Riff Raft Racing Heads to Bosnia for World Championship
Picture from 2022 World Championships. Phot Cred: Paddling Life
“We are pleased to announce that Bosnia-Herzegovina will be hosting the 2024 WRC. The IRF was in communications with China as a potential host for 2024, but the China organizers decided to postpone hosting to a future year because of financial limitations due to a national economic downturn. After searching for a replacement host, the IRF settled on BiH, one of the IRF’s most reliable members, who offered to step forward and fill the void on short notice. So, to the delight of rafting athletes around the globe, the World Championship will once again be returning to Banja Luka and the Vrbas River. “
-International Rafting Federation
Bosnia-Herzegovina has emerged as a world-class rafting destination over the last few decades. Its mountainous geography lends itself perfectly to the sport, with adrenaline-pumping rapids fed by melting snow and ice. The Vrbas River winding through Banja Luka offers class III-IV rapids for rafters of all abilities to test their mettle. Given this natural landscape, it’s no wonder Bosnia has steadily built up a thriving domestic rafting culture.
The International Rafting Federation (IRF) took note by awarding Bosnia the honor of hosting the 2008 World Rafting Championship on the Vrbas. This global debut was a resounding success praised for its hearty Balkan hospitality and picturesque backdrops. The competition returns to the Vrbas in 2024. Athletes worldwide are delighted at reconvening where mountain-fed waters and world-class local crews provide challenge and camaraderie between daring runs down the rapids.
Riff Raft Racing is beyond excited to make its first debut on an international scale, and represent as the United States Men’s Open Rafting Team.
Event Type: R4 World Rafting Championship
Location: Vrbas river near the town of Banja Luka (all events)
Disciplines: All age categories in Sprint, Head to Head, Slalom and Downriver
When: May 28-June 2, 2024
