Athletes competing in this year’s stand up paddling world championships in Qingdao, China, will be in the running for almost 40,000 Euros in prize money, the International Canoe Federation has announced.
The registration system is now open, and athletes are urged to enter quickly. There will also be an opportunity to rent boards via the official website. However this is on a first-come-first-served basis, so again athletes are urged to act quickly.
The prize money will be spread across the six open hard board events – the long distance race, the technical race and the sprint race – which will be contested between 25-27th October.
There will also be an added incentive for athletes competing in the 2019 ICF SUP World Cup in Scharbeutz, Germany. The world championship hosts have announced the winners of the men’s and women’s race will receive 800 Euros towards flights to China, and also receive free accommodation, meals and participation in the world titles.
ICF secretary general, Simon Toulson, said the prize money and the added incentives underlined the Federation’s commitment to the athletes.
“We are working closely with the host organising committee to ensure every detail of these world championships is as perfect as we can make it and an important part of that strategy is to ensure the best possible experience for the athletes,” Mr Toulson said,
“The accommodation, the meals, the transport, the transfer of equipment – all of these issues can be frustrating for an athlete if not delivered to a high standard. We will do our best to remove the stress for athletes.
“We have promised from the outset that this will be a world championship to remember for all involved. The promise of generous prize money underlines that commitment.”
The ICF has also announced this week a development camp for athletes and technical officials, again with generous financial support from the Federation and the host organising committee.
The registration system officially opened this week with entries already being received in promising numbers. The competition schedule, and the course design – including for a 700 metre race for the general public has also been revealed.
For more details. and to register to compete at the world championships or attend the development camps, please go to the official website.
