DURBAN – Thanks to the efforts of long-time South African canoeing supporters, Euro Steel, the home of surfski paddling will finally get the chance to crown the world’s best when the ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships take place in Durban on October 17-19.
The 2025 World Championships will be held in South African for the first time after the ICF awarded the hosting rights to Durban. The KwaZulu-Natal city is considered to be the home of surfski racing and the venue of the oldest ocean race in the world, the Pirates-Umhlanga-Pirates.
Euro Steel, the leading South African supplier of stainless steel and aluminium products, and Australian investment and wealth management firm Shaw and Partners are the major sponsors of the Championships.
“As a proudly South African company, and long time supporter of paddling in South Africa, it was an easy decision for Euro Steel to offer our assistance to the hosts of the ICF Ocean Racing World Championships,” said Colin Wilson, CEO of Euro Steel.
“Durban, with its vibrant surfski community, will be great hosts and will welcome the world to its shores in October.”
“We look forward to the best paddlers coming together to celebrate their sport in the home of surfski paddling. It will be fitting that the World Champions will be decided at the same beaches that the local lifesavers brought this popular recreational activity to life.
“Euro Steel wishes all the competitors the best possible experience in our county and we hope they enjoy everything we have to offer.”
Euro Steel is well-known to all South Africa canoeists as they sponsor the country’s top canoeing and surfski team, with team-members consistently filling the podium of major local and international races and championships.
Included in the team’s recent success are international medals won by Hamish Lovemore at the Hungary World Cup and World Games, as well as medals from Andy Birkett and Jade Wilson at this weekend’s Marathon World Championships.
The action for the World Championships will be based around the Durban Undersea Club with races planned to start there and finish at either Westbrook north of Durban, or Amanzimtoti south of Durban, depending on the weather conditions and wind direction.
The World Championships singles race will be scheduled to take place on the best sea conditions over a three-day window period from October 17th to 19th, with the mixed doubles championships and other events planned for the remaining two days.
Entries opened in May and an impressive list of entries has been reached from international and local paddlers in the official U18, U23 and senior age groups, as well as masters events for paddlers over 35 years old.