Next week in Duisburg, Germany, close to 1000 paddlers from all round the world will be putting everything on the line, trying to become world champions and earn quotas for their country to compete at next year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024.

So how many quotas are up for grabs, who can win them, and is this the last chance saloon?

Firstly, the number of Paris slots available is different for each event.

The most intense racing will take place in the men’s and women’s K4 500, where 10 countries will book their places in Paris. This will be the one and only opportunity to qualify a K4.

There are some important rules to remember. There has to be four continents represented, meaning the first boat to finish from the first four continents, no matter what their overall placing, will be on the way to the Olympics.

Another rule to remember is an athlete can only earn one quota for their country. For example, if Lisa Carrington is a member of the New Zealand women’s K4 which earns a quota next week, she cannot also earn a quota in the K2 or K1.

Each country will be limited to no more than nine athletes per gender for the Olympics – six in kayak, and three in canoe.

So here is the breakdown of quotas available in Duisburg next week;

K4 500 men – 10 boats

K4 500 women – 10 boats.

K2 500 men – six boats

K2 500 women – six boats

K1 1000 men – six boats

K1 500 women – six boats

C1 1000 men – five boats

C1 200 women – five boats

C2 500 men – eight boats

C2 500 women – eight boats

The breakdown of quota spots available for the Paralympics is much more straightforward. In every event which is on the Paris 2024 calendar the top six finishes will earn quotas in Duisburg. But only one athlete per country can earn a ticket.

Will this be the last chance to earn Olympic and Paralympic quotas?

No. With the exception of the K4 500, additional quotas will be available at continental championships to be held later this year and early next year.

Similarly in paracanoe, additional quotas will be available at next year’s ICF Paracanoe World Championships.