While athletes were making moves on the Penrith Whitewater Stadium course, Paddle Australia proudly hosted the second edition of the International Canoe Federation (ICF) Women’s Symposium at the ICF Slalom World Championships – Sydney 2025; where women in sport, business and leadership gathered to make waves off the water. 

Adding to the legacy of the inaugural event hosted by Canoeing Ireland in Dublin in 2023, the Women’s Symposium celebrated, connected and championed women across all paddle sport disciplines and gave inspirational women in sport the platform to share their stories with national and international participants.

Paddle Australia CEO Kim Crane had the fortune of being a participant at the inaugural ICF Women’s Symposium in Dublin and was determined to make sure the legacy event was again in the calendar, this time in Sydney. 

“It was a wonderful couple of days building international relationships, strengthening upon connections and shared passions that we have across our paddle sport network. I was really inspired to be able to continue that legacy here and to seize the opportunity for the ICF Slalom World Championships to act as a catalyst for some us to re-connect again through this forum.”

“Paddle Australia’s purpose is to foster a sense of belonging for all paddlers regardless of your chosen discipline or where you come from in the world - the Symposium is just one example of the many different ways which we can bring that to life.” Crane said. 

Following a welcome breakfast, attendees heard a video message from International Canoe Federation Vice President Cecilia Farias before compelling, insightful speaking panels got underway.

With Australia’s most decorated Paralympian Ellie Cole at the helm as MC for the day, Cole was excited to explore the rich history of paddle sports and the impactful women who have paved the way in Australia and the Oceania region more broadly. 

“To be able to have a room full of wonderful women who are really progressing the sport in so many positive ways, it’s super important. It’s events like this where you are able to learn and explore how to break the barriers down for women and move forward,” Cole said. 

The event kicked off with a “Women on Water” panel. The session featured an impressive lineup: ICF Board directors and trail blazers Maree Burnett and Danielle Woodward, former Australian Olympic Committee Vice President and founding member of Australian Canoeing Helen Brownlee and Olympian and now Paddle Australia Board Director Jaime Roberts. Together, they unpacked their personal experiences and what leadership looks like in paddle sports.

“These events are really cool because we get to share our stories and learn from each other. I’m proud to be a part of a strong panel with inspirational women with a depth of experience and knowledge,” said Roberts. 

Looking at how far the sport has come for women, Head of the Host Organising Committee for the 2025 Slalom World Championships Richard Fox commends Australia’s drive in inspiring change at all levels. 

“We have to remember that canoe slalom was three events for men and one for women at the Olympics right up til Tokyo 2020. We’ve been a part of that journey and the force from within Australia in helping drive that change and at the international level is something we’re all very proud of,” he said.

The day’s momentum continued with key note speaker Nim de Swardt’s compelling and interactive keynote, “Re-Author: Your Leadership Story for Influence and Impact”. Nim de Swardt partners with leaders across the country and jumped at the opportunity to connect with powerful women in sport and share the strategies and tools to continue to make an impact in leadership roles. 

“As women in sport, we are libraries of lived experiences, wisdom and stories, and our stories are the connective tissue to each other,” de Swardt said. 

Michelle de Highden from the Australian Institute of Sport shared her current insights about research and evidence-based data in Women’s Coaching and Leadership. 

Participants also then enjoyed watching the ICF Slalom World Championships paddlers in action as they continued to network and share stories. 

The final panel “Fostering a Sense of Belonging” featured 2024 Australian Paralympic Chef de Mission Kate McLoughlin and Paddle Australia CEO Kim Crane who offered thought leadership strategies for creating genuine belonging within the Australian Team and Sport System environment and strengthening connections across the broader community. 

“I was really humbled to be asked to be part of this event. It’s so great to see an international event of this calibre in Australia, but to also have this incredible event where women in leadership are being highlighted - it’s lovely to be a part of,” McLoughlin said. 

The ICF President Thomas Konietzko was also honoured to be a part of the 2025 ICF Women’s Symposium and made a remarkable presentation to the group.

“It was really great to see so many committed women involved in our sport, to listen to their stories and to learn how we can become more gender balanced across our sport. I’m deeply convinced that a healthy sporting organisation is a gender balanced one. 

“I’m very happy Paddle Australia and Oceania Canoe Federation organised and supported this Women’s Symposium. I already know that the American continent wants to organise a Women’s Symposium for the next ICF Slalom World Championship event in Oklahoma 2026. These events are a step forward in the right direction” he said.