Plattling is preparing to welcome the world’s best paddlers to the “hotspot” of Canoe Freestyle in Germany with two major events in the space of a week.
The German town will hold back-to-back International Canoe Federation Canoe Freestyle World Cups with the first taking place from May 26 to 28 followed by the second from May 30 to June 1.
It will be a festival of Canoe Freestyle with paddlers from all over the world expected to turn on the style in front of a passionate Bavarian crowd.
Plattling has hosted major Canoe Freestyle events since 1997, including the World Championships in 2011 and European Championships in 2016.
It will also stage the 2025 ICF Canoe Freestyle World Championships.
Thomas Hinkel, an international Canoe Freestyle paddler who is in charge of the Host Organizing Committee, believes Plattling will provide the perfect stage for two spectacular World Cups.
“We are really excited about hosting these two events,” said Hinkel.
“Plattling has a big history in Canoe Freestyle as the first events were held there in 1997.
“It’s a real hotspot for Canoe Freestyle in Germany.
“I also think it’s one of the best venues for Canoe Freestyle in Europe because we have good water levels and people can train at any time.”
Plattling’s Isar Wave is situated in a nature reserve and has served as a meeting place for the European Canoe Freestyle scene for many years.
It has become one of the most popular playspots in the world with training camps and competitions taking place every year.
Hinkel said expected the two World Cups to attract paddlers from all over the globe with Plattling preparing to give them a great Bavarian welcome.
“Plattling has really good connections to the motorway and the airport,” said Hinkel.
“It has also got a very good standing within the Canoe Freestyle community.
“It’s much easier for paddlers from the Americas and countries like Japan and New Zealand to come over to Germany for two competitions and not just one.
“I think everyone will have a good time there.
“It’s a big moment for Plattling.
“It has an inhabitants of 10,000 and there are no other major international events there.
“The venue is close to the middle of town and everyone is looking forward to seeing international people there.
“At the same time as the competition, there will be the Bavarian beer festival which is like a small edition of Oktoberfest.
“It will be a great opportunity for businesses to show international kayakers the local traditions.”
Terry Best, Chair of the ICF Canoe Freestyle Committee, said he was impressed with the venue when he visited the site last week.
“Bavarians always put on a great show as they are very welcoming and I’m sure it will be a fantastic spectacle,” said Mr Best.
“It’s a great course and has one of the best hole features so I’m expecting very high scores.
“Another major advantage is that there is free camping and the site is right next to the venue so they can get into their boats and train.”
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