Paddle Europe activities Q2 2026

The second quarter of 2026 marked another important milestone for Paddle Europe. While preparations continued for the establishment of our new headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, our focus was equally on delivering the first major European Championships under the Paddle Europe identity.

This period also marked the beginning of an important journey towards more sustainable events, with several innovative initiatives already implemented during our championships.

At the same time, Paddle Europe continued to actively contribute to the International Canoe Federation's strategic discussions on governance reform and the future Olympic programme towards Brisbane 2032. Our ambition remains unchanged: to strengthen European paddle sports through excellence in competition, innovation, sustainability and closer cooperation with all our member federations. 

Sprint, Paracanoe and Masters Championships – Montemor-o-Velho (Portugal) 

The 2026 Paddle Europe Sprint, Paracanoe and Masters Championships demonstrated both the resilience and the organisational excellence of the Portuguese Canoe Federation. 

Only a few months before the event, the venue had been severely damaged by exceptional flooding. Thanks to the remarkable commitment of the Portuguese Canoe Federation, supported by national and local authorities, the course was fully restored in less than three months, allowing Europe to enjoy another outstanding championship at one of its premier canoe venues. This edition also marked an important step forward for inclusiveness. 

For the first time, sprint masters races were integrated into the European Championships alongside the now fully established Paracanoe programme. Through the Memorandum of Understanding between Paddle Europe and Special Olympics Europe Eurasia, demonstration races for athletes with intellectual disabilities were also organised, reinforcing our commitment to making our events accessible to all. 

Also, the new KL3 K2 competition was added to the schedule as a demonstration race, after ICF request for Europe showcase it. 

The championships concluded with an unforgettable moment as Portuguese legend Fernando Pimenta delighted many home supporters by winning the K1 5000m title in front of full stands.  

Beyond competition, Team Leaders and coaches met with Paddle Europe representatives to discuss the future of sprint canoeing, including Olympic qualification, the European Games 2027, new progression system solutions to protect the discipline for unfair weather conditions. 

Key figures: 597 athletes, 39 National Federations, more than 750 delegation members, 18 International Technical Officials, 160 persons involved in the organidation. 

This competition was also managed by PEU Sprint Committee - Chair: Michel Letienne (France)-, with the technical support of Memosoft company, official PEU provider. 

Freestyle Championships Lieksa (Finland) 

The 2026 Paddle Europe Freestyle Championships brought together Europe's best freestyle paddlers in Lieksa, Finland, for a week of spectacular competition on one of the continent's most versatile whitewater features. 

Throughout the week, the championships showcased an exciting blend of established champions and emerging young talent. Junior categories delivered exceptional performances, confirming the bright future of European freestyle, while senior finals featured world-class routines and thrilling battles for continental titles. The host nation celebrated a memorable gold medal through Taru Terni in Women’s K1, while Poland’s Tomasz Czaplicki successfully defended his European title in Men’s K1. France’s Tom Dolle was the only athlete to claim two medals during the championships. Germany, France and Great Britain finished as the most successful nations with four medals each, followed by Poland, Ireland and Finland, underlining the continued growth and competitiveness of freestyle kayaking across Europe.

Marathon Championships in Pitesti (Romania) 

Just one week after hosting the ICF Stand Up Paddling World Championships, the Romanian Canoe Federation successfully welcomed Europe's best marathon paddlers. 

Junior, Senior, Masters and Paracanoe athletes competed in excellent sporting conditions, confirming the continued development of marathon across all categories. 

Extreme temperatures throughout the week required several adaptations. Paddle Europe implemented its Heat Policy, organisers provided additional athlete protection measures and some race distances were adjusted to ensure safe competition. 

As climate change increasingly impacts outdoor sport, adapting competition formats and venue management will become an important challenge for the future. 

Thanks to the outstanding commitment of volunteers and organisers, the championships were delivered at the highest standard. 

Key figures: 475 athletes, 30 National Federations, 349 Elite & Paracanoe competitors, 126 Masters 

This competition was also managed by PEU Marathon Committee - Chair: Ruud Heijselaar (Netherlands) – with the technical support of Memosoft company. 

Sustainability has become one of Paddle Europe's strategic priorities. 

Under the leadership of Board Member Stein Verlinden (Belgium), work has continued on the organisation's Sustainability Strategy, which will be submitted for approval at the 2027 Congress in Ljubljana. 

Throughout the 2026 season, European Championships are being assessed using the DECK Project sustainability evaluation tools, developed with the support of the European Union and the ICF. These assessments will provide the foundation for continuous improvement of future events. 

Montemor-o-Velho already offered a powerful example. 

Instead of the traditional bouquet of flowers, every European medallist received a symbolic tree trophy representing a real tree that will be planted later this year in the athlete's name as part of the restoration of the venue following the devastating floods. 

A simple initiative carrying a strong message: sporting success can also contribute to environmental recovery. More information here  

Paddle Europe actively celebrated World Canoe Day on 26 June through a dedicated social media campaign featuring athletes, videos and visual content. 

This first coordinated campaign opens the way for closer collaboration with National Federations to further increase the visibility of paddle sports across Europe. 

Athletes presenting medals 

Members of the newly established Paddle Europe Athletes' Committee participated for the first time in official medal ceremonies during the European Championships, presenting medals to their fellow competitors whenever their own racing schedule allowed. 

This symbolic step reflects the growing role of athletes within Paddle Europe's governance. 

A vision for the Future 

Under the leadership of Chair Monica Doria (Andorra), the Athletes' Committee presented its first strategic vision to the Paddle Europe Board. 

The Committee identified three long-term priorities: 

1. Improving competition formats to enhance both athlete experience and spectator appeal. 

1. Bringing all paddle disciplines together under one united paddling community. 

1. Supporting athletes throughout their dual careers by combining elite sport with education and long-term professional development. 

During the quarter, the Paddle Europe Board met twice (12 May and 18 June). 

Key decisions focused on the relocation of the organisation's headquarters to Lausanne, Switzerland, the adaptation of the statutes under Swiss legislation, the closure of the Croatian office and ongoing financial management. 

Paddle Europe representatives also actively participated in all ICF Executive Committee, Board and Continental Presidents meetings, contributing to discussions on: the ICF Governance Review; the future role of Continental Associations; the Brisbane 2032 Olympic programme; the 2027–2028 ICF budget. 

Finally, Paddle Europe Vice-President Moira Aston represented the organisation at the European Olympic Committees Congress, where discussions focused on the 2027 European Games in Istanbul, future European Games hosts, the European Youth Olympic Festival and preparations for upcoming EOC General Assemblies. 

Jean Zoungrana, President of Paddle Europe