Dean Gardiner

[2026-02-20] Dean Gardiner is a towering figure in the world of ocean racing, often cited as one of the greatest downwind paddlers in history. An Australian pioneer, he transformed surfski from a niche discipline into a professional global sport. >>

Cape Point Challenge (Cape Town, South Africa)

[2026-02-19] Started in 1980 by local lifesavers looking to test their mettle, this is often dubbed the "World's Toughest One-Day Surfski Race." Depending on the course layout for the year, it covers around 50 to 54 kilometers. Paddlers typically start in Scarborough or Witsands, navigate around the iconic and turbulent Cape of Good Hope (Cape Point), and finish at Fish Hoek beach. Cold water, massive Atlantic swells, and gale-force South-Easterly winds make this a brutal test of endurance. >>

Hank McGregor

[2026-02-19] Hank McGregor is widely considered the most versatile and dominant paddler of the modern era. While Dean Gardiner ruled the 90s and Grant Kenny brought the sport to the mainstream, McGregor, a South African powerhouse, redefined what it means to be a "complete" paddler by dominating both flatwater marathons and extreme ocean downwind racing simultaneously. >>

2026-06-15

Paddle sports event attracts hundreds to historic Hangzhou waterway

2026-06-12

Vaikobi joins ICF to foster global expansion of 2026 Canoe Ocean Racing World Series

2026-05-27

ICF applauds Queensland's bid for the 2030 World Paddle Games, anticipating a AUD$200 million economic boost