The International Canoe Federation has announced it is launching a new virtual paddle challenge which will cater for paddlers from beginner level through to the elite, following the success of its 5k competition last month.
The ICF will have three new partners for the challenge – charity partner Peace and Sport, international canoe and kayak manufacturer, Rotomod, and media partner kayaksessions.
The new challenge will follow the same guidelines, but this time participants will have the choice of either a 5k or 2k distance. It is hoped the project will encourage paddlers of all ages and ability to get active, following months of Covid-19 restrictions around the world.
The ICF is thrilled to partner international organisation Peace and Sport for the challenge. Peace and Sport is currently running community programs all over the world using sport to help educate, integrate and socialise communities, often in developing regions.
It will be the first joint project between the ICF and Peace and Sport under a long-term partnership expected to be formalised shortly.
All participants in the new paddle challenge will have the option to donate to Peace and Sport, to support projects in countries as diverse as Mali, Haiti and Timor Leste. Everyone who makes a donation will be in the running to win fantastic weekly prizes.
Hundreds of people from all corners of the globe, including a strong Australian contingent, signed up for the 5k challenge, with participants completing the distance on a variety of crafts, including canoes, kayaks, SUP boards and, for those unable to get outdoors, indoor ergos.
All participants will be required to register for the challenge, and then post their times on the official event website. Competitors can use any craft officially recognised by the ICF, and can complete the distance on a lake, river, ocean or on an ergo.
Fantastic prizes will be on offer in a random draw each week for all competitors.
All entrants must follow local Covid-19 restriction guidelines, and should only paddle where it is safe to do so.
Virtual competition requirements
There are two important stipulations; all participants must follow the rules in their own country to help prevent the spread of the virus, and each paddler must be able to accurately measure their distance and time.
On sea/lake, the full distance should be paddled as half in one direction and the second half opposite direction with at least one 180 degree turn. On river/creek, full distance can be done in one direction without having to return. For 2K distance, paddlers only have to go in one direction (point A to B) whether on Lake/Sea or River/Creek. Can’t get on water? Join us on your Ergometer!
How to participate
Please be aware that there will be two separate registrations. 5K registration page and 2K registration page. All participants are asked to make a voluntary donation to Peace and Sport. Every paddler who makes a donation and share #ICFpaddlechallenge on their social media will have the chance to win a prize, including RTM Kayak and official #ICFpaddlechallenge T-shirts!
Enter 2K
Enter 5K
Where to upload your results
After you’ve registered, you can upload your time in the below two links where you’ll be able to see your current standings compared to other paddlers.
Results
2K Competition Results
5K Competition Results
Win Prizes & Share
Every paddler who makes a donation to Peace and Sport, share using #ICFpaddlechallenge and tag @PlanetCanoe on social media will have the chance to win a prize. Thanks to the generosity of Rotomod, the official ICF Paddle Challenge sponsor, we will be giving out one of their finest Disco + Kayaks each week!
To be in with a chance complete these steps:
- Enter and donate to Peace and Sport
- Complete the challenge and upload your results
- Share a photo or video on social using #ICFpaddlechallenge and tag @PlanetCanoe
Share your results and challenge your mates
Get your friends and clubmates involved. Share your participation on social media, challenge your friends and tag @PlanetCanoe#ICFpaddlechallenge to be featured here! (multimedia tab above). Follow PlanetCanoe on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for updates.
Prize Winners
| Week 1 10–16 August |
| Week 2 17–23 August |
| Week 3 24–30 August |
| Week 4 31 Aug–6 Sep |
Peace and Sport brings together and develops partnerships between the peace (NGOs, UN agencies, academics), the sport (Olympic family, international federations, national Olympic committees, athletes) and the political worlds with the aim of implementing and ensuring the sustainability of field programs, maximising the use of sport for development and peace and leading social transformation in every area of the world affected by poverty or social instability.
Rotomod is considered one of the world’s leading manufacturers of canoes and kayaks, catering for all classes of paddler. The company is particularly recognised for its innovative designs and the reliability of its products.
Kayaksessions produces both an online and print version magazine, and covers all aspects of canoe, kayak and SUP activity. It is a leading voice in industry trends, recreational advice and elite level competition.
More details and the official entry form for the Paddle Challenge can be found here.
