The world’s best canoe slalom and kayak cross athletes will return to Lee Valley White Water Centre next summer, it was announced today.
The London 2012 Olympic legacy venue was today confirmed as part of the 2027 International Canoe Federation (ICF) Canoe Slalom World Cup Series.
Located in Hertfordshire, Paddle UK will welcome the sport’s leading athletes as they compete on one of the most iconic courses in international canoe slalom.
The announcement comes in a milestone year for Lee Valley White Water Centre, which celebrates 15 years since opening its doors as the only brand new London 2012 venue to open before the Games. Since then, the venue has hosted a number of major international events, including the 2023 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships.
Those championships delivered a historic moment for the British team, who achieved their best-ever results at World Championships. Olympic champion Joe Clarke and Kimberley Woods both secured World Championship titles, thrilling home crowds.
Since opening in 2011, Lee Valley White Water Centre has established itself as a cornerstone of British paddle sport.
As well as hosting elite international competition and a permanent base for Paddle UK’s world class programme, the venue delivers a lasting legacy. It provides world class facilities for everyone, from complete beginners learning to paddle through to thrill seekers enjoying adrenalin charged experiences, alongside extensive funded programmes for schools, clubs and communities.
Ashley Metcalfe, CEO for Paddle UK said:
“We are delighted to once again be hosting an international event with our partners at the Lee Valley White Water Centre.
“Bringing major events to the UK is hugely important for our athletes, for the venue’s local community and of course to inspire a new generation of paddlers.
“Lee Valley is a world class venue which is loved by athletes and supporters of the sport and we are looking forward to welcoming them back to the UK.”
Shaun Dawson, Chief Executive of Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, owner of Lee Valley White Water Centre, said:
“We can’t wait to welcome the world’s best back to Lee Valley White Water Centre for the 2027 ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup - the fifth major international event we have hosted at this iconic venue. It is so loved by athletes around the world and is integral to the incredible achievements of the GB team, who train daily on the water.
“Lee Valley White Water Centre is the epitome of Olympic sporting legacy and we’re marking 15 years since we first opened the doors in 2011, the only brand new London 2012 venue to open before the Games.
“Over 700,000 people have taken part in activities on the water from complete beginners picking up their first paddle to thrill seekers from all over the UK. We continue to break down barriers and introduce new audiences to paddlesports with extensive funded programmes for schools, clubs and communities as well as developing talent through a thriving resident paddlesports club and delivering a range of off-water health and wellbeing programmes, ensuring everyone can enjoy an enduring legacy from London 2012.”
Esther Britten, Head of Events and External Affairs at UK Sport, said:
"We’re incredibly excited to see the 2027 ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup return to the UK next summer.
“Lee Valley is an iconic venue for British Olympic sport, and the perfect stage for our athletes as they build towards LA 2028. It promises to be a fantastic event, and we can’t wait to see more extraordinary sporting moments delivered on home water.”
Peter Bundey, Chief Executive of GLL, which operates the venue on behalf of Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, said:
“It’s great to see top international canoe slalom returning to Lee Valley White Water Centre in 2027. The Olympic Legacy venue has a strong reputation around the world and it’s a brilliant place for both elite athletes including our GLL Sport Foundation athletes and local community trying paddlesports for the first time.
“At GLL, we’re focused on making sport and physical activity accessible to everyone. Lee Valley does exactly that - from supporting top athletes to giving local communities the chance to get out on the water, build confidence and stay active. It’s something we’re really proud to be part of.”
The World Cup will take place from August 13 to 15, 2027.