– to access more content and expert support, check out 
.
The 2025 ICF Stand Up Paddling World Championships will be taking place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates from the 29th October - 2nd November. Here is the programme and information relating to the event.
Press Release: ICF
The 100m sprint is set to take centre stage for the second successive year as excitement builds for the 2025 International Canoe Federation Stand Up Paddling World Championships in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
After last year’s successful debut of the 100m sprint, the event will feature again as part of an action-packed and innovative programme.
Bulgaria’s Andrii Kraitor and Katniss Paris of the United States proved too strong over the shorter distance last year as the two speedsters made history at the ICF SUP World Championships in Sarasota, Florida.
The UAE is preparing to host the ICF flagship event for the first time with racing taking place over five exciting days.
Proceedings will open on October 29 with the preliminaries, heats and quarter-finals of the sprint competition.
All eyes will be on the technical races on October 30 as paddlers battle it out in the preliminaries, heats and quarter-finals.
The intensity will ramp up on October 31 when the medals will be contested in sprint across the open, junior and masters categories.
Technical semi-finals and finals will be held on November 1 before competition concludes on November 2 with the long-distance finals.
The final day of racing will also see the inflatable races and kids’ competitions take place.
Update on one-design board
The ICF is actively exploring the introduction of a one-design board for junior athletes in future competitions—an exciting step forward in our commitment to making paddle sports more accessible and sustainable.
However, to ensure athletes have adequate preparation time and in light of production and procurement timelines, the ICF has decided to postpone the introduction of the one-design board.
As a result, the board will not be used at the 2025 World Championships in Abu Dhabi. This approach allows for a proper lead-in period before it is introduced at major events, ensuring fairness and readiness across the athlete community.
Abu Dhabi preparing to make history
A deadline of October 19 has been set for registration for the World Championships, but it is important to sign up as quick as possible to secure a coveted spot.
Yaser Alkatheeri, of the Emirates Canoeing and Rafting Federation, said:
“It is a true honour to welcome the world’s finest SUP athletes to compete at the highest level of this incredible sport. I am confident that the upcoming championships will not only showcase outstanding performances but also create an atmosphere of joy, camaraderie, and unforgettable memories for everyone involved. I firmly believe that SUP is among the fastest-growing sports globally and has a bright future as it continues to captivate more enthusiasts worldwide.”
Abu Dhabi is promising an event to remember as the organisers look to put on a show with the UAE staging a major ICF competition for the first time.
Noemi Horvath, Chair of the ICF SUP Committee, said:
“This year’s World Championships offers athletes the chance to be part of history as we head to the UAE for the first time. I am really looking forward to seeing the 100m sprint in action again after the event’s hugely successful debut in Sarasota last year. It’s a fantastic programme of races with the best paddlers in the world set to compete for glory in sprint, technical and long distance.”