Paddle Australia has today announced an exciting expansion of its partnership with leading global water sports brand Zhik, who will join as Platinum Partner and Official Technical Apparel Partner for the 2025 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships in Penrith.
The strengthened relationship will see Zhik provide high-performance technical uniforms for volunteers, officials and staff at the upcoming 2025 ICF Slalom World Championships that will be held in Penrith from 29 September - 4 October.
The brand will also be on-site with a product display, offering paddlers and attendees the opportunity to engage directly with Zhik’s latest innovations in performance wear.
This partnership extension builds on the existing multi-year agreement signed in 2024, which saw Zhik become Paddle Australia’s Official Apparel Partner across all national squads and teams, from Junior and U23 athletes through to the Senior National and Olympic programs.
“Zhik has already proven to be an outstanding partner, sharing our values and a clear commitment to sustainability and innovation,” said Paddle Australia CEO Kim Crane. “This next phase of our partnership brings their support closer to our broader community, from volunteers and event staff to the passionate paddlers who turn out to support and compete.”
Zhik’s involvement at the 2025 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships will further showcase its reputation for delivering cutting-edge water sports apparel, developed over two decades of research, elite athlete feedback, and a drive for performance and sustainability.
“As a proudly Australian brand, it’s incredibly rewarding to continue our partnership with Paddle Australia in this new capacity,” said Zhik CEO and Olympic champion Mat Belcher. “We’re excited to kit out the team behind the scenes, from volunteers, officials, and staff, who are essential to the success of these events. It’s another opportunity for us to bring our commitment to performance, innovation and the water-loving community to life.”
With a shared passion for excellence on the water and a joint focus on long-term sustainability, this partnership extension marks another step forward in uniting Australia’s elite and grassroots paddling communities with one of the world’s most trusted names in technical apparel.
The collaboration will be visible not just on the water but behind the scenes, and Zhik’s presence at the 2025 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships will provide paddlers and fans the chance to experience the gear trusted by Olympic champions and performance athletes worldwide.
This collaboration reflects Paddle Australia’s commitment to transformational partnerships that support performance, inclusion, and long-term legacy.
Visit Zhik at the Championships
Throughout the event, Zhik will be on-site with a dedicated stand located inside the athlete and spectator zone. Visitors will have the chance to explore the full range of high-performance paddle and watersports gear, including:
- Technical UV tops and base layers
- Lightweight waterproof outerwear
- Amphibious footwear
- And the latest in sustainable performance apparel
Whether you’re an elite competitor or passionate supporter, it’s the perfect opportunity to connect with Zhik’s product experts, discover the technology behind the gear, and experience what it means to be Made for Water.
How to Watch the Action
The 2025 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships will bring the world’s best paddlers to Penrith, competing across K1, C1, and Kayak Cross disciplines. This landmark event offers a rare opportunity for Australian fans to witness Olympic-level racing on home soil. Here's how you can follow every moment:
- In Person - Tickets are available now at sydney2025.com. The Penrith venue offers excellent viewing access, with grandstands positioned along the course.
- Online - The full event will be live-streamed globally via the ICF’s official platforms. Streaming schedules and links will be released closer to the event on canoeicf.com.
- Social Media - Follow Zhik @zhikglobal and partnered paddle channels @canoeicf, @paddle_aus for behind-the-scenes content, athlete interviews, and daily highlights.
