About The Sport
Canoe and kayak flatwater racing is very similar to rowing, in that competitors race across expanses of calm water, rather than slalom down white water rapids. But, it requires a very specialised technique that calls on strength, speed, stamina and co-ordination in equal measure.
There are subtle differences in the the two different categories of canoe and kayak. Competitors kneel in canoes and use a single blade paddle, while in a kayak you are in a seated position using a double ended paddle.
Events are held for single athletes, pairs or fours, with the races taking place over distances of 500m and 1000m.