Official Qualifications for 2026 Singapore IVF World Sprint Championships
- Dec 23, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 28
Singapore will conduct 2 separate sprint racing events in 2026 as part of the selection process for the International Va’a Federation (IVF) World Sprint Championships, taking place 17th–31st August 2026 at Marina Bay, Singapore.
Both events will be managed and officiated by Va’a Association Singapore in accordance with the rules and guidelines of the International Va’a Federation.
IVF Selection Time Trials, 7-8th February 2026:
Results from the time trials will determine eligibility for individual representation on V1. Additionally, times recorded on OC1 and V6, categorized by age, will be used to guide the selection process and formation of V6 and V12 crews representing Singapore.
Singapore National Championships, tentatively 11-12th April 2026: Will continue to guide the selection pathways for V6 and V12 elite and club crews.
👉 This article outlines the race formats and distances for the Elite Selection Time Trials, the first sprint competition of the 2026 season.
Expected race format & distances
Individual time trials :
On V1 (V1 Selection Representing Singapore)
Distance: 500m (straight)
Categories:
Male & Female
U16, U19, Open, 40+, 50+, 60+, 70+
On OC1 (Singapore Elite Selection in V6 and V12 teams)
Distance: 500m (straight)
Categories for each V6 and V12 teams :
Male & Female
U16, U19, Open, 40+, 50+, 60+, 70+
Crew selection :
V6 – Club Category
Maximum entries : Up to 6 per events (A club may qualify more than one crew in the same category)
Distance:
500m (straight)
1km with turn at 250m (3 turns total)
Categories:
Male & Female
U16, U19, Open, 40+, 50+, 60+, 70+
V12 – Club Category
Maximum entries : Up to 3 per events (A club may qualify more than one crew in the same category)
Distance: 500m (straight)
Categories:
Male & Female
U16, U19, Open, 40+, 50+, 60+, 70+
Key Clarifications (FAQs)
Do club paddlers all need to paddle OC1 to qualify for the Worlds ?
➜ No. OC1 is only to determine the crews for country representation (Elite) on V6 and V12.
Can clubs just enter for IVF World Sprints Championships ? ➜ No. There is an official process strictly managed by the International Va'a Federation which stipulated each countries to run their own qualification races.
