In the heart of Solkan, where the emerald waters of the Soča River meet the dreams of the next generation rafters – a historic moment in rafting is taking place: the official announcement of the merger between the WRF and the IRF. A symbolic and strategic step toward: a stronger, united future for our sport.
We sat down for a while with Danilo Barmaz - President of the World Rafting Federation and Joseph Willis Jones - President of the International Rafting Federation; to discuss and reflect on this milestone moment, starting from the present: the significance of grassroots events like the Junior&U23 World Championships, and their vision for the future of rafting.
WRF President Danilo Barmaz (on the left) and IRF President Joseph Willis Jones (on the right)
First of all, congratulations on this historic moment. What were your first thoughts after the announcement of the merger? And what kind of feedback have you received from the rafting community?
JWJ: From the very beginning, the response was generally positive. The entire community agrees that there is no reason for our two federations to remain divided. We are stronger when we are united and working together.
DB: After a time of separation, unity is finally here. It’s not something that happens overnight, but just like a river, what matters most is direction, not just speed. Our vision has always been about collaboration and inclusion, with a clear goal in sight. All of our members welcomed the new with great enthusiasm—it is a major step forward. We are literally in the same boat now.
These Youth World Championships in Solkan are more than just a competition. This is where new rafters are born and passion begins. Why do you believe it is important to keep growing events like this?
JWJ: Growth is essential in any sport, and rafting is no different. We always need fresh energy and new faces. Seeing so many passionate young people here is exciting—without passion, nothing lasts. They are the engine of our future.
DB: I believe in the next generation—both for the sport and for the federation. Seeing young athletes paddling and smiling during the event is proof that we are on the right path. This collaboration with ECA and ICF can really help both movements move forward. Youth are the key to the future—without them, there is no sustainability.
One of the most inspiring messages from the Opening Ceremony came from Ms Manuela Gawehn, ECA Board Member: “We have to collaborate. We can paddle together, and we can work together.” How do you see this synergy developing?
JWJ: As both a kayaker and a rafter, I see a lot of similarities—and also differences—between canoeing and rafting, and I think both should be celebrated. There is no need for barriers between the two sports. As long as we maintain our identities, I see no conflict—just opportunity.
DB: Coming from a canoeing background myself, I truly believe in the friendship between the two movements. We can and should support each other. And we are already doing it—at many events in recent years, we’ve been paddling side by side. Sharing events with canoeing gives our athletes access to a wider stage, often of a higher level, where they can measure themselves with new challenges and grow. We are united by a shared passion for the river and the paddle, and river people know that is a powerful bond.
Looking ahead: what is your message to the rafting community?
JWJ: The key message is: let’s stay united. People who refuse to collaborate and see others as threats end up holding themselves back. If we want a solid future, we need to move forward together.
DB: Paddling together—that is our path forward. Looking at the history and scale of canoeing, we can learn a lot. Events like this in Solkan have great impact. That is the kind of future we want to build—step by step, but together - setting the bar high. I do not exclude aiming at the Olympics.
Thank you both, President Barmaz and President Willis Jones, for sharing your vision at such a meaningful time for our sport and community.
A new chapter has begun, with unity comes strength and with shared vision comes opportunity. Stay tuned - the river ahead is wide and that is where the adventure begins.
@worldrafting
