The heat was on — literally and figuratively — as the 2025 ICF World Championships launched last Wednesday in Abu Dhabi, where the world’s best paddlers gathered to chase gold under the desert sun. More than 460 competitors from 56 nations hit the water, competing in a setting as stunning as it was demanding.
With the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque towering in the background, Abu Dhabi made its debut as host, blending rich culture, calm morning waters, and relentless afternoon heat into a world-class test of endurance, skill, and grit.
SPRINT RACES
The sprint races delivered the first surge of excitement as paddlers battled headwinds, tidal currents, and scorching temperatures. Dock starts added another layer of challenge, with boards bouncing back against the dock, testing every athlete’s balance and composure.
Japan’s Ryohei Yoshida returned to defend his titles in the Men’s 40+ category, powering through to claim Silver, missing gold by the narrowest of margins, and setting the tone for another strong showing throughout the event.
In the Women’s Open Sprint, Japan’s Rika Okuaki delivered a commendable performance, finishing 7th among the top ten sprinters in the world, an impressive result in such a highly competitive field.
But the highlight of the day belonged to USA’s Seychelle Webster, who amazed the crowd by earning Bronze in the Women’s Open Sprint , all while three months pregnant. Her incredible performance proved that true strength isn’t just about speed, but about heart, balance, and the unstoppable drive to keep chasing what moves you.
SPRINT FINAL RESULTS
Seychelle (USA) - Bronze
Ryohei Yoshida (Japan) - Silver
Rika Okuaki (Japan) - 7th
“I’m feeling so many things after competing at the ICF Worlds in Abu Dhabi, mostly grateful and proud. Grateful to still represent my country, my team, and my sport at the highest level and proud to do it three months pregnant. After 11 years in this sport, it’s amazing to still find new ways to challenge and inspire myself and others.
Winning Bronze was emotional and deeply rewarding. Sure, part of me wanted gold, but my real goal was to show up, do my best, and remind women that they can continue pursuing their passions through pregnancy and motherhood.
Training this year was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, balancing early pregnancy fatigue, sickness, and self-doubt took everything I had. Standing on that podium, I remembered all the mornings I wanted to quit and felt truly proud.
I chose to focus on Sprints and Technical races, avoiding the distance due to the extreme heat. Even when I felt underpowered in the semis, maybe from reduced training or a cold, I was just relieved to finish strong and healthy for both me and baby.” - Seychelle
TECHNICAL RACES
Next up were the Technical Races, where Ryohei Yoshida once again claimed Silver. His consistency continues to impress, after earning double gold in both Sprint and Technical events in 2024, he returned this year to capture Silver in both, further cementing his place among the top three paddlers in the world.
“Before the competition, I was a bit anxious about how I would spend my time in the UAE since it was a country I didn’t know much about. I had reached my physical peak for the event, so my focus was staying comfortable, relaxed, and grounded each day on site.
What really helped me reach the podium was how I trained — always as if I were already in the race. On race day, I just trusted my preparation. No panic, no fear. I stayed calm, kept my perspective wide, and stayed aware of everything happening around me.” – Ryohei
French Junior Rider Elliot Bry delivered a standout performance, battling back from a tough start to finish 4th in the Junior Boys division. Elliot is the younger brother of SIC Maui’s Global Rider Ethan Bry, who skipped the ICF this year to focus on the ISA World Championships. With this strong result, Elliot is proving that talent runs in the family.
TECHNICAL RACES FINAL RESULTS
Ryohei Yoshida (Japan) – Silver
Elliot Bry (France) - 4th
Sara Oderra (Italy) – 4th
Rika Okuaki (Japan) – 6th
Kotaro Miyahira (Japan) 6th
DISTANCE RACES
Calm morning conditions turned windy by midday, making the Distance Races another grueling test. Japan’s Rika Okuaki, known for her endurance, stayed with the lead pack throughout the race but was edged out at the final buoy turn, finishing 4th.
In the Open Men’s Race, a tight pack held together for most of the course, with Ludo Teulade and Kotaro Matsushita pushing hard through to the last lap. Ludo powered through with a strong finish in 11th, just ahead of Kotaro in 13th.
The Junior Division continues to impress with its athleticism and depth of talent. Many of today’s juniors are already stepping onto Open Division podiums, making this category a true proving ground for the next generation. A top ten finish here signals a bright future in racing.
Italy’s Sara Oddero earned Bronze in the 50+ Women’s Distance Race, staying with the leaders from start to finish.
“At 54 years old, this is such a huge achievement for me. Once menopause begins, it’s harder to maintain strength and the rhythm of training — but it’s possible. I did it! I’m hoping they add a 60+ category in the future because I never want to stop!” – Sara
It was also another standout showing in the Men’s 40+ Division, with Team Manager Tommy Buday of Canada claiming Bronze and Japan’s Ryohei Yoshida finishing 4th.
“A few days before racing, I was feeling sharp, then on race day my back tightened up. I paddled cautiously; nervous it would worsen but it held up. I may have peaked a bit early, but on the final day I felt great. I executed my plan, and to my surprise, even after 9.7 km in that heat, I still had enough energy to make the podium.” – Ryohei
DISTANCE RESULTS SUMMARY
Open Division
- Rika Okuaki (Japan) – 4th
- Ludo Teulade (France) – 11th
- Kotaro Miyahira (Japan) – 13th
Junior Division
- Elliot Bry (France) – 6th
- Laura Paricio (Spain) – 6th
- Kanae Shibahara (Japan) – 7th
Men’s 40+ Division
- Tommy Buday (Canada) – Bronze
- Ryohei Yoshida (Japan) – 4th
- Pierre-Alen (France) – 12th
Women’s 50+ Division
- Sara Oddera (Italy) – Bronze