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Spain will host the 2028 European Canoe Sprint Championships at the Embalse de Trasona, marking the return of a major continental event to the country after more than 15 years. Organised by Paddle Europe in partnership with the Real Federación Española de Piragüismo, the championships will bring together over 30 nations at one of Europe’s most established and naturally distinctive venues, combining proven organisational expertise, strong local engagement, and ongoing infrastructure improvements to deliver a world-class competition.

The Board of Directors of Paddle Europe has confirmed that Spain will host the 2028 European Canoe Sprint Championships in May 2028 at the Embalse de Trasona.

The event will be organised in partnership with the Real Federación Española de Piragüismo and is expected to bring together more than 30 nations, reinforcing its status as one of the leading competitions on the European canoe sprint calendar.

Spain has not hosted a European Canoe Sprint Championship since 2010, when Trasona last staged the event, following an earlier edition in Verducido in 2007. In that 2010 edition, Spain secured three silver and three bronze medals, while Germany dominated the standings with six gold, four silver and five bronze medals.

The return to Asturias highlights the continued importance of Trasona as one of Europe’s most established venues, now combining experience with planned modernisation.

The course is set on a natural dammed lake, characterised by its almost triangular shape, constant water level, and depth of up to five metres, offering stable and fair racing conditions. Widely regarded as a very natural venue with great scenery, Trasona also benefits from experienced staff and strong local engagement, key factors in the successful delivery of major events.

Following an inspection visit by the International Canoe Federation (ICF) in late 2025, the venue received a very positive evaluation, with several improvements already planned. These include new start systems and broader infrastructure upgrades, further strengthening its international standard. The venue is also considered fully accessible from a paracanoe perspective, reinforcing its all-around suitability for elite competition.

Jovana Stanojevic, CEO of Paddle Europe, highlighted the significance of returning to Spain:

“It is very positive for us to continue expanding our European competition map. Spain is one of the world’s leading nations in canoe sprint, and it is especially meaningful to return after more than 15 years without hosting an event of this scale.”

From the Spanish perspective, the event represents both recognition and long-term investment. Javier Hernanz, President of the Spanish Canoeing Federation, underlined its importance:

“This is the result of years of work and commitment. Trasona is one of the most important venues for our sport in Spain, hosting national-level competitions every year. This championship will further elevate its status and provide an opportunity to modernise the infrastructure.”

Hernanz, who competed in the last European Championships held in Trasona in 2010, also highlighted the broader impact of the event:

“Asturias offers all the conditions required to deliver a top-level championship, and we look forward to welcoming more than 30 countries.”

In addition to the European Championships, Trasona will also host a separate Olympic qualification event in the days preceding the competition. This event will allocate the final quota places for canoe sprint ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, adding further relevance to an already significant week for the sport.