SWISS FREESTYLE RETURNS TO THE SPOTLIGHT
A new chapter has begun for freestyle kayaking in Switzerland. With a fresh leadership team at the national federation, new ideas and ambitions are reshaping the sport. For years, freestyle had seemed nearly forgotten in the country, with only small-scale national championships taking place. Now the goal is to bring the discipline back into the spotlight.
This season marked a turning point. Thanks to a qualification event in Hünigen, Switzerland sent its first national freestyle team to a World Championship since the 2009 edition in Thun, sixteen years ago. In addition, two competitions were scheduled in Bremgarten: the Swiss Championship and the Late Summer Freestyle.
The Swiss Championship on June 29th became a celebration of perfect conditions. With bright sunshine, ideal water levels, and a refreshing river, a large community of paddlers gathered for a vibrant day on the water. The morning featured qualifications in a Jam session format, where groups of five paddlers had ten minutes on the wave, with every trick scored. The best advanced to the afternoon heats. Four national titles were awarded: Pirmin Kahlau among the juniors, Thomas Dimke in the masters, Dominique Graf reclaiming her crown in the women’s category, and Raoul Collenteur impressing the men’s field with his experience and skill.
The Late Summer Freestyle on September 13th painted a different picture. Higher water levels and fading seasonal momentum meant a smaller, more intimate event. Paddlers trained together in the morning before competing in Jam session and heat formats, judged via video review. With just one mixed category, the top spots went to Henry Calver, Flurina Fischer, and Mathias Graf.
After a successful season, Swiss freestyle is clearly regaining strength. With fresh enthusiasm, new athletes, and promising young talents, the future of the sport in Switzerland looks bright.
Words: Flurina Fischer
L’article SWISS FREESTYLE RETURNS TO THE SPOTLIGHT est apparu en premier sur Kayak Session Magazine.