The countdown is on as South Africa’s women racers prepare to tackle the challenging Durban waters at the ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships.
Durban, South Africa (02 October 2025) – The women’s race at the ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships in Durban from 17–19 October promises intense action, and South Africa’s lineup is ready to shine on home waters. With world-class paddlers in contention, the pressure is on the locals to defend their turf.
Leading the charge is 2024 World Champion Kira Bester, whose precision and speed make her a formidable contender. Durban’s own Michelle Burn, 2024 senior race winner and 2021 World Champion, will be racing in front of a hometown crowd, adding an extra layer of motivation. Melanie van Niekerk, who is a two-time senior runner-up, is back with determination and experience, while Team Euro Steel members Jade Wilson, 2021 U23 World Champion, and Saskia Hockly, 2024 and 2024 U23 bronze medalist, complete the powerhouse South African lineup.
The Durban coastline, famous for its challenging surf and technical stretches, will push every athlete to the limit. Navigating rocks, steep shore waves, and unpredictable currents, the locals will rely on home advantage and skill honed over years of training.
Despite the strong South African squad, Kiwi Dani Richards remains a notable international competitor. She reflected on her World Championship win in 2019:
“My 2019 World Champs win was super fun, but it was a bit of a fluke, because I was just so green. I only raced because we were heading to South African for the International Surf Rescue Challenge (ISRC) and half my flight was paid for.”
For the locals, this race is an opportunity to showcase South African talent, inspire the next generation of paddlers, and prove that when it comes to ocean racing, the home team is a force to be reckoned with.
Sources: Supplied
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