Preparations are in full swing for the 12th edition of the Malabar River Festival, Asia’s largest white water kayaking competition, with international kayakers already arriving and training for the event, which will be held on the Chalipuzha and Iruvanjippuzha, tributaries of the Chaliyar, next month.

The four-day event, scheduled from July 30 to August 2, is expected to attract kayakers and adventure enthusiasts from around the world.

The event, also one of India’s largest adventure sports festivals, is being organised under the aegis of the Kerala Tourism department in collaboration with the Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society (KATPS). Technical support is being provided by the Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association (IKCA).

Binu Kuriakose, chief executive officer of KATPS, said registration for the event was progressing well.

“We have sent invitations to several renowned international kayakers. Of them, 10 have already accepted our invitation and confirmed their participation. Previous editions witnessed around 50% spot registrations, and we expect a large number of kayakers from India and other parts of the world to take part in this edition as well,” Mr. Kuriakose said.

The rivers flowing through the Kodenchery and Thiruvambady grama panchayats in the scenic Malabar highlands will become the centre of international white water kayaking during the festival. The competition course winds through a landscape marked by dense forest cover and rugged rocky terrain, presenting a formidable challenge for competitors. Swollen by the southwest monsoon, the rivers feature powerful currents, technical rapids, sudden drops and unpredictable water formations, demanding exceptional control, agility and stamina from athletes.

Giovanni Giorgi of Italy was the first foreign kayaker to arrive in Kodenchery and begin training. Besides paddling rivers in France and Italy, he has experience in white water kayaking on several rivers across India. Mr. Giorgi also participated in last year’s Malabar River Festival. Several kayakers from Kerala and other States are currently training in the Iruvanjippuzha and Chalipuzha in preparation for the event.

The main competition events include Kayak Slalom, Boater Cross, Downriver Race and the Super Final Extreme Race. The male champion will be awarded the title of ‘Rapid Raja’, while the female champion will receive the title of ‘Rapid Rani’. The 2025 edition saw the participation of 18 international athletes and around 85 Indian kayakers.

Pre-event programmes are being organised to encourage wider public participation and build momentum for the festival.