Published on October 29th, 2025 | by Kayak Session
2025 Megha Kayak Fest
The eighth edition of the Megha Kayak Fest in Meghalaya, Northeast India, concluded with resounding success. This year’s event was especially significant as it hosted the AWP Asian Extreme Kayak Championships for the first time in India.
The festival began on October 15th with the Intermediate Downriver Race for junior paddlers. After that, the pros headed to the Lower Umtrew to scout and practice for the main events. That night was spent camping in the steamy jungle, which was part of the adventure. Despite rough terrain, vehicles stuck in the mud, and the challenge of reaching the remote site, spirits stayed high. Campfires, tents, and shared hardship brought everyone together in true expedition style.
October 16th saw the Enduro Race down the long, technical Terminus Rapid, which many described as one of the world’s best jungle whitewater courses. The USA’s Kaelin Friedenson and Evy Liebfarth took the wins.
Local paddlers trained under Ian Vincent raced alongside the international athletes. Pynshngain Kurbah and Elizabeth Vincent were named Best Indian Paddlers, with strong performances from Vikash Rana, Indra Sharma, and others, signaling a bright future for Indian kayaking.
The action returned to Whitewater Village, the official MKF venue, on October 17th for the Downriver Race, where paddlers launched off one of the world’s highest ramps. This time, Paul Aubertin of France and Evy Liebfarth claimed victory.
The festival wrapped up on October 18th with the intense Kayak Cross, a head-to-head format that delivered nonstop excitement. Once again, Friedenson and Liebfarth stood atop the podium. Aubertin and Liebfarth were crowned Overall Champions, honored in traditional Khasi attire as the King and Queen of the River Umtrew.
A vibrant after-party featuring concerts by traditional artists and a local band closed out the 2025 Megha Kayak Fest in true celebratory style, marking a milestone for Indian whitewater and setting a high bar for the years ahead.
Words: Sheela Vincent
Related Posts
River Kynshi | Meghalaya | Rhys Thomson →
Class 5 Kopili Beater (Entry #8 Beaters For All 2024) →
Siang Expedition 2023 (Entry #2 Short Film Awards 2024) →
