Zhik to supply technical uniforms for 2025 canoe slalom worlds
Zhik has been announced as the Official Technical Apparel Partner for the 2025 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships in Penrith, expanding its partnership with Paddle Australia.
The renewed agreement will see Zhik, an Australian performance apparel brand, provide technical uniforms for volunteers, officials, and staff at the world championships. The event, to be held in Penrith, is expected to attract more than 300 athletes from 50 countries as well as thousands of spectators.
The new arrangement builds on an existing multi-year deal that established Zhik as the Official Apparel Partner across Paddle Australia's national squads, from junior and U23 paddlers to senior national and Olympic teams. It also marks the launch of Zhik's first paddling-specific technical apparel range, which is set to debut at the championships.
Enhanced support
Paddle Australia CEO Kim Crane highlighted the partnership's alignment with the organisation's values and objectives, stating:
"Zhik has already proven to be an outstanding partner, sharing our values and a clear commitment to sustainability and innovation. 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 will also have a presence at the event's venue, displaying its latest apparel and enabling direct engagement with attendees regarding its water sports performance gear.
Industry growth
Founded in Sydney in 2003 by Brian Connolly, Zhik originally focused on sailing apparel and has supplied gear to Olympic sailing teams, America's Cup crews, and offshore racers. Under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Mat Belcher, a three-time Olympic medallist, the company has expanded its product development to cater explicitly for paddling and rowing, with elite athletes contributing to the design process.
In the context of growing interest in paddling as a sport and preparations for a major international event in Australia, Zhik has reported a 20% revenue increase in the past year and growing international demand, particularly with pre-orders in the United States.
Mat Belcher emphasised the value of the extended partnership and Zhik's commitment to the broader paddling community, saying:
"As a proudly Australian brand, it's incredibly rewarding to continue our partnership with Paddle Australia in this new capacity. 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."
Wider engagement
The extended relationship between Zhik and Paddle Australia places focus not only on the elite competitors and their teams, but also on event operations and the communities behind the sport. The collaboration will extend to volunteers and event personnel, making technical performance wear accessible beyond competing athletes.
According to Paddle Australia, the partnership reflects a strategic approach to building connections between different levels of paddling – from grassroots participation to elite international competition – and underscores a mutual commitment to sustainability and legacy outcomes in the sport.
The event in Penrith will provide the public and competitors with an opportunity to experience Zhik's technical garments, which have been informed by two decades of research and athlete input. The company's expanded international presence and product range will be on display at the championships, offering insight into developments in water sports performance apparel.
The collaboration between Paddle Australia and Zhik is also aimed at supporting broader objectives of performance enhancement, event inclusion, and long-term benefits for the paddling community at large.