Asia is continuing to showcase itself as a key destination for paddlers as it stages several major International Canoe Federation events this year.
Deqing in China is currently hosting the 2024 ICF Canoe Polo World Championships at the picturesque Deqing County International Convention Centre (Fengqi Lake).
In August, Uzbekistan made history by becoming the first Asian nation to hold the ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships in Samarkand.
Earlier this month, Canoe Slalom, Canoe Sprint, Canoe Marathon and Canoe Polo were all successfully held in China following the staging of the first-ever multi-discipline ICF Hangzhou Super Cup.
Attention will turn to the Philippines when Puerto Princesa hosts the ICF Dragon Boat World Championships at the end of October.
If you are considering destinations to canoe and kayak in Asia, here are a few more fantastic locations from the ICF’s official list of top places to paddle.
Marina Bay, Singapore
Futuristic skyscrapers, the giant Singapore Flyer observation wheel and mind-bending unique architecture form a dramatic backdrop on the city’s super-modern Marina Bay. Singaporean water sports athletes train here, but recreational paddlers of all standards can enjoy these waters too.
Upper Seti, Nepal
The scenery’s not too shabby in Nepal, with the majestic Himalayas rising above powerful rivers, it’s a focal point for the global whitewater community. Running the Upper Seti River from Pokhara makes an exciting short trip for developing paddlers to gain practice on rapids, or there are multi-day expeditions in the Everest region for superior bragging rights.
Sumatra Island, Indonesia
Volcanoes and earthquakes, orangutans and rhinos, oversized tropical vegetation and fascinating culture: the world’s sixth biggest island is an intoxicating mix. Remote surf spots on the southern coast and off-shore Mentawai Islands are for adventure seekers, but easier hits come at the bright blue Danau Toba Lake, Asia’s biggest, and dazzling shorelines waiting to be explored.
Kasai Rinkai Park, Japan, Tokyo
The whitewater venue for the 2020 Olympics is a smasher. The new purpose-built Canoe Slalom course, adjoining Kasai Rinkai Park beside Tokyo Bay in Edogawa, is the first man-made course in Japan and has become a leisure venue since the Games. Easy paddling of the sightseeing rather than competitive variety can be enjoyed on the Bay, and along the Sumida, the main river through the city, and its backwater canals.
Kerala, Southern India
Houseboat tours of Kerala’s backwaters have been a classic traveller experience for years, but it’s even more fun to explore the steamy mangroves, lagoons and natural canals near the historic port of Alleppey by kayak or SUP. Grand mansions, farms and coconut “toddy” shops line the lush green shores, creating a fascinating experience for nature lovers, explorers and families.
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