Rapids Camp Sagana’s 280-metre rafting course is set to undergo upgrades as part of ambitious plans to establish the venue among the world’s leading hosts of international rafting events. The venue is making history by hosting the 2026 Rafting World Cup Series from July 6–12, the first time the competition has been staged on the African continent.
“In our idea, in our dream, the goal is for Sagana to become one of the top World Cup event destinations in the world. We need to start somewhere. After the competition, there are committees that evaluate what was good and what needs to be improved. Personally, I am confident everything will go very well. Every championship helps us make the next one even better,” said Danilo Barmaz, President of the United Rafting Federation.
A total of 19 countries are competing in this year’s Rafting World Cup Series, with 13 African nations joined by teams from Japan, Russia, Italy, and other countries.
“I think it will be a great competition because we have many countries participating. Organising an event like this for the first time is not easy, but motivation is very important. With around 20 countries present, it is like a small World Championship, featuring many strong teams. Most importantly, from the perspective of the United Rafting Federation, we are delighted to see so many African countries taking part. We must continue working to make rafting in Africa stronger,” Barmaz remarked.
Barmaz also welcomed the growing number of young people taking up white-water rafting, describing it as a positive sign for the sport’s long-term growth and sustainability.
“One of the main goals of my presidency has been to bring rafting to young people because they are the future. There is no future for any sport without youth. The merger that created the United Rafting Federation in April was the first step in building a strong youth movement. What we are seeing here is proof of that vision. This is the future. Without youth, there is no history,” added Barmaz.
