In conjunction with the first global Canoe Slalom event on African waters in over a decade, the International Canoe Federation delivered a development camp aimed at improving technical standards, coaching quality and athlete preparation across the continent.  

Between January 23 and 31, a total of 11 athletes from five African nations participated in the camp, demonstrating continued growth of paddle sport across the region.  

Although the current training camp model was introduced following the Olympic Games Rio 2016, the ICF’s development strategy predates this period. Its long-term approach has focused on grassroots strengthening and leadership education across the globe.  

The aim of the development camps is to advance sustainability, diversity and inclusion initiatives. 

ICF Vice President Dr. Cecilia Farias said: “The objective is to provide better technical conditions to athletes and to educate coaches in the best possible environments.  

“The ultimate goal is to make sure that these athletes are better prepared. You can always follow your Olympic dreams through this pathway.” 

Dr. Farias reinforced the responsibility of federations to ensure equal opportunity, both in participation and leadership. 

“It’s important to advocate for gender equality,” said Dr. Farias. 

“Female leaders are now at the head of several National Federations across Africa, including those in Angola, Nigeria, and South Africa.” 

At the same time, female athletes and international technical officials continue to play a pivotal role in advancing and strengthening these federations. 

"Our role as a federation is to provide opportunities,” Dr. Farias stated.  

For 23-year-old paddler Waris Mills, the Underberg camp marked her second experience within the ICF development programme, having previously taken part in a similar camp in Australia. She emphasised that returning to a familiar coaching set up made a noticeable difference.  

“It’s great to work with the same coaches,” said Mills. “It makes you feel really comfortable in new environments.” 

That sense of familiarity helped Mills to settle quickly, allowing her to focus on learning and absorbing as much as possible from the week.  

Pieter Boshoff, 15, arrived in Underberg for his first ICF development camp and left with an experience he did not expect – including a surprise third-place finish in the kayak cross event.  

“It was my first training camp, and it was an amazing experience,” said Boshoff. 

Despite his age, Boshoff credited the development camp environment for helping accelerate his progress, particularly through the opportunity to train and compete alongside athletes from different countries and backgrounds.  

Both athletes highlighted the importance of the people they met throughout the camp, describing the shared learning environment as one of its biggest strengths.  

“I learned a lot from training with people from different countries and backgrounds,” added Boshoff.  

Mills echoed that sentiment, noting that the camps offer more than just time on the water. 

Workshops and off-water sessions played a key role in helping athletes develop new skills and gain confidence.  

Looking ahead, Mills expressed strong interest in continuing her involvement in the programme, including a potential appearance at a future ICF development camp in Oklahoma later this year.  

For Mills, the value of the camps extends well beyond performance outcomes, shaping both her confidence and long-term motivation within the sport.  

Boshoff made mirroring remarks about possible upcoming events, saying that he planned to do a lot more training camps in the future.  

Reflecting on her experiences, Mills encouraged young athletes who are given the opportunity to attend an ICF development camp to fully embrace everything it offers.  

“Learn from other athletes, and make friends,” said Mills. “The programme puts you in the same spaces as experienced and well-known athletes, so ask questions, speak to them, and make the most of it.” 

Ultimately, it was the overall experience for the two young athletes – on and off the water – that left the strongest impression.  

“It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had,” added Mills. “It made me realise that I wanted to continue doing this. It gave me an extra sense of motivation.”