An official site visit carried out by the International Canoe Federation has confirmed Qingdao in China will be the perfect location for this year’s ICF Stand Up Paddling World Championships.

The ICF SUP committee visited the world championship venue this week and met local organisers who will work with the Federation and the Chinese Canoe Association to make the 2019 world championships an event to remember.

Qingdao was the venue for the sailing competition at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and many of the officials who worked on that successful event will be lending their expertise to this year’s ICF SUP World Championships.

“We could not be more impressed with the venue,” ICF SUP committee member, Rami Zur, said.

“The Qingdao swimming beach is located right in the heart of this vibrant city, providing easy access for spectators, athletes and officials. It will be a wonderful location to showcase this exciting event.

“We are also incredibly impressed with the enthusiasm and knowledge of the local organisers. Already many important decisions, like transport and accommodation, have been taken, which will ensure this world championships runs smoothly and will be worry-free for participants.”

Local organisers from the CCA and the Qingdao Marine Sports School have already put in place a comprehensive transport plan, including shuttles to and from Qingdao Liuting International Airport, and daily transport from affiliated hotels.

Three hotels have already been confirmed for the event, with prices ranging from 35 euros to 135 euros for a double room, including breakfast.

“We know a major concern for athletes in the past has been transport and accommodation, and we can assure them we are working hard to make sure thi will be much better in Qingdao,” Zur said.

“Qingdao International Airport has direct flights from all over the world, and the hotels we are planning to use are all very close to the competition venue.”

The ICF will confirm shortly the event timetable for the 2019 ICF SUP World Championships, which is expected to include junior, U23, open, and masters 40+ and 50+.

There will also be a world championship race for inflatables, and an exhibition race open to the public.

More details, including registration links, will be available when the official event website goes online in May.

The 2019 ICF SUP World Championships will be held from October 24-27 at Qingdao, China.