Paddling ocean canoes in Duisburg, Germany, toward Brazilian destination
Kicking up a Storm in Duisburg: The Open-Water Paddlers' World Championship Journey
Get ready for a rollercoaster ride! The open-water paddlers of WSV Niederrhein, hailing from Duisburg, are gearing up for the ultimate challenge—competing at the IVF-Va'a World Championships, set to take place in South America in August 2025. These athletes are no strangers to big waves and even bigger journeys.
Their adventure began at the "MMC" in Frankfurt, where their six-person Va'a, steered by Hemery Eperania, clinched first place. Next, they tackled the Baltic Sea Festival in Eckernförde. Torben Kuhlmann qualified for the World Championships in the single canoe, while the Moana Manu Nui team snatched the German vice-championship after overcoming some shady moves from competitors.
High Stakes on the European Stage
With their eyes on the prize, WSV paddlers then sailed toward Les Sables-d'Olonne in France for the Vendée Va'a, Europe's biggest V6 competition. The men and women took on three grueling days of racing, covering everything from 15 to 56 kilometers in the water. Despite some early setbacks, both teams held strong, ultimately pulling off incredible finishes. The women's team, Maui, secured the third position overall, while the men's team, Moana Manu Nui, clinched the seventh spot.
Aiming for the Top in Brazil
As they continue to train hard, the WSV paddlers are counting down the days to their shot at glory in Brazil next year. With impressive performances under their belts, they're ready to take on the biggest challenge of all—representing Duisburg on the world stage.
Keep your eyes on these athletes as they push their limits and aim for the top. Keep updated with their upcoming races and adventures, as they strive to bring glory to the town they call home. After all, when open-water paddlers from Duisburg set sail, anything is possible!
FYI:
- The IVF Va'a World Distance Championships 2025 is set to take place in Brazil next year, with organizations like Hoe Tonga Pacifica Waka Ama Association preparing for the event by hosting national qualifying races.[1][2][5]
- Singapore will host the 2026 IVF Va'a World Sprint Championship.[1][3]
[1] IVF World Va'a Championships 2025[2] IVF World Sprint Championships 2026[3] FAI 4si Selected for 2026 IVF Va'a World Sprint Championship[4] IVF World Va'a Championships[5] Waka Ama Long Distance Nationals 2025
As they aim towards the IVF-Va'a World Championships next year in Brazil, the WSV paddlers continue to train vigorously, having already shown prowess in their chosen sport of canoe paddling. Their past achievements, such as winning the MMC in Frankfurt and securing positions in Les Sables-d'Olonne's Vendeé Va'a, prove that they have what it takes to compete on the world stage. With the world championships just a year away, eyes will be on these athletes as they strive to achieve their ultimate goal—representing Duisburg in the global sports arena.
