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 Fábio Meneses: “Yes, it's true, it is getting closer and closer to the European Championships. We are currently in meetings, with the different teams, responsible for each area, so that everything goes as planned. We have already defined the human resources, needed for the land and sea teams and we are now in one of the most important phases of the event, the logistics of transporting surfskis in containers to the Azores.”

 

 

Fábio Meneses: “We need to ensure that all the necessary facilities are prepared for use, including the accreditation area and event administrative services, to test necessary equipment and finalize event security plans. A space is also being prepared for a “fanzone” nautical fair, which was created to further boost the event, with the aim of creating moments of conviviality between participants and promoting local, national and international companies linked to the nautical sector. It is also important to mention, that with the aim of promoting and preserving our maritime heritage, we are preparing an exhibition of traditional wooden kayaks existing in the region, as we intend to organize and regulate regattas of traditional wooden kayaks in the region. We are finalizing the construction of a wooden kayak that will be officially presented during the European Championships.”

 

 

Fábio Meneses: “Without a doubt, it is the highlight of Azorean canoeing, hosting an event of this size in the region. It is something that makes us very proud. We are talking about the biggest nautical event ever held in the region, considering the number of participants and all the human resources involved in the event.”

 

Fábio Meneses: “In recent years, in collaboration with local clubs, we have regularly organized national and international events of the highest quality, events that have, in a certain way, projected the region as a place with excellent conditions for practising the sport. In the past we used to organize regional sprint championships, but with the emergence of surfskis, we channelled our focus to the discipline of ocean racing, since these are the natural conditions we have in the region. Combining all the competitions that take place on the different islands, plus the regional championships, we are talking about an average of 40 competitions per season.”

 

Fábio Meneses: “It is an excellent opportunity for our athletes to compete alongside the great references of the sport and above all to promote our athletes and the region to those who visit us. These types of initiatives are also important to mitigate seasonality, as we hold these competitive events in low season.

 

Fábio Meneses: “The Azores are a destination of nature and experiences, focused on preserving resources and preserving the natural legacy of the archipelago. It is a unique destination that offers untouched natural landscapes, typical gastronomy and a rich cultural heritage being a place of excellence for the practice of this discipline. Sea kayaking can be an excellent tourist attraction for the Azores. For several reasons, it is a sport that can be practiced at any time of the year that allows you to explore the landscapes from a unique perspective, providing an intimate experience with nature.”

 

 

Fábio Meneses: “It is a sport that is growing in the region, and our main objective is to promote and boost the sport on the nine islands of the Azores. We are currently present on five islands in the Azores, and this year for the first time we will promote sea kayaking on the western most islands of Europe, Flores and Corvo islands. We currently have approximately 250 athletes in the region distributed across six clubs. Water sports, in particular canoeing, is going through a period of enormous vitality in the region, with athletes committed to the sport and we have seen greater participation of Azorean athletes in national and international competitive events.”

 

 

Fábio Meneses: “Paddling in the Azores can be an incredible experience, given the unique beauty of the landscapes and the region's rich marine life. One of the unique and fascinating characteristics of the Azores is the fact that it is possible to experience all four seasons in one day, which is really challenging. However, for those who are less experienced, it is necessary to be careful, due to the unpredictable conditions that may occur.”

 

 

Fábio Meneses: “In the year in which the Azores Regional Canoeing Association celebrates 25 years of existence, my expectations are enormous, to make Terceira Island and the Azores the 2024 European Capital of Ocean Racing. My goal is to make everyone feel welcome and part of a great celebration of the discipline. I believe that the experience of the Portuguese Canoe Federation, combined with the experience of the Regional Canoeing Association of the Azores and Local Nautical Clubs, as well as the Azorean’s great hospitality will allow us to host a great event.”