Four Talented Kayakers Earn Chance to Represent South Africa Internationally

Photo Credit: Ion Ceban via Pexels

Two experienced paddlers and two exciting newcomers will represent South Africa at the upcoming world championships in June and July.

Durban, South Africa( 07 May 2026) – Four young South African paddlers are preparing for the opportunity of a lifetime after earning selection to compete at the 2026 International Canoe Federation Junior/U23 Slalom World Championships in Krakow, Poland.

Hannah Trower, James Gotte, Jayden Davis and David Dent secured their places in the national team following strong performances at the African Canoe Slalom and Kayak Cross Championships earlier this year.

Now, with the world championships taking place from 30 June to 5 July, the quartet is hard at work balancing school commitments with intense hours of training on the river as they prepare to represent South Africa on the international stage.

For two of the athletes, Hannah and James, the upcoming championships will mark a return to world-level competition after previously representing South Africa in Foix, France last year.

The pair are expected to bring valuable experience to the team.

Meanwhile, Jayden Davis and David Dent will be making their world championship debuts.

Jayden, from Piet Retief in Mpumalanga and a learner at Treverton College, discovered his passion for kayaking after paddling more than 500km along the Tugela River during Grade 10. Earlier this year, he also claimed third place in the Men’s Open Kayak Cross event at the African Championships at just 17 years old.

While the athletes have earned their places through hard work and performances on the water, funding remains one of the biggest challenges standing between them and Poland.

The sport receives limited financial support locally, meaning athletes and their families are often responsible for covering travel, accommodation, equipment, race fees and team costs themselves.

The current fundraising campaign is mainly focused on helping cover flight expenses, while organisers say any support could make a meaningful difference.

For the athletes, the journey is about far more than competition alone.