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.

The World Rafting Federation (WRF) is proud to announce its recent membership with TAFISA (The Association For International Sport for All), marking a significant step in our commitment to promoting a healthier, more active world. This strategic partnership aligns the WRF with TAFISA’s "Mission 2030: For a Better World Through Sport for All," a global initiative dedicated to addressing the challenges of our time through the unifying power of sport.

TAFISA’s Mission 2030 seeks to tackle some of the most pressing issues facing humanity today—climate change, civil unrest, non-communicable diseases, social isolation, and more—by promoting physical activity and sport as essential tools for positive change. These challenges are universal, transcending borders, cultures, and socio-economic statuses. The mission is clear: to create a world by 2030 where everyone has the opportunity to engage in sport and physical activity, thereby contributing to a healthier, more peaceful, and more sustainable future.

As the global community faces these unprecedented threats, the WRF recognizes the crucial role that sport, and specifically rafting, can play in fostering unity, health, and environmental stewardship. Rafting, with its deep connection to nature and emphasis on teamwork, exemplifies the principles of Sport for All. It encourages physical fitness, mental well-being, and respect for the environment—values that are perfectly aligned with the objectives of TAFISA’s Mission 2030.

By joining TAFISA, the WRF is not only expanding its global reach but also committing to actively contribute to the broader Sport for All movement. We believe that through the inclusive, dynamic, and environmentally conscious sport of rafting, we can inspire individuals and communities around the world to embrace physical activity as a means of improving their lives and the world around them.

This partnership also provides the WRF with an invaluable platform to collaborate with other international organizations dedicated to promoting physical activity and sport. Together with TAFISA, we aim to break down barriers to participation, promote cultural diversity, and create opportunities for all people, regardless of their background or circumstances, to engage in sport.

The WRF is particularly excited about the potential of this collaboration to drive environmental sustainability, a core component of our mission. Rafting inherently promotes a connection with nature, and through our initiatives, we strive to educate and inspire participants to protect the rivers and ecosystems that are central to our sport. In line with TAFISA’s goals, we are committed to advancing the cause of environmental stewardship through sport, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the natural world as we do today.

As we embark on this journey with TAFISA, the WRF calls on all members, stakeholders, and partners to join us in embracing the vision of Mission 2030. Together, we can harness the power of sport to overcome the global challenges we face and create a better, more inclusive world for future generations.

The World Rafting Federation is dedicated to making a tangible impact in the global Sport for All movement. Through our participation in TAFISA’s Mission 2030, we are committed to ensuring that rafting, and sport in general, continues to be a force for good, fostering health, unity, and sustainability across the globe.

Let us work together to ensure that by 2030, the world is a place where everyone has the opportunity to engage in sport and physical activity, where rivers run clean, and where future generations can thrive in a healthier, more connected world. The WRF is ready to paddle forward with TAFISA towards a brighter, better future for all.

@worldrafting

WRF and IRF sign Declaration to unite the Global Rafting Community

Lausanne, Switzerland - In a historic move towards the unification of the global rafting community, Danilo Barmaz, President of the World Rafting Federation (WRF), and Joseph Willis Jones, President of the International Rafting Federation (IRF), have signed a joint declaration on 24th May 2024 in Lausanne. 

The agreement includes the following points:

This significant agreement marks the beginning of a collaborative effort to unify the sport under a single international organization. Since the signing of the declaration, both organizations have maintained positive and constructive communications. 

The reunification project aims to elevate rafting to a sport recognized by major international sports institutions and to enhance athlete participation in numerous competitions. 

The initial concrete goals of this project include establishing unified sport rules and calendars starting January 1, 2025, and presenting our federations as single international organisation in any recognition proceedings before international sports institutions.

Both Presidents express their strong belief that if the rafting community can genuinely focus on common goals while setting aside differences, significant achievements can be realized swiftly for the benefit of the sport and its athletes. 

This initiative not only aims to promote rafting on a global scale but also emphasizes the importance of protecting and sustainably developing the sport for rivers worldwide.

Both Federations are confident that this collaborative effort will lead to the growth and success of rafting, bringing it to new heights within the international sporting arena.

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.

Following the agreements made with the World Rafting Federation as governing bodies for rafting activities the specialized River Safety Course tailored for the distinguished Italian Alpine Group have been completed. This intensive training program was meticulously designed to address all critical aspects and high-risk scenarios inherent to riverine environments, ensuring that these elite groups are exceptionally prepared to navigate and manage the challenges they may face.

The comprehensive course covered a wide array of essential topics, including advanced rafting techniques, emergency response protocols, environmental hazard identification, and robust risk mitigation strategies. Through a blend of hands-on practical exercises and expert-led seminars, participants honed their skills and deepened their understanding of river safety, significantly enhancing their operational readiness and ensuring their safety in dynamic and potentially hazardous river conditions.

Building on the success of the training with the Indian National groups, the World Rafting Federation has expanded its collaborative efforts internationally. This past spring, WRF facilitated a similar river safety course for the Indian Forces, fostering a spirit of international cooperation and shared commitment to excellence in riverine operations. These initiatives underscore WRF’s pivotal role as both an intermediary and a premier trainer, bridging national forces with specialized expertise in navigating and securing river environments.

The World Rafting Federation is honored to support our partners in their pursuit of excellence in river safety and operational effectiveness; the collaboration with the Italian and the Indian Forces exemplifies our dedication to fostering international partnerships and enhancing the skills necessary to thrive in riverine settings.

The federation’s dedication to promoting river safety and operational proficiency among national forces highlights its mission to elevate the standards of rafting and river management on a global scale. As the World Rafting Federation continues to expand its training initiatives and forge new international partnerships, it remains steadfast in its mission to serve as a leading authority in river safety and rafting education. The successful courses conducted with the Italian and Indian forces mark significant milestones in WRF’s ongoing efforts to safeguard those who navigate the world’s rivers, ensuring that they are well-equipped to handle any situation with confidence and expertise.

Through these endeavors, the World Rafting Federation not only enhances the safety and effectiveness of operations in riverine environments but also strengthens the global community’s resilience and preparedness in facing natural challenges.

Special thanks to David Alemanni and Totem Adventure.

@worldrafting

The World Rafting Federation (WRF) recently joined the International Sport and Culture Association (ISCA), marking a significant partnership in promoting physical activity worldwide. ISCA, a non-governmental organization, has been a leader in advocating for increased physical activity across various sectors, with a focus on inclusivity and community-driven sports initiatives. By joining ISCA, the WRF aligns itself with a global network dedicated to making physical activity accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Rafting, as a recreational sport, is incredibly popular, with an estimated 15 to 20 million participants globally each year. This makes it not only an exhilarating activity but also a significant contributor to global outdoor sports culture. The partnership between WRF and ISCA underscores the importance of rafting as a tool for promoting physical well-being and community engagement, especially as ISCA continues to push for wider participation in sports at all levels.

This collaboration is a testament to the power of rafting as more than just an adventure sport—it is a means to foster physical fitness, environmental stewardship, and social connections. As ISCA aims to empower more people to embrace physical activity as a fundamental right, rafting's inclusion highlights its potential to attract and engage diverse populations across the globe​.

@worldrafting

Get ready for one of Peru's most exciting aquatic sports events—the Monzón River Fest 2024! Set in the stunning Monzón Valley in Huánuco, this festival has grown from a local initiative into a national phenomenon, drawing the best athletes from across the country. From September 6th to 8th, the valley will come alive with the adrenaline-pumping action of national rafting, canoe slalom, and kayak cross competitions.

The Monzón River Fest has deep roots in the community, thanks to Jhon Silva Serna, a passionate local promoter and trainer. His love for the Rio Monzón inspired him to launch the festival, which has since nurtured a new generation of paddlers. Among them is 17-year-old Juan Antonio Carrasco, who now competes as part of Peru's national canoeing team—a testament to the event's transformative impact on the Monzón Valley.

This year’s festival is more than just a competition; it's a stepping stone for athletes aiming to join Peru’s national team for international events. With top-tier talent from across the country and international teams invited to compete, the Monzón River Fest 2024 promises to be a spectacle of skill, speed, and sportsmanship.

Don’t miss your chance to witness this thrilling event, where adventure meets tradition, and the Monzón River’s powerful currents become the stage for Peru's finest aquatic athletes. See you at the Monzón River Fest 2024!

@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."