11/17/2023
When we protect our athletes, we protect Canoeing.
Whether you’re paddling on flatwater or whitewater, in a canoe or kayak, the goal is the same: to trek the course and distance as fast as possible. Explosiveness, skill, and stroking techniques are all necessary to take these sports from recreation to the competitive level. Whatever your favorite discipline—paracanoe, marathon, slalom, or freestyle—grab your paddle and head out onto the water. When we protect canoeing, we keep this sport safe and healthy for all.
Courage First Athlete Helpline
Use this resource if you are in need of confidential emotional support, crisis intervention, informational athlete-focused resources, and guidance related to concerns about any type of abuse.
The Courage First Athlete Helpline is a no-cost call and text service for anyone in need. +1 888-279-1026
Common Canoeing Safeguarding Concerns
Abuse and misconduct can happen in all sports, at every level of play. Canoeing has some specific vulnerabilities, such as:
- Canoeing environments may involve isolated locations for practice and competition. These locations may have adverse water conditions, which require a high level of physical safeguarding.
- Canoeing athletes may experience Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDS) due to excessive training, as well as weight-related pressures to “stay lean”, which can result in physical injury and harm, as well as normalize body criticism.
- Since female athletes are underrepresented in canoeing, there are limited resources and a limited understanding of their psychological needs. This, in turn, could limit participation and retention of female athletes.
What’s the difference between tough coaching & abuse?
The Coach Athlete Relationship Dynamics Diagrams below can be used as a gut check; consider the conduct you experience and observe in your sporting community, and discern whether what is occurring aligns with a caring and supportive coach-athlete relationship. For athletes who have unhealthy relationship dynamics with their coaches, inappropriate behavior can be subtle and difficult to discern. Awareness and prevention of these patterns of power and control help keep everyone safe.
Current Events
Unfortunately, news articles chronicling misconduct in sport and unhealthy coach-athlete dynamics are frequent and widespread. Abuse in sport has been occurring for decades, and the public is now becoming aware of these hidden situations as more and more survivors bravely disclose and report misconduct they have experienced. #WeRideTogether is committed to increasing awareness and continually updating this compiled list of current events on the topic of sexual abuse in sport. Sexual misconduct is happening across all sports, at all levels, internationally.
10/18/2026
Youth Sports Families Allege Travel Company Threatened Their Kids' Playing Status If They Didn't Pay Lodging Fees
10/15/2026
Athletic trainer at San Jose school accused of sexual battery of student
10/14/2026
Details emerge on police raid of ex-Kempsville High School athletic director’s home
10/11/2026
As sports betting is normalized, college players have become targets of aggrieved bettors
10/6/2026
Gresham Man Accused Of Faking His Age To Participate In Youth Sports And Sexually Abusing Children, Faces More Charges
10/1/2026
Ohio State Could Owe Millions More to Prior Strauss Sex-Abuse Plaintiffs
9/30/2026
Burke County high school coach charged with felony sex act with a student
Canoeing Resources
Below are resources related to Physical Safety, Environmental Safety, and Safeguarding within Canoeing.
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Athlete Health and Wellbeing
Safeguarding
Access ICF resources for athlete health and well-being.
Canoeing - Fit to Play
Physical Safety
Learn exercises to prevent common canoe slolam injuries.
Hydration for Endurance Athletes
Physical Safety
Learn why staying hydrated while exercising matters.
National Center for Cold Water Safety
Environmental Safety
Read about cold water safety, myths, and gear.
Safety Resources
Environmental Safety
Access British Canoeing Awarding Body's safety resources.
Saftey Signage
Safeguarding
Access infographics covering a range of important boating safety topics.
Survivor Stories
Survivors are increasingly stepping forward to bravely tell their stories. The following stories reflect the survivors’ personal experiences, as told by them, and may be triggering for individuals who have experienced sexual abuse or misconduct. All information has been anonymized.
If you are a survivor interested in sharing your story and learning more about this process, please reach out to us at info@weridetogether.today.
We want to hear from you!
You are not alone.
What resources or information do you want for your sport? Contact us and let us know.
If you or someone you know has experienced misconduct or abuse, please access these resources for help. For additional information on confidential helplines, sexual assault reporting procedures, and mental health resources, click the button below.
View Crisis Resources
