Cairns Regional, the Australian Rafting Federation (ARF) is a sports club dedicated to the sport of competitive white water rafting in Australia. Established in December 2000, the ARF's main objectives are to organise competition events and coordinate Australian representation in international rafting competitions. The ARF is proud to be affiliated with the International Rafting Federation (IRF), the global governing body for the sport of rafting.
White water rafting is a thrilling adventure sport that is rapidly growing in popularity. With over 30 million active participants worldwide, it has become one of the most exciting and challenging activities. The IRF currently consists of over 50 member nations, with representative teams from each country participating in elite level competitions regularly.
The ARF is honoured to have been selected to host the IRF R6 World Rafting Championship on the internationally acclaimed Tully River in May 2019. This prestigious event will bring together teams from around the world to compete for the title of world champion. To prepare for this event, the ARF will also host the IRF Pre-World Championship in May 2018, which will serve as both a dress rehearsal and the ARF R6 National Championship and selection trials.
In addition to organising competitions, the ARF also plays a crucial role in promoting competitive rafting in Australia and facilitating reforms in the commercial rafting industry. The club is committed to ensuring the long-term success of the sport by fostering a sense of social inclusiveness within the community.
The ARF acknowledges and thanks the traditional owners of the rivers they enjoy and recognises their elder's contributions both past and present. The club also expresses its gratitude to the sponsors who support Australian Rafting and contribute to its development and growth.
For those interested in joining the ARF, membership information can be found on their website. The club also maintains an active presence on social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook, where members can stay updated on the latest news, events, and photos.
In conclusion, the Australian Rafting Federation is a prominent sports club in Cairns Regional dedicated to competitive white water rafting. With its affiliation with the International Rafting Federation, the ARF organises national and international competitions and strives to promote the sport within Australia. As a community, the ARF is committed to inclusiveness and recognises the importance of the traditional owners of the rivers they enjoy.