“Canoe Freestyle is the best sport in the world. If you don’t believe me, you are probably not doing it.”
These words belong to Eric Jackson, a pioneer in Canoe Freestyle who is competing in his 60s and still shaping the future of the sport.
Jackson is among the stars of Canoe Freestyle that feature in a new short film released by the International Canoe Federation.
Called “The Spirit of Canoe Freestyle”, the 26-minute film produced by Two Circles with support from the ICF Canoe Freestyle Committee celebrates the sport’s heart, skill, and global community.
Set against the backdrop of the 2025 ICF Canoe Freestyle World Championships in Plattling, Germany, the short film follows the sport’s biggest names and most inspiring stories.
Dane Jackson, a multiple world champion from the United States, pushes limits while competing in Plattling with a broken leg, while Great Britain’s Ottilie Robinson-Shaw chases an extraordinary hat-trick of gold medals.
Beyond the podium, The Spirit of Canoe Freestyle captures the soul of the sport through athletes like Ireland’s Thomas Dunphy, who has been kayaking every day for a decade in tribute to his late sister, and USA’s Nick Troutman, who returns to the world stage after surviving a cardiac arrest.
“One of my favourite aspects of the sport is the camaraderie,” said Troutman.
“Everyone is trying their best to compete and to win but they are also cheering each other on and wanting their friends to do their best.”
Chief Judge Charlie Brackpool provides insight into the sport’s tricks, including Phonics Monkey, McNasty and Lunar Orbit, while a spotlight is also put on the ICF Development Camp that breaks down barriers to under-resourced athletes.
“There are a lot of athletes out there that struggle with getting the funding and support they need to help them grow,” said Norway’s Valerie Bertrand.
“The development camp is aimed at those athletes to try to give them the opportunity to showcase what they have got on an international scale and be part of this lovely community.”
This film not only highlights the spectacular skills of elite athletes on the wave but also showcases the resilience and unstoppable spirit of Canoe Freestyle in the face of adversity.
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