A commemorative book celebrating the centenary of the International Canoe Federation is now available to read online.
“A Century of Paddling” was published in July 2024 to mark the ICF’s 100th anniversary.
Limited editions of the book were handed out during key events last year including the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the ICF Centenary Congress in Antalya, Turkiye.
A Century of Paddling chronicles the rich history of paddle sports since the ICF was born under its former name Internationale Repräsentantenschaft für Kanusport on January 19, 1924.
The book is filled with stunning photographs and amazing stories highlighting landmark moments over the past 100 years while showcasing the beauty of the ICF’s 10 disciplines and their connection with nature.
From the demonstration of canoeing at the Paris 1924 Olympic Games to the innovation and subsequent arrival of kayak cross on the international scene, A Century of Paddling charts the development of paddle sports on the big stage.
German sprint great Birgit Fischer, Australian slalom star Jessica Fox and South African marathon man Hank McGregor are among a fantastic collection of legendary athletes that star in the book.
Key advancements in paddling including the introduction of the automatic start in Canoe Sprint, the evolution of feeding techniques in Canoe Marathon and the arrival of the shot clock in Canoe Polo have also been superbly documented.
Balint Vekassy, the ICF’s Global Director of Events, who is the Editor-in-Chief of the book, said it was a huge task to put together and thanked National Federations for their cooperation in helping to collect photographs.
“Being a keen visual person, I felt it was best to tell our stories through pictures,” said Vekassy.
“It was a big challenge as I went through tens of thousands of photographs selecting the best ones and sent out emails to our National Federations and Standing Committee Chairs as well as browsing the archives of national news agencies.
“I also went directly to individuals like Jeremy West with the wing paddle. This is my favourite story as this invention in the 1980s changed the sport after Jeremy West, from nowhere, won both K1 world titles with that paddle.
“The picture that I love the most is the one from 1936 before the Berlin Olympic Games with the pile up of all the boats in the lock.
“It is an incredible image and shows the popularity of the sport.”
ICF President Thomas Konietzko said: “This commemorative book is more than a reflection of our storied past, it is a testament to the passion, commitment and unwavering support of our dedicated stakeholders.
“From our debut as a demonstration sport at the Olympic Games in Paris in 1924 to our current status as a central part of the Olympic Movement, and with 10 disciplines, canoeing has become a sport loved by millions around the world.
“To each member of the ICF community, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and deepest gratitude for your incredible contributions to making paddle sports what they are today.”
Click here to read A Century of Paddling
Related links
