Jones finished second in both classes at a race in Pau, France - the venue for this year's world championships - and will face a world-class field in Prague, including Rio K1 gold medallist Maialen Chourraut (Spain) and bronze medallist Jess Fox (Australia).
She will be joined in the K1 class by fellow Kiwis Jane Nicholas (Tauranga) and Kensa Randle, with Nicholas also racing the C1.
The New Zealand men's charge will be led by Olympic finalist Mike Dawson (Tauranga) and rising stars Callum Gilbert (Tauranga) and Finn Butcher.
Gilbert distinguished himself last year, making the semifinals of every World Cup he attended. He wants to press on this season.
"There are lots of tough competitors here in Prague, with paddlers back into training after the Olympics and looking sharp," Gilbert said.
"Following on from last year, I'm looking to maintain my consistency, searching for solid runs to see how I size up for the rest of the season."
Butcher also had a breakthrough year last year and joined Jones, Dawson and Gilbert as a carded athlete, supported by High Performance Sport New Zealand for this season.
He had a solid summer of training at the new Vector Wero Whitewater Park in Auckland, before spending the past month in Pau with Jones, Dawson and coach Campbell Walsh.
"This year is a big learning year for me, aiming to learn what works for me and what doesn't in terms of planning, racing, nutrition and psychology, and really refine it for the world champs at the end of the year," Butcher said.
"I'm looking to start the season paddling with intent and freedom, then see where that takes me."