The IRF is a proud signatory of WADA (the world anti-doping agency), one of the most important steps to maintaining our international recognition as the legitimate world governing body for rafting. As a signatory of WADA we support the Natural Training Movement, #NaturallsEnough.  

“Building fitness and strength is a journey, and it’s essential to be patient and stay committed to a healthy and natural approach. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, and enjoy the process of becoming a fitter and healthier version of yourself. Naturally!” (WADA, 2023)

While attending the recent SportAccord conference in Switzerland, Eric Beaudreau, IRF First Vice-President and Chair of Sport and Competition, met with other small sports organizations like ourselves to initiate a dialogue regarding how to create cost efficiencies for management, education, and reporting related to WADA with other sports federations. Stay tuned for progress on that front, hopefully in play by the 2024 WRC in Bosnia.

Below is another excerpt from the WADA website regarding major modifications to the prohibited substances list for 2024.

• “All Major Modifications for 2024 are outlined in the 2024 Summary of Major Modifications and Explanatory Notes, including the following particular information regarding tramadol:
  On 23 September 2022, the ExCo endorsed the recommendation by WADA’s List Expert Advisory Group (EAG) to prohibit the narcotic tramadol in competition, effective 1 January 2024. The delay in implementation was to ensure stakeholders had enough time to learn and adapt to this change, especially as it pertained to the education of athletes, their entourage, and medical personnel.Tramadol has been on WADA’s Monitoring Program and data gathered through that program have indicated significant use in sports. Tramadol abuse, with its risk of physical dependence, opiate use disorder and overdoses, is of concern worldwide and has led to it being a controlled drug in many countries.”