Doubles surfski racing makes a splash at ICF world championships

Historic debut for doubles surfski at ICF World Championships

The International Canoe Federation (ICF) Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships in Perth, Australia, witnessed a significant milestone last December with the inclusion of the SS-2 doubles surfski as a medal event for the first time. This historic decision allowed paddlers to compete for world titles in the double surfski category, marking a new era for the discipline.

Spanish duo Judit Verges Xifra and Walter Bouzan made history by securing the inaugural SS-2 world crown, triumphing over a competitive field of more than 60 crews.

Previously, the SS-2 had only been featured as an exhibition race at the 2014 ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships. Its elevation to an official medal event in Perth underscores its growing recognition and popularity within the sport.

Committee chair expresses optimism for SS-2's future

Colin Simpkins, Chair of the ICF Ocean Racing Committee, expressed considerable enthusiasm for the future of the SS-2 following its successful introduction as a medal event. He highlighted the logistical challenges that had previously prevented a doubles world championship, primarily the difficulty of transporting such crafts to various venues. Simpkins noted that the single surfski had long been the sole class contested at the World Championships, making the inclusion of the double surfski a welcome and "awesome" addition. He emphasized its potential to enhance excitement and attract new participants to the sport by offering a tandem experience.

Simpkins also touched upon the criteria for World Championship events, which mandate a minimum number of participating continents and national federations. He revealed that even in Australia, only the senior class achieved recognized World Championship status due to insufficient entries in junior and under-23 categories. To address this, the committee plans to advance the entry closing...

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