WA athletes stand tall at 2026 Slalom Age Nationals despite fires and limited whitewater access
Western Australia’s Canoe Slalom athletes delivered standout performances at the 2026 Paddle Australia Canoe Slalom Age National Championships in Eildon, Victoria, held from 8–11 January 2026.
The championships were dramatically cut short due to the Victorian bushfires, with only one day of racing completed before an emergency evacuation. Despite this, WA’s young paddlers made their mark where it counted.
These results are even more remarkable considering the significant disadvantage WA athletes face: unlike their eastern‑state competitors, they do not have regular access to whitewater facilities. Training primarily on flatwater and relying on occasional interstate development camps, they continue to rise to national-level competition through dedication, adaptability, and grit.
Kayak Cross: Western Australia’s Breakout Performances
Fortunately, Kayak Cross was completed before the evacuation, giving athletes one chance to race – and our WA athletes seized it.
Izzy Florisson – 3rd in Women’s U18 Final
Izzy delivered a composed, tactical performance in a field described as “stacked.” Her bronze medal is an outstanding achievement given WA’s limited whitewater training environment and the high-contact, fast‑decision nature of Kayak Cross racing.
Rhys MacRae – 4th in Men’s U18 Final
Rhys showed impressive speed and race craft, progressing through the rounds to finish 4th in the Men’s U18 final. Against a deep national field, his result highlights both his development and his potential heading into the 2026 season.
Kai Stafford – Strong Heats Performance
Kai produced promising runs in the Men’s U18 heats. Although he wasn’t able to progress into the semifinals, his racing displayed clear technical growth, especially noteworthy for someone who trains almost exclusively on flatwater.
Resilience on and off the Water
According to Paddle Australia, the first day of competition was marked not only by racing but by community spirit and sportsmanship across all age groups, with paddlers from U14 to Open navigating the rapids at Eildon. Chief Judge Brad McLaughlan described the day as “a massive achievement” with competitors upholding strong integrity in a demanding, contact-heavy discipline.
When the fires forced the cancellation of the remaining events, the slalom community rallied. Victorian clubs helped house displaced interstate families, and local organisers even created a mock race at Templestowe to give visiting athletes a final chance to get on the water.
For WA families who had travelled across the country, this support meant a great deal, and reinforced the sport’s reputation for camaraderie.
Why WA Performances Matter Even More
WA athletes continue to impress nationally despite barriers their interstate peers do not face:
- No local whitewater course: unlike Victoria and NSW
- High financial and travel burden: for interstate training
- Limited exposure to real-time whitewater
- Reduced frequency of race simulation opportunities
That WA athletes were able to produce podium and near‑podium results in the only completed session of racing speaks volumes about their commitment and potential.
Looking Ahead
With a new date for the 2026 Slalom Age Nationals to be announced soon, WA athletes will once again prepare to take on Australia’s best, often training harder and smarter to compensate for their environmental limitations.
The achievements of Izzy, Rhys, and Kai stand as a testament not only to their effort but also to the strength of Western Australia’s slalom community, it’s coaches, volunteers, parents, and supporters who continue to help these athletes chase whitewater success from a flatwater state.