The "BE WATER" project, co-financed by the European Union, has officially started in Slunj: it aims to enhance and “use” aquatic outdoor sports as a means of environmental education and awareness. 

The kickoff of the project co-financed by the Erasmus + program has just been held in Slunj, Croatia, along the Korana River. The meeting was attended by representatives of the four project partners from Comunità della Val di Sole (Italy), the Kajak Kanu klub ’’Rastocki mlinari’’ (Croatia), the Rafting Club “Gimpex Straza” (Slovenia) and F.I.Raft (Italian Rafting Federation).

The activities carried out through the project will allow the creation of innovative and European environmental education tools based on outdoor aquatic practices (such as rafting and kayaking) and to start a transnational communication and awareness path on the importance of the water resource.

Project idea is born by the match of two transnational and common trends that need a common and innovative answer: on one side there is the outdoor sports practices in constant growth. With the increasing of outdoor sport practice popularity, mountains, rivers and other natural areas are under growing stress: according to the partners of the project, it’s is important to support this trend and bring citizen to practice open-air activities but at the same time it is essential to minimize the impact of outdoor sport activities on the wilderness, protected areas, rivers and to develop outdoor sport activities that include awareness on environmental protection. On the other side there is the specific water issue: waters sports and theirs industries need to be aware of -  and develop more resilient offer to - the water crisis at local and international level (lost of glaciers, pollution, …) not only for environmental sustainability but also for economical and social issues. 

Indeed, in order to guarantee environmental sustainability and open-air sport growth there is a need to develop alternative educational and sensibilisation processes and tools able to involve and sensitize citizens. 

The first action that will be developed by the partnership will be the training of some "ambassadors" of the rivers. Through training courses dedicated to rafting, canoeing and kayaking guides, the project will contribute to improving the knowledge of the peculiarities and problems related to water at local and global level.

2019 Senior Worlds is set to be another amazing event.

Please be aware the schedule may still change slightly, depending on TV requirements, and also the number of entries received for the event.

On 8th March 2019 the International Federation for Sport Officials (IFSO) was created in The Hague (Netherlands). The first general assembly took place at the Peace Palace, the headquarters of the International Court of Justice. The World Rafting Federation, represented by President Danilo Barmaz, was present as a founding member.

Welcome on board! The Federação Portuguesa de Canoagem's membership application has been approved by the Executive Board: Portugal becomes an official member of World Rafting Federation. Athletes are training and looking forward to their first international experience and the WRF President, Mr Danilo Barmaz, declares "We are glad to cooperate and develop rafting and paddle sport together!"

Turkish Rafting Federation and World Rafting Federation are glad to announce that Turkish Airlines has been appointed as official partner of WRF Senior World Championship 2019 that will be held in Tunceli from 8th to 13th June.

The event is a great opportunity to show the results of the first year of WRF: an

important meeting for the Federations Board, the first international experience for new members and a big race that will see estabilished teams from all over

the world compete to conquer the title of World Champs in this historical period for Rafting.
The accomodation is free: room and board will be offered by Turkish Federation and discounts on Turkish Airlines flights for National Teams are now available.

After successfully hosting the last Olympic Games in 2016, Rio de Janeiro will host Pan-American Master Games in September 2020 and rafting (R4) has been included in the programme thanks to the collaboration between Brazilian Rafting Association, Brazilian Canoe Federation, ICF, WRF and IMGA.

"I have good news" says Benedetto Del Zoppo, Sport Department Responsible of the Italian Rafting Federation (FIRAFT): the Italian Paralympic Committee (C.I.P.) recognized Rafting as an official sport by means of a Memorandum of Understanding and the next months the ParaRafting datas will be straight observed and analized by CIP. It is a historical moment, an event that will benefit the entire Italian Federation and represents an example for the other countries. Indeed the Paralympic field is a driving force for Sport in general, from the commercial team building to a new opportunity for other Para-athletes who are looking for adrenaline, fun and healty competition.

"Italy is selecting national teams through regular meetings for the the First World ParaRafting Championships ever, that will be organized in Kiev from 4th to 7th October 2019 by the Ukranian Rafting Federation and WRF" said Max Manfredi, Italian Member of the WRF Para-Rafting Commission.

National Rafting Championship of Nepal is over: on 19th, 20th and 21st

February 2019 Nepal Rafting & Canoeing Association (NRCA) organized a big