Columbus Named Freestyle Kayaking Capital of the United States 

City Awarded ICF’s First-Ever Center of Excellence in Canoe Freestyle; To Host 2028 Canoe Freestyle World Cup and 2029 Canoe Freestyle World Championship

COLUMBUS, Ga. (July 30, 2025) — Columbus, Georgia, is riding a wave of international recognition as the city commits itself to becoming the Freestyle Kayaking Capital of the United States.  

In addition to this commitment, the city has earned the International Canoe Federation’s (ICF) inaugural Center of Excellence designation for Canoe Freestyle, a sport with an international following. Columbus has also been selected by the ICF to host both the 2028 ICF Canoe Freestyle World Cup and 2029 ICF Canoe Freestyle World Championship events, where the world’s most elite freestyle kayakers and canoeists will compete side-by-side. 

“Columbus continues to invest in the river and outdoor recreation because it enriches our community and supports economic growth,” said Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson. “Being named an ICF Center of Excellence is a testament to our city’s vision and hosting the 2028 World Cup and 2029 World Championship will bring thousands of visitors to experience the best of Columbus.”  

A Whitewater Destination Like No Other 

Columbus’s urban whitewater course — the world’s longest of its kind — has long drawn visitors and athletes from around the globe. Now, with its selection as the first-ever ICF Center of Excellence in Canoe Freestyle, the city’s urban river environment will serve as a model for the ICF in developing a 10-year international kayaking competition circuit, as well as coaching and training opportunities for youth and adult athletes.  

Training the Next Generation of Kayakers 

“This recognition reflects Columbus’s long-standing commitment to Canoe Freestyle and its potential as a launchpad for the next generation of world-class kayakers,” said ICF President Thomas Konietzko. “We are excited to deepen our partnership as Columbus helps shape the future of this sport on a global scale.”  

“This initiative will provide a blueprint for other Centers of Excellence around the world,” said Terry Best, Chair of the ICF Canoe Freestyle Committee. “It’s a win for Canoe Freestyle and kayaking, offering more young people the chance to experience our sport and supporting Columbus’s year-round paddle sport commitment. The Canoe Freestyle Committee will work closely with partners to ensure its success.” 

New Initiatives and Enhancements  

In addition to the upcoming World Cup and World Championships, two new developments are underway:  

1. Infrastructure Upgrades: Columbus is investing $4 million in river infrastructure improvements that will enhance the whitewater kayaking experience for beginners and experts alike, including the construction of new wave features and continued ecological restoration to promote river health.  

2. Youth Training Program: As part of Columbus’s designation as a Center of Excellence for Canoe Freestyle, the city will work with the ICF to develop training programs to inspire and develop the next generation of athletes who will call Columbus home.  

“This is not a city that settles — we are always looking forward,” said Stephen Morse, President and CEO of Uptown Columbus. “With our vibrant waterfront downtown drawing people from all walks of life, we’re thrilled to host athletes from around the world right here in our beautiful city.”  

With more than 50,000 visitors traveling to Columbus each year for whitewater sports, Columbus serves as a year-round destination for world-class athletes and water sports enthusiasts. Through both the ICF designation and future investments in the river, Columbus can continue its commitment to competitive kayaking events.  

“We look forward to hosting more competitions, which will attract thousands of tourists to our city,” said Ashley Woitena, President and CEO of Visit Columbus. “With our unmatched river access, supportive community, and year-round paddle sports opportunities, Columbus is the perfect home for the future of freestyle kayaking and other Canoe Freestyle events.” 

Freestyle Kayaking Community Recognizes Columbus’s Excellence 

“Columbus offers the best freestyle waves in the world — it’s no surprise the athletes chose this city to host the next World Cup and World Championship competitions,” said Dan Gilbert, owner of Columbus’s Whitewater Express. “This community has earned the freestyle world’s respect — and their excitement to return says it all.” 

Partners Paving the Way for Kayaking Growth in Columbus 

This achievement reflects the dedication of partners who helped establish Columbus as a hub for freestyle kayaking and canoe freestyle. The City of Columbus, RushSouth, Uptown Columbus, Visit Columbus, the International Canoe Federation, Whitewater Express, and Columbus 2025 have all played a vital role, as have the athletes who have long known this city as the freestyle kayaking capital of the country. 

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Columbus, Georgia is a vibrant riverfront city with a rich history, diverse economy, and welcoming spirit. As the second largest city in Georgia, Columbus blends Southern charm with urban energy — offering a high quality of life, a dynamic business climate, and a growing creative culture. Recently named the Most Welcoming Community in the U.S. by MakeMyMove and featured in Travel + Leisure, Columbus has quickly become a top destination for visitors and new residents alike. From the world’s longest urban whitewater course to delicious dining, restored historic spaces, and experiences that blend the old and the new, Columbus invites you to discover a city full of energy, opportunity, and Southern hospitality. Learn more at AmazingColumbusGA.com 

RushSouth offers the largest whitewater course of its kind in the U.S., offering a dam-controlled flow to provide one of the most exciting whitewater experiences for water sport enthusiasts. In the morning, the low-flow excursions provide just the right amount of adventure for the whole family, with the afternoon high-flow sending up to 13,000 cfs of whitewater toward the class III-V rapids.  

VisitColumbusGA plays a key role in serving as a one-stop shop for people who visit Georgia’s second-largest city, an assistant for meeting planners who want to host business events in Columbus, and a beneficial part of the local community. For more details, visit www.visitcolumbusga.com  

The International Canoe Federation is responsible for the global sport of canoeing and has 171 affiliated National Federations and 10 disciplines – Canoe Sprint, Canoe Slalom, Paracanoe, Wildwater Canoeing, Canoe Marathon, Canoe Polo, Canoe Freestyle, Canoe Ocean Racing, Dragon Boat and Stand Up Paddling. Canoeing has two Olympic disciplines, with sprint introduced at the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games and slalom at the Munich 1972 Olympic Games; Canoeing also made its debut at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games with Paracanoe. Find out more about the International Canoe Federation at canoeicf.com