2025 IRF World Rafting Championships, Kampar River
By Alex Tippett, USA Team Captain The Troublemakers (U19 & Open Men)
Competing at the 2025 IRF World Rafting Championships on Malaysia’s Kampar River was an unforgettable experience, not only for the intensity of the racing, but for the sense of continuity and community that defined the entire event. At just 16 years old, serving as captain of The Troublemakers in both the U19 and Open Men categories, I found myself racing alongside people who have shaped my life in rafting, on a river that demanded the very best from every team.
The Kampar River proved exactly what a world championship course should be: technical, powerful, and unforgiving. Every run required complete trust, constant communication, and decisive leadership. The river rewarded teams who committed fully to their lines, to each other, and to the moment.
That high standard was matched by the organization of the event itself. The local organizers ensured smooth logistics and welcoming hospitality. The Race Director and Judging Jury upheld a sense of fairness and professionalism, while the Safety Team created an environment where athletes could push limits with confidence. Just as important were the volunteers and local community, whose warmth and generosity were felt every day from the unforgettable “lori” rides through the jungle, to the constant food preparation and service, and demanding race days in the heat.
As captain, my responsibility was to call lines, manage race-day decisions, and keep my teammates focused under pressure. Preparing for Kampar meant a full year of training, sprint work, slalom drills, endurance paddling, and constant refinement of communication, all distilled into minutes on the water. While results matter, the championship reinforced what high-level rafting truly requires: endurance, focus, and adaptability.
This championship also marked a milestone for the United States. With six teams in attendance, it was the largest USA delegation ever fielded at a world rafting championship. That presence reflected the growing momentum of raft racing in the U.S., driven by youth development programs, community-based teams, and increased international participation. Racing alongside so many fellow American teams on the Kampar was a powerful reminder that the future of USA raft racing is bright.
What made this event especially meaningful for me was racing alongside my parents. My mother captained Team USA Masters Women Team 2 (The Outsiders) and my father captained Team USA Masters Men. Watching them compete on the same course during the same race week highlighted something rare in sport: multiple generations racing at the highest level together.
That experience extended beyond my own family. Several youth athletes shared similar stories, with parents competing in Masters categories. Seeing parents and children, all elite athletes, launching from the same start ramp across different divisions underscored how deeply interconnected rafting communities can be.
Over the years, racing internationally has also created lasting relationships. Lining up in Malaysia, many of our competitors were not strangers, but athletes we had raced against or learned from across continents and championships. Repeated encounters on different rivers turn rivals into familiar faces and, often, lifelong friends.
Mentorship has played a critical role in that sense of belonging. Our team has benefited greatly from coaching and guidance from Lucas Core, widely regarded as one of the greatest raft racers of all time and captain of Team Brazil Open Men. Team Brazil’s presence raised the competitive standard, but just as importantly, their openness and willingness to share knowledge fostered an atmosphere where all athletes, regardless of age or nationality, could thrive.
The presence of the California Poppies added yet another layer of connection. Many of us grew up paddling together in the same small community in California and attended Junior Guides Raft Camp as kids. In a full-circle moment, the camp’s founder competed on my mother’s Masters team at this championship, a powerful reminder of how long these relationships endure.
Ultimately, the 2025 IRF World Rafting Championships were about more than podiums and race times. They showcased what makes rafting unique: shared experience, mutual respect, and a global community that spans generations, countries, and competitive categories.
For me, racing on the Kampar River was the culmination of a lifelong connection to the sport. I am grateful to the International Rafting Federation, the organizers, volunteers, and every athlete who made this championship such a meaningful experience, and I look forward to returning even stronger in the years ahead.
Alex Tippett
Team Captain, The Troublemakers (U19 & Open Men), USA