Wildwasser-Kracher in Lienz: Austrian championship in Kayak Cross!

Wildwasser-Kracher in Lienz: Austrian championship in Kayak Cross!

Lienz, Österreich - On June 17, 2025, the Austrian championship in Kayak Cross took place in Lienz. The event, which was carried out on the Drau in optimal weather conditions, pulled numerous kayak fans and holidaymakers: inside to the banks. Kayak Cross is an exciting Olympic discipline in which four athletes have to be completed at the same time. This type of competition is a newer variant of the kayak slalom that was created in 2015 and not only demands the athletes technically but also strategically.

The event was held at the slalom course of the East Tyrolean Kayak Club and impressively demonstrated the importance of East Tyrol in the game water sports. The competition was well attended and offered the audience a captivating spectacle. Simon Zeitlhofer secured the title of Austrian master, while Herwig Natmessnig and Dominik Schausberger took second and third place. The East Tyrolean Kajak Club was strongly represented in the final, including through Aaron Kofler, who is considered a great job and reached fourth place in the final.

successes of the young athletes

The success of Aaron Kofler, who won the youth competition, was particularly gratifying. Elena Hild also won the youngsters with the women and made it clear the great talent of the young athletes. These services are an expression of an emerging kayak scene in East Tyrol and regional support for sport.

• placements in the men's final:
• 1. Simon Zeitlhofer - Master
• 2. Herwig Natmessnig - runner -up
• 3. Dominik Schausberger
• 4. Aaron Kofler

The competitions in the Kayak Cross require the participants: inside a high physical fitness and the control of important techniques, including the Eskimo role, which must be carried out before crossing the finish line. This shows the versatility and the challenges that the athletes have to face. Safety rules, such as the ban on physical contact and strict requirements for the equipment, provide additional requirements for competitors.

The future of the Kayak Cross

In recent years, Kayak Cross has not only gained popularity in Austria, but internationally. The International Canoe Federation organizes important championships, which gives athletes the opportunity to measure themselves internationally and demonstrate their skills. The American Canoe Association also organizes national competitions, which further promotes the growth of the discipline.

With a solid promotion of young talent and committed clubs such as the East Tyrolean Kajak Club, the recent successes signal that the future of Kayak Cross in East Tyrol is promising. This Olympic discipline not only offers athletes the opportunity to cross their limits, but also inspires spectators: inside with exciting competitions.