Kenya To Host World Rafting Cup

Kenya has become the first African country to host a World Rafting Cup event, bringing international teams to the Grade III and IV rapids of the Tana River in Sagana.

Footage captured on Saturday shows teams powering through fast-moving rapids, weaving around slalom gates and fighting to hold their lines through narrow, technical sections of the course at Rapids Camp Sagana.

Staged alongside the African Rafting Championships, the competition gave Kenyan paddlers a rare chance to race leading international crews on home waters.

“We had a very good experience from the international teams as well. They are more experienced, yes, but we learned a lot from them. And also it was fun. […] At least we brought home the gold. We are African Champions, and we are proud of ourselves,” said Pretty Mwangi, a member of the Kenya Women’s Rafting Team.

Crews competed in Sprint, RX and Slalom events across the men’s, women’s, mixed and para-rafting categories.

Italy reportedly topped the World Cup standings in the men’s, women’s and para categories. Kenya finished fourth overall before dominating the African Championships, winning gold, silver and bronze medals across all categories.

“I am very happy that we won six medals: three gold medals at the African Championship and three silver medals at the World Rafting Cup,” said Andrew Gichohi, captain of Kenya’s para rafting team.

Russian team member Nikita Zhuraviev said the course demanded constant concentration.

“The course was difficult. There were speed loops. There are a lot of edges, so you need to stay focused to find the best line. Was it difficult? It was super difficult, but main difficulty was in our heads. We have to always keep focus,” he explained.

The Sagana competition followed World Cup events in Pau, France, and Mezzana, Italy. The next event is scheduled for Piracicaba, Brazil, from November 27 to 29.

Kenya Rafting Federation (KRF)

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Source: Viory/ Kenya News Agency/You Tube