competitors. This year, 70 teams will compete, including 27 men's teams, 16 women's teams, 16 mixed teams, and 8 para-rafting teams. With athletes from 11 Panamerican nations, along with international teams from Italy and Japan, this event is already a huge success.
Accreditation will take place at Universidad de la Frontera (Campus Pucón) on October 29th and 30th. All accredited teams will receive complimentary accommodation and food from October 30th to November 3rd, excluding international teams.
Competitions like Downriver, RX Qualifications, and Slalom will be held at the Río Trancura and Puente Metrenehue. The Downriver section will challenge rafters with Class III+/IV rapids and frigid water at 8.5°C.
This year’s official raft is the Aquadesign WRF Race Competition Raft, provided by the Chilean Federation. Teams who own the same model may use their rafts during the event.
Join us live or follow the action on our social media channels. Full details can be found in the event manual - HERE - don’t miss out on this spectacular edition of the Panamerican Rafting Championships!
@worldrafting
The World Rafting Federation (WRF) is proudly joining the World Fair Play Day set for September 7th 2024, making waves in the global sporting community. This special day is dedicated to promoting fairness, respect, and camaraderie in sports. As athletes gear up to ride the rapids, the WRF is reinforcing the importance of fair play in the rafting world and beyond.
Fair play is not just a set of rules, but a way of life that fosters positive connections between athletes and their communities. Rafting, a sport built on teamwork and trust, perfectly embodies these values, and this event is the ideal opportunity to highlight how fairness on the water can ripple out to impact society. Check out the official website for more: https://worldfairplayday.org/
Join the WRF and the global sports family in celebrating this exciting day, and let’s make a splash for a better future through fair play!
@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.