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International Federation · Canoe & Kayak

ICF — International Canoe Federation

The world governing body of paddle sport — sprint, slalom, kayak cross and beyond, through 170 national federations.
✓ Last reviewed: August 2026
Founded1924 (as the IRK); re-founded as the ICF in 1946
HeadquartersLausanne, Switzerland
PresidentThomas Konietzko (GER) — since 2021
FlagshipsSprint & slalom Worlds · World Cups · marathon, freestyle & ocean-racing worlds

What is the ICF?

The International Canoe Federation is the world governing body of paddle sport — rooted in the 1924 IRK and re-founded in 1946, Lausanne-based with 170 national federations, led since 2021 by Thomas Konietzko.[1] [2]

What does it govern?

Sprint, slalom and kayak cross with their Olympic events; marathon, ocean racing, wildwater, freestyle, polo, dragon boat and SUP; the world championships and World Cups of each; rankings; and para canoe at the Paralympics.[2] [3]

Why does it matter?

Every international paddling credential — world titles, rankings, Olympic quotas — runs through the ICF and its member federations: paddle sport's official record.[2] [3]

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — Canoeing (governance). Accessed August 2026.
  2. ICF — official site. Accessed August 2026.
  3. ICF — disciplines & events. Accessed August 2026.