Story and Photos by Darl DeVault, contributing editor
RIVERSPORT OKC is seeking volunteers for the 2025 International Canoe Federation (ICF) Canoe Slalom and Kayak Cross World Ranking Competition on March 28-30 on RIVERSPORT OKC’s whitewater course.
The organizers are extending a unique opportunity to the local community, inviting volunteers to help stage this invitational event along the Oklahoma River in the downtown Boathouse District. Volunteers are needed to help with the competition from March 28 to 30.
This is a chance to participate in an international event that will host top Olympic hopefuls, competing for ranking points at the $100M outdoor sports and recreation venue.
“To host this international competition in our push to be a part of the Olympics in 2028 is a huge honor for Oklahoma City and an exciting opportunity for Oklahomans,” said David Holt, Oklahoma City mayor.
ICF President Thomas Konietzko recently spoke at a news conference here about how Oklahoma City can soon sign a Host City Agreement to secure the canoe and kayak sports events for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
He pointed out that the successful staging of the event in March would mark a significant milestone and boost the city’s bid to host the paddling events for the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.
“These world-class paddlers will first compete in Montgomery, Alabama, in the Pan American Canoe Championships a week before they come to OKC for our event in March,” said Seth Stevenson, RIVERSPORT national event director. “Not all will do both because many of these athletes have not competed in America; most will take advantage of the competitions here.”
The ICF Canoe Slalom Ranking Races will showcase kayak cross, where elite slalom athletes in four boats simultaneously drop 12 feet into whitewater, then paddle head-to-head while executing turns, combat rolls, and other maneuvers in a race to the finish. In kayak cross, after dropping in, four athletes can make contact with other boats but not the competitors at any time as they race head-to-head down the course. Speed is the goal while maneuvering through a series of obstacles. Toward the end, they must all perform a 360-Eskimo roll underwater to be the first to cross the finish line.
The competition is a key ranking step toward the 2025 World Championships, which will be held the first week of October at the Sydney 2000 Olympics venue in Penrith, Australia.
The OKC events are free for spectators and an exciting opportunity to see some of the world’s top athletes in action on the RIVERSPORT Rapids, the whitewater canoe slalom and kayak cross course.
Once again, organizers emphasize that volunteers are the backbone of this event. Your contribution, no matter how big or small, is invaluable. No experience is required, and training will be provided for energetic volunteers who want to contribute to the success of this international event.
Volunteering during this event will also open doors for Oklahomans to volunteer during the 2026 World Championships, when RIVERSPORT OKC attracts 400 elite athletes from more than 60 countries. This will be the first time the event is held in North America since 2014.
Oklahoma City will also host the 2026 ICF Congress. The American Canoe Association, the City of Oklahoma City, and Riversport, OKC, submitted the bid for the ICF Congress.
Volunteer roles include race operations, athlete hospitality, course preparation, and event logistics. The organizing committee seeks volunteers willing to train as gate judges, scribes, and start/finish assistants on Wednesday, March 25. Results runners and others will receive training on the day of the event.
The opportunities are for youth to seniors. Those under 18 need parental permission; youth ages 13-16 may volunteer with a parent who is volunteering.
In November, RIVERSPORT OKC will host its annual Thankful Banquet to show appreciation for volunteering. Many will receive prizes at this banquet, and volunteers who serve multiple shifts will have an even greater chance of winning.
To learn more about the 125 volunteer positions, please get in touch with Volunteer Coordinator Ashley Petty at [email protected] or go online to Volunteer Opportunities – Riversport OKC
“Bringing international events of this caliber to Oklahoma City is a testament to our community’s dedication to outdoor sports,” said Mike Knopp, RIVERSPORT OKC founder. “We’re excited to welcome athletes and spectators from around the world and invite volunteers to join us in making this event a success.”
RIVERSPORT is hosting the event in partnership with the International Canoe Federation, the State of Oklahoma, the Chickasaw Nation, the First Americans Museum, the Inasmuch Foundation, and the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau.
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