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By Sean, on March 26th, 2019  Training six days a week, competing at each pre-worlds for the last few years, and winning overall medals in the last few years, you might expect Team Teikei (Japan OM) to be all practice and no play but don’t be fooled, these guys are respected and widely accepted for their determination, ambition and team spirit. If you raced or even just watched the IRF World Rafting Championships 2017 in Miyoshi, Japan, you will have witnessed the strength and determination that has made this team one of the top ranking teams in the world.
More recently the team have spent a few weeks in Australia training on the Tully to ensure they are ready to #TameTheTully and take on the best of the best in the world. Right through to their core, these guys are about encouraging raft racing at all levels. They spent several sessions training with and sharing their experiences and knowledge with a few of the Australian teams. However, have no doubt that these Open Men mean business and will push through with all their might to the end of the competition. This week we meet Team Teikei hailing from south of Tokyo, Japan.
In the team for Australia are:
- Satoshi Koizumi / Position: Captain / Left back
- Gerge Tsujita / Position: Right back
- Andy Shogo / Position: Left middle
- Keita Nakahashi / Position: Right middle
- Kosuke Yoshinaga / Position: Left front
- Yuta Fujikawa / Position: Right front
- A.killer Nakano: / Reserve
- Shigeto Asano (Shige)/ Supervisor
The team trains six days a week at their training base in Hiratsuka-city, 50km south of Tokyo. Other than their recent training camp on the Tully, the team were at pre-worlds in 2018 and were a familiar face on the podium in Argentina. The team love raft racing and look forward to racing in China and hopefully in Malaysia this year.
Their ace up their sleeve is that Shige used to raft guide on the Tully for Raging Thunder a few years ago – so understanding the twists and turns of the river won’t be too difficult for the team.
The one element they are not looking forward to in Australia is the wildlife – “too many dangerous animals” is Shige’s quote – crocodiles, sharks, snakes, spiders, and jellyfish. The good news for teams competing on the Tully….. the sharks and jellyfish are in the sea and not the river 🙂
Japan Open Men are our River Family. Are You?
#AreYouReady #RaftersAreAwesome #RiverFamily #StrongerTogether #WeAreIRF
We’re looking for more stories of River Family – if you have a story to tell, email Sean with your story and photos.
By IRF admin, on March 26th, 2019  We are excited to be heading to the city of Ziyuan, Guang Xi Province, China where we will be holding our 19th World Rafting Championship on the Wu Pai River! This location was used for the 2017 and 2018 World Cup Series and will see another World Cup event later this year. Enjoyed by all, it was a popular choice as a great location for a World Rafting Championship and so we are delighted to present it as the location for WRC 2020.
The National Sports Administration of China, through their Water Sports Management Centre and the Guang Xi Provincial Sports Bureau, are pulling out all the stops to ensure as many teams as possible can attend this great event.
No Entry Fee!
Yes, you heard right! There is no Entry Fee! To ensure a fair registration process each team will have to pay a “commitment” fee of $100 USD which will be refunded when they arrive to compete!
Accommodation and local transfers are free!
Yes! The organisers are covering all your local costs as well! This includes transfers to/from Guilin International Airport (within a week of the competition), all transfers to/from the river, three meals a day and vibrant and engaging opening and closing ceremonies.
What DO you have to pay for?
You must pay for your own flights and visas. To help with that we have secured discounts to both Pre-Worlds and the 2020 WRC (up to 25% off on certain routes) with the oneworld Airlines Alliance.
Prize money!!
You also have the opportunity to win prize money! There will be 350,000 RMB on offer, which is equivalent to about $50,000 USD at today’s rate.
To sum up the key elements:
- Location : Ziyuan, Guilin, Guangxi Province, China (closest international airport Guilin – 60 minutes by coach to Ziyuan)
- River : Wu Pai River
- Grades : G2/3; DR has one G3+/4 short gorge section with plenty of safety cover
- Dates : End July, start of August 2020 (exact dates to be confirmed)
- Entry fee : None!!! However – each team will have to pay a “commitment” fee of $100, which will be refunded when they arrive to compete
- What is included for teams : all local transport, accommodation and meals for all teams!
- Not included : Teams pay for own flights AND visas
- Prize money: 350,000 RMB, which is equivalent to about $50,000 USD at today’s rate.
- Pre-Worlds/ World Cup in 2019: 28 July to 03 Aug 2019
- oneworld Airlines Alliance: discounts secured to both Pre-Worlds and the 2020 WRC (up to 25% off on certain routes)
Full event details will be launched at the IRF World Rafting Championship in Tully, Australia this May.
In the meantime, check out the promo video here.
#AreYouReady #RaftersAreAwesome #StrongerTogether #RiverFamily #WeAreIRF #Ziyuan
By Sean, on March 13th, 2019 
oneworld® is pleased to be appointed as the Official Airline Alliance for the IRF World Rafting Championship 2019
Registered athletes can now access discounted flights for travel to this year’s IRF World Rafting Championship in Tully, Australia.
Attendee benefits:
- Discounts on flights for attendees and one travel companion
- Travel up to seven days before and seven days after the event
- Flights available from all oneworld member airlines and affiliates
- Enjoy a user-friendly booking tool showing the most convenient flight options
- 24-hour support via email or phone
- Earn rewards and tier status points on eligible oneworld flights
- Frequent flyer privileges including access to some 650 premium airport lounges worldwide, fast track at security lanes in selected airports and extra baggage allowance*
- Seamless connections and quality service on oneworld member airlines
Take advantage today
Click on the button below or visit www.oneworld.com/events, select ‘Attendee’ and enter event code OW36A19 to access our online booking tool.
oneworld, the premier global airline alliance, brings together 13 leading airlines from around the world – American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, LATAM Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian, S7 Airlines and SriLankan Airlines. Together with around 30 affiliate members, oneworld’s network currently serves more than 1,000 destinations in 150 countries. For more information please visit www.oneworld.com
*Privileges depend on your oneworld tier status level. For more information visit www.oneworld.com/benefits
#AreYouReady #RaftersAreAwesome #TameTheTully #irfwrc #Tully #StrongerTogether #RiverFamily #WeAreIRF
By IRF admin, on March 13th, 2019 It is not only the great Vrbas River and location that makes teams want to go back here, it is also the awesome hosts, Rafting Club “Kanyon”, with their superb club house/bar/restaurant right on the river and their friendly, welcoming style. A great place to gather and catch up with all the other paddlers from around Europe.
 Key details:
- Dates: 01-07 July, 2019
- Location: Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Organizer: Rafting Club “Kanjon” Banja Luka
- Categories: R6 (M/F) – Youth, Juniors, Open and Master
- Competition: R6 (M/F): Downriver, Sprint, H2H, Slalom
- River: Vrbas, Banja Luka, class 3
- Rafts: RobFin 425
River: The Vrbas River is a fast mountain river, with several white water sections and pool drops. The length that is used for rafting is 31 km (from dam to downtown). The Vrbas crosses two canyons: Tijesno Canyon (5km) and Podmilacje Canyon (8km). The level of the water depends on the dams, but the usual limits are 25 to 100 cubic meters, and in spring it is around 300 cubic meters. Grade is 2-3. In July water temperature is 16oC, air temperature is over 25oC.
 Rafts and equipment: The official raft will be the RobFin 425 (length 425, width 205, tubes 52, thwarts 2 pcs, material PVC, color sky blue) provided by the organiser. Teams are responsible for their own PFD, paddles, paddling clothing, throw bags and any additional paddling accessories they might require. We recommend a 3mm neoprene wet-suit for competitors.
Transport: This is up to you to organise. Most teams arrive in their own vehicles, the rest tend to hire while there. See detailed information sheet for hiring contact.
Accommodation: The Organiser will provide camping places free of charge for all competitors in the Krupa on Vrbas, with hot water, showers and toilets. You need to bring your own tents and other camping equipment. If teams want other types of accommodation with lowest prices in the city then see the detailed information sheet for details.
Meals: The Organiser will provide one meal free of charge for all competitors during the competition. The meal will be combined domestic and international food (and can cater for special dietary requirements).
Registration:
- Last date for registration is May, 15th 2019.
- Registration Form – when completed send to Organiser AND to IRF Admin
- Entry fee: €600 (EUR) per team, (€100 per person)
Where:
- Rafting centre “Kanjon” is located about 11 km from the city of Banja Luka. You need to drive through main road M-16 to Jajce, and after 11 km, you will see big rafting centre on the left side, with restaurant, rafts, etc…
- Camp “Krupa na Vrbasu” is located about 15 km from the rafting centre “Kanjon” or 26 km from the city of Banja Luka, on the same main road M-16 to Jajce.
By Sean, on March 12th, 2019  At a loss with what to do with yourself in early July? Why not head to the tropical heat of Malaysia for some raft racing with a spice of tubing and kayaking thrown in. All with an aim to raise awareness of plans to dam the river (not something we condone!). This festival is set to welcome paddlers from near and far and raise community awareness of the proposed dam that will have huge adverse effects on thousands of people.
Join in all the action and sign up for updates on the dedicated website:
www.radakadventure.com/kampar-river-festival
By Sean, on March 8th, 2019  Hailing from Northern England, you will have met these women if you’ve attended any IRF European Rafting Championship in the last few years. Red Rose Rafting have held their flag high at several European competitions in the last few years, making their mark on the international stage at last year’s IRF World Plateau Rafting Championship in Yushu, Tibet. The team formed in 2009 by a group of friends keen to get involved in what was then a small sport in the UK. Persistence and determination has seen them push from being a group of friends getting together to have fun to a team committed to race and perform to their best ability (whilst having fun along the way).
Through determination and good luck, the team have secured the spot to represent Great Britain in Tully in May this year. They were selected as the GB2 team in the national selections in December last year but due to circumstances outside of their control but favourable in their fate, they have grabbed the opportunity and are looking forward to competing with friends old and new.
The team are honoured to be able to represent Great Britain and British Rafting. Each year they have gone from strength to strength and are wanting to continue and ensure they do themselves and GB proud.
Continue reading We are river family – meet Red Rose Rafting
By IRF admin, on February 28th, 2019  A Judges course will be run during the 2019 World Rafting Championship in Australia. Anyone keen to do the course should email IRF Admin
The details are:
Dates: 14 – 20 May 2019 (during WRC)
Place: Event Headquarters, Tully, Australia
Cost: $US30 to be paid to Instructor on the first day of the course. This is a once off payment.
Schedule and what is expected of you:
- 14th May, 9am to 12am – attend Judges Orientation Workshop with all Judges and Jury
- 2pm to 5pm – attend Judges course run by Judge Instructors
- 15th May, 9am to 5pm – attend Judges course run by Judge Instructors
- 16th – 19th May, all day: work with Official Judges at the event as an Assistant Judge Trainee
- 20th May: write Judges exam. If you pass the exam and the assessment you will be certified as a General Judge.
What you need to provide: A copy of the IRF Race Rules as it is on the IRF website plus the two addendums. Own pens and paper. All accommodation, meals and transport are also for your own cost.
Register: Please let IRF Admin know if you will be attending so we can be sure to include you in any updates and details and have sufficient space for you.
By Sean, on February 26th, 2019  Following several months of discussion and voting on proposed improvement to the race rules, the updated IRF Race Rules are now published. The amended rules take effect from 01st March 2019.
Changes were proposed by your Athletes Committee, Sports & Competition Committee, Judges Committee, IRF Board of Directors and now been voted on by the Sports & Competition Committee and come into effect from 01st March.
Summary of main changes:
- General layout changes to simplify sections and clarify penalties and protest times
- Define “ramming”
- Clarification of mixed gender teams
- Recognition of transgender athletes
- Use of gender-inclusive language throughout the race rules
- Further define Head-to-Head rules:
- refinements to general H2H rules
- define the construction and use of buoys/markers
- limit the number of buoys/markers to four (4)
- define the correct way to navigate each buoy/marker
- Define course adherence for Downriver
- Define in the case of a tie for Overall that Downriver will be the tie breaker
- Amend scores for Slalom and Downriver: maximum for both is now 350
- Amend percentage scores to bring overall scores closer together
Links to the updated documents:
#AreYouReady #RaftersAreAwesome #StrongerTogether #RiverFamily #WeAreIRF
By IRF admin, on February 25th, 2019 The Athlete’s Committee is elected each year to represent the views of the Athlete’s within the IRF. The election will be done during the WRC in May in Tully, Australia. The committee is made up of 7 people from around the world.
We are therefore looking for candidates to stand on this committee. They will be on the committee until the following WRC in 2020.
Candidates must have competed in their IRF Race Rule compliant National Selections and the IRF WRC in either 2018 and/or 2019. And must be prepared to work with the rest of the committee on a regular basis, and to represent the Athlete’s in their region by finding out their opinions on issues.
If you are an IRF Athlete yourself (i.e. have competed in your IRF Race Rule compliant National Selections or IRF WRC in 2018 or 2019) and have a candidate in mind then send in their first name, surname, and country to IRF Admin by the 18 March.
Candidates will then be approached to see if they wish to stand and accept the responsibility. Each candidate will then need to provide a photo and a short CV. The full candidate list will be sent out about 3 weeks before the WRC itself. Elections will then be done during the WRC.
By Sean, on February 25th, 2019  With the IRF’s World Rafting Championship 2019 being held in May this year, it means for the first time in 20 years (in fact… ever!), New Zealand teams get to train in summer months! This is something the New Zealand Open Women are relishing! This group of ladies love to spend their time playing on the beautiful waterways of (Aotearoa) New Zealand. A combination of surfing, out rigging, white water paddling and slalom paddling, is where you will find the New Zealand women’s rafting team spending there time under the sun.
Training consists of the above play time activities and meeting together 1 – 2 times per week to jump in a raft and thrash about on our local (awa) river, the Kaituna. Training in the summer makes the whole thing so enjoyable. They’re loving it!
Continue reading We are river family – meet Team New Zealand Open Women
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Photo Albums
 WRC 2014, Downriver  WRC 2014, Sprint  WRC 2013, H2H  WRC 2013, Slalom  WRC 2013, Slalom  ERC 2014  ERC 2014  World Cup Canada 2012 |
Training six days a week, competing at each pre-worlds for the last few years, and winning overall medals in the last few years, you might expect Team Teikei (Japan OM) to be all practice and no play but don’t be fooled, these guys are respected and widely accepted for their determination, ambition and team spirit. If you raced or even just watched the IRF World Rafting Championships 2017 in Miyoshi, Japan, you will have witnessed the strength and determination that has made this team one of the top ranking teams in the world.
We are excited to be heading to the city of Ziyuan, Guang Xi Province, China where we will be holding our 19th World Rafting Championship on the Wu Pai River! This location was used for the 2017 and 2018 World Cup Series and will see another World Cup event later this year. Enjoyed by all, it was a popular choice as a great location for a World Rafting Championship and so we are delighted to present it as the location for WRC 2020.
Key details:
Rafts and equipment: The official raft will be the RobFin 425 (length 425, width 205, tubes 52, thwarts 2 pcs, material PVC, color sky blue) provided by the organiser. Teams are responsible for their own PFD, paddles, paddling clothing, throw bags and any additional paddling accessories they might require. We recommend a 3mm neoprene wet-suit for competitors.
At a loss with what to do with yourself in early July? Why not head to the tropical heat of Malaysia for some raft racing with a spice of tubing and kayaking thrown in. All with an aim to raise awareness of plans to dam the river (not something we condone!). This festival is set to welcome paddlers from near and far and raise community awareness of the proposed dam that will have huge adverse effects on thousands of people.
Hailing from Northern England, you will have met these women if you’ve attended any IRF European Rafting Championship in the last few years. Red Rose Rafting have held their flag high at several European competitions in the last few years, making their mark on the international stage at last year’s IRF World Plateau Rafting Championship in Yushu, Tibet. The team formed in 2009 by a group of friends keen to get involved in what was then a small sport in the UK. Persistence and determination has seen them push from being a group of friends getting together to have fun to a team committed to race and perform to their best ability (whilst having fun along the way).
A Judges course will be run during the 2019 World Rafting Championship in Australia. Anyone keen to do the course should email 
Following several months of discussion and voting on proposed improvement to the race rules, the updated IRF Race Rules are now published. The amended rules take effect from 01st March 2019.
With the IRF’s World Rafting Championship 2019 being held in May this year, it means for the first time in 20 years (in fact… ever!), New Zealand teams get to train in summer months! This is something the New Zealand Open Women are relishing! This group of ladies love to spend their time playing on the beautiful waterways of (Aotearoa) New Zealand. A combination of surfing, out rigging, white water paddling and slalom paddling, is where you will find the New Zealand women’s rafting team spending there time under the sun.
