In the men's category, the Petawawa Raft Team secured a decisive victory, claiming the top spot. They were followed by Canada Collectif in second place, and Haut-Canada rounding out the podium in third.

The women's category saw Bas Canada dominating the competition, taking first place. Mets ta bet à l'eau finished strong in second, with Kariboo capturing the third place.

The mixed teams displayed exceptional teamwork and skill, with Canada Collectif emerging victorious. Petawawa Raft Team added to their accolades with a second-place finish, while Equipe Jacques-Cartier took third.

These winning teams have earned the honor of representing Canada at the Pan American Rafting Championships in Pucon, Chile at the end of the year, where they will compete against the best teams from across the Americas.

The championships highlighted the dedication and prowess of Canadian rafters, setting a high standard for future competitions. Congratulations to all the teams for their outstanding performances and best of luck in Chile!

@worldrafting

Big news: Germany has officially joined the World Rafting Federation (WRF), igniting excitement across Europe's rafting community. This move not only showcases Germany's commitment to the future but also strengthens the collective force of European rafting enthusiasts.

With its beautiful rivers and landscapes, Germany is perfect for rafting. Now, by teaming up with the WRF, German rafters can learn more and compete in events around the world. Moreover, Germany's partnership with the WRF amplifies Europe's voice in global rafting advocacy, promoting sustainability and inclusivity.

Germany's new adventure is just beginning. Get ready to ride the rapids Germany's rafting journey is starting now!

@worldrafting

The World Rafting Federation (WRF) condemns in the strongest terms the reprehensible attack suffered by Mr. David Katsarava, President of the Georgian Rafting Federation.

Reports indicate that Mr. Katsarava, a respected figure within the rafting community, was subjected to brutal violence during his detention at a protest. This incident, occurring within the context of the recent protests in Georgia, is deeply concerning and completely unacceptable.
Mr. Katsarava, known for his activism, was arrested and severely beaten, resulting in serious injuries including a broken jaw and significant facial trauma. These injuries necessitated urgent medical attention, and he is currently undergoing surgery at Ingorokva clinic.
His wife, Mrs. Sofo Khachapuridze, has provided distressing details of the extent of his injuries, describing deliberate and targeted blows to his head by multiple assailants.

The WRF stands in solidarity with Mr. Katsarava and his family during this difficult time. We urge the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into this incident and ensure that those responsible for this heinous act are brought to justice swiftly.
Furthermore, we call for the protection of the fundamental rights and freedoms of all individuals, including the right to peaceful protest, without fear of violence or persecution.
Our thoughts are with Mr. Katsarava for a swift and full recovery, and we reaffirm our commitment to upholding the principles of justice, human rights, and dignity for all.

The Board of Directors

The second continental stop of this year, the European Rafting Championship, is drawing closer. This year, it will be held in Bosnia and Herzegovina on the Neretva River in Konjic. The Euro Champs will take place from June 10th to June 15th.

Hurry to register, check-out the BULLETIN to find the updated program and registration details. For any inquiries, feel free to reach out to us and the organizing committee (find all the contacts following the link). We'll respond promptly to ensure everyone can plan accordingly. We remind you that ALL the European nations are invited to participate and make this event a memorable one!

Useful links:

In the heart of Croatia's scenic riverways, the inaugural Euro Rafting Cup unfolded with a torrent of excitement and adrenaline. Hosted on the Cetina river the race was the first stage of the 2024 Euro Cup Series and Croatia had proven itself a formidable host, and the spirit of rafting thrived in its waters.

In the men's category Koncar 1 won the gold medal with 268 points in total (RX 108, Slalom 80, Downriver 80) ahead of the teams: Italy Garfagnana and Cetina Raft. In the women's division Italy conquered the first place with a total o 288 points (RX 108, Slalom 100, Downriver 80) followed by Koncar; meanwhile in the mix category Koncar with a total of 280 points win the overall (RX 120, Slalom 80, Downriver 80) followed by Italy RKA and Italy Garfagnana.

Mr Alex Aitken, born in Scotland, discovered the river world at only 10 years old. From kayaking to safety, from katarafts to rafting, he begun his adventure in Africa at 17.

Since he paddled Kenya’s rivers, he felt something different. “I had never imagined it before: hundreds of native kids and farmers following us, running on the shores while the river crosses small villages. I discovered a new meaning of exploring. The river has always something new and different to show you and if you embrace it, it becomes a part of you.”

Over the past 35 years, Mr Aitken has travelled to lead expeditions in more than 55 countries, setting high standards in guide training and river running. He designed itineraries to remote places, totally off the beaten track together with river gurus.

“In Africa you find yourself in the real wildwater, untouched by humans, among wild animals and local tribes that remind you the beauty of the authentic, everyday.”

In a continent where the river brings people together in the truest sense, rafting can connect communities from the bottom. Mr Aitken keeps exploring African rivers every year and his line is now regularly crossing the World Rafting movement.

In the last 2 years he helped with the organisation of 2 guide courses in Morocco hosted by the Federation Royale Marocaine de Canoe Kayak and the support of the WRF African Council: precious weeks where he put a lot of effort in raising and spreading the awareness of technique and safety in river navigation, bearing in mind the importance of river cleaning on a community level.

At the moment WRF is cooperating with the national federations from Morocco, Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya with the aim to organise the first African Rafting Championship ever: a meeting point for different viewpoints that can lead to a shared line in terms of river running that can benefit everyone: “An international event would be a good step for the movement and the idea to host it this year is becoming a plan" WRF President Danilo Barmaz declared.

WRF is constantly working to maintain a common line worldwide, both on the recreational and agonistic fields. Mr Barmaz added: “Competitions and events are not only about precious seconds and gold medals, but an opportunity to discover different approaches to the same topic that can improve our global awareness as a river community. Also, it is always a chance to challenge ourself to track our best line in every field we find ourself in.”

In the heart of rushing waters, there lies a deep connection between humanity and nature. For the global community of rafting guides and athletes, every bend of the river is not just a playground but a space to honor. As we celebrate Earth Day, the World Rafting Federation urges us to recognize the profound significance of this day through the lens of river lovers worldwide.

Earth Day isn’t just about planting trees and cleaning up parks; it’s about acknowledging our responsibility to protect the very essence of our existence: the Earth's rivers. These flowing arteries sustain life, carve landscapes, and provide endless adventure for rafters around the globe.

For the World Rafting Federation, Earth Day is a call to action. It’s a reminder that our passion for rafting goes hand in hand with our commitment to preserving the rivers we cherish. Our community understands that healthy rivers aren’t just a privilege; they’re a necessity.

Through our collective efforts, we can ensure that future generations will continue to experience the thrill of navigating rapids and the serenity of drifting downstream. Together, let’s paddle forward towards a future where every day is Earth Day on the river.

@worldrafting

Get ready for the ultimate adrenaline rush on the water! The Wildalpen 2024 World Rafting Grand Prix is about to kick off in Austria, from April 26th to 28th and you're invited to test your skills on the wild waves!

The bulletin for the Wildalpen 2024 - WRF international competition has been published.

It is noted that in order to ensure a smooth transition, exceptionally for the 2024 edition, the competition will be held according to national rules (no RX format).