MUJERES DE RIO KAYAK RACE, CHILE, NOVEMBER 2025
Last November marked the first Mujeres de Río Kayak Race, held in Pucón, Chile, on the lower section of the Trancura River. Organized by Mujeres de Río, a women-led nonprofit that promotes female participation in whitewater in Chile, the event aimed to bring together as many female paddlers as possible. Dressed in colorful flower necklaces, the competitors were sent head-to-head for a five-mile race to the classic Pescador Rapid, where spectators were waiting.
Twenty-two paddlers from Chile and around the world showed up to race in two different categories. In the Pro category, Coline Charel (France) took the win ahead of Flo Aguirre (Chile) in second and Tabita Ramirez (Chile) in third. In the Beginners, Constanza Osses (Chile) led the field, followed by Valentina Gutierrez (Chile) in second and Hanna Feyen (USA) in third.
«Using the river as a tool for education and development, supporting women not only within the paddling community, but in the broader community as well. »
On day two, following the race, the organization’s guides led a rafting trip, inviting women from the Mapuche indigenous communities to experience their home river. The Mapuche people have inhabited the Trancura Valley for centuries, and this moment served to recognize and honor those who have long protected these lands and rivers.
Overall, the weekend served as a way to spotlight the growing women’s kayaking community around the world, which is exactly what Mujeres de Río Chile is all about: using the river as a tool for education and development, supporting women not only within the paddling community, but in the broader community as well. This event is already set to return during the last week of November this year.
Words & Photography: Mujeres de Rio Team
