It’s the news TotalPaddler – and the entire Outrigger Canoe racing community – has been waiting for! Starting next season, the International Canoe Federation (ICF) has officially confirmed the inclusion of the OC1 (outrigger canoe) as a medal event for both men and women, joining the surfski SS1 and SS2 categories, at the ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Cups. Photos Roger Rondon / Molokabra.
This long-awaited decision marks a major milestone for the sport — one that promises to boost participation, deepen cultural connections, and accelerate growth across regions.
“The inclusion of OC1 has been long-awaited by our community, and it finally unites athletes from different paddling traditions under one global platform,” said Marian Sarbu, Chair of the ICF Canoe Ocean Racing Committee.
“It strengthens our events, enriches our sport, and accelerates our shared mission of developing Canoe Ocean Racing across every region of the world.”
The OC1 class, with its deep Polynesian roots and technical demands, brings a new energy to the international stage. Nations with strong outrigger canoeing traditions will now have the chance to showcase their heritage and talent alongside surfski and sea kayak athletes — inspiring a new generation of ocean paddlers in the process.
“This achievement reflects the dedication of our entire team,” added Sarbu. “Together, we’ve turned an idea into reality and taken a historic step forward for Canoe Ocean Racing.”
The OC1 will make its official medal debut in 2026, with four World Cups already confirmed:
This expansion not only celebrates the spirit of paddling in all its forms but also signals a new era of unity and growth for the global ocean racing community.
OC1, also known as the one-man outrigger canoe, not to be confused with the V1, shares some visual similarities with va’a but belongs to a distinct sporting tradition. Va’a — is governed by the International Va’a Federation (IVF), with yearly Sprint or Long Distance world championships, most recently hosting the Va’a World Championships (V1 and V6) in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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