Athlete Information
We look forward to welcoming athletes from all over the globe to RushSouth Whitewater Park in Uptown Columbus, GA, for the 2023 ICF Canoe Freestyle World Championships!
The Local Host Committee, RushSouth Whitewater Park, and Uptown Columbus Inc. will do everything to ensure that this is a memorable World Cup competition experience with athletes at the forefront of all planning. Training can occur year-round, and we are ready to help individuals and teams schedule sessions. The link to register for the 2023 ICF Canoe Freestyle World Championship is included below. Please note that athletes must be registered by a National Federation to compete.
Control of river flows to create consistent features is achieved by water release from North Highlands Dam about two miles upstream. Minimum river flows are guaranteed by an agreement between the State of Alabama, the State of Georgia, the State of Florida, and the United States Army Corp of Engineers. The agreement provides for a minimum release of 800 CFS from North Highlands Dam. Typically, water releases are between 800cfs and 13,000cfs. Rapids range between Class II to Class V on the river. Gradient drop from put-in to take-out is 33 feet (10m) with a 10-foot (3m) gradient drop across the main featured wave, Good Wave.
RushSouth Whitewater Park provides some of the best viewing, coaching, media, and athlete infrastructure features to be found in the world. Configuration of the ‘Islands’ around Good Wave provides a spectacular setting. ICF officials, judges, coaches, and fans alike will be close to the action with great views of the competition.
One island adjacent to the waves will focus on the athletes. The historic PowerHouse building has been retrofitted to provide up-to-date amenities and will serve as office space, an athlete village, a place for informal gatherings, and other competitor activities. Together this site will create a truly world-class venue for these monumental events.
Various options for lodging. Camping with limited amenities is available. Please click ‘Campground Registration’ below to secure your tent or RV spot at The Wintering Grounds. Hotels within steps of the river include Hotel Indigo, the AC Hotel, Columbus Marriott Downtown, Courtyard by Marriott, and City Mills Hotel. Budget hotels within three blocks of the river include Motel 6 and Econo Lodge.
