International Canoe Federation

In Canoe Sprint events, athletes race on a straight course, each boat in a separate lane, over three different distances: 200m, 500m, 1000m and 5000m as well as the 200m x 4 relay. There are Kayak events in single (K1), double (K2) and four (K4) boats, and Canoe events in single (C1), double (C2) and four (C4) boats. Traditionally Canoe has been exclusively for Men but there is a growing Women’s contingent and Women’s C1 and C2 are in the World Championship programme from 2010. In a Kayak, the paddler is seated and uses a two-blade paddle, while in a Canoe, the paddler is kneeling on one knee, and uses a single-blade paddle. Canoe Sprint became an Olympic discipline in 1936 and its programme includes events over 200m, 500m and 1000m.

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