The International Canoe Federation has welcomed the announcement by Paddle Australia that Queensland has formally submitted its bid to host the inaugural 2030 World Paddle Games, a landmark event projected to inject more than AUD$200 million into the Queensland economy.
The proposed event would bring together almost 6000 athletes and unite 10 ICF World Championships under one banner for the very first time, creating one of the largest international paddle sport festivals ever staged.
Since launching the World Paddle Games concept in October 2025, the ICF has been encouraged by the strong global interest generated through an open and transparent bidding process. Queensland’s submission reflects the scale of ambition and long-term vision the ICF hoped the event would inspire.
The World Paddle Games represents a transformational moment for paddle sport, combining Olympic and Paralympic disciplines including Canoe Sprint, Canoe Slalom, Kayak Cross and Paracanoe alongside Canoe Marathon, Canoe Ocean Racing, Wildwater Canoeing, Canoe Polo, Canoe Freestyle, Dragon Boat and Stand Up Paddling.
The ICF believes the alignment between the 2030 World Paddle Games and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games is one of the strongest elements of the Queensland proposal.
The opportunity to activate key Brisbane 2032 infrastructure, including the Redland Whitewater Centre, two years before the Olympic Games demonstrates the type of legacy-focused planning the ICF is seeking through the World Paddle Games model.
Together, the Gold Coast’s coastal and flatwater venues and the Redland whitewater facility would create a unique multi-venue festival atmosphere, with all competition arenas located within close proximity to maximise accessibility, fan engagement and operational efficiency.
Beyond elite sport, the World Paddle Games has been designed as a platform to drive tourism, participation, sustainability and community activation. The event aims to position the host region as a global paddle sport destination while accelerating investment and innovation across the sector.
The ICF also notes with encouragement the confidence being shown by Paddle Australia and its funding partners, with discussions progressing across Federal, State and Local Government levels.
Paddle Australia’s bid will now undergo detailed review by the ICF, with a formal decision to be taken at the ICF Board Meeting on 25 July, ahead of the ICF Congress in Oklahoma City on 25–26 July 2026.
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