Bronze-medal winning UAE kayaker hails Abu Dhabi as 'paddling world's best kept secret'

The first woman to represent the UAE in kayaking hopes she can inspire more female participation in the sport after taking bronze on her international debut for the country.

Ellecia Saffron finished third in the masters’ category of the ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships in Perth last weekend.

It was the first medal the country has won at an international event since the Emirates Canoe and Rafting Federation started entering competitions in 2022.

Originally from Australia, Saffron opted to represent the UAE having lived in Abu Dhabi for the past 16 years.

“I love the UAE,” Saffron, 40, said. “People have asked, ‘Why did you represent the UAE?’ Australia had around 300 people in their team, and in the UAE, we had three.

“I would really love to help promote the sport, especially for women, and help lift the profile. It is such an amazing sport and has given me so much.

“It has helped me through tough times, and has given me so much joy and so many wonderful times.

“I love being out there doing what we do, but the thing that matters most to me is the community. It gives you purpose first thing in the morning, and 20 or 30 people to have a coffee with afterwards.

“All the efforts that have been made in setting up the Emirates Canoe and Rafting Federation and setting this team up, I want to support that. Hopefully by entering as a UAE competitor, I can do that.”

Saffron is only new to the sport herself. She first took it up during Covid when she was caught in Australia by travel restrictions, as it was one of the few activities still permitted during lockdown.

In less than three years she has become proficient enough to take a podium finish at an international event, having already previously placed at the gruelling