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CANOE
CANOE

THE COMPETITION

Canoe Slalom races take place on a whitewater course, characterised by strong currents, eddies, and natural turbulence that test the skill and endurance of the competitors. Canoeists must navigate the course while overcoming a variety of natural and artificial obstacles that demand precision and technical ability.

Among the main challenges are the so-called “gates” or “hanging poles” — suspended structures over the water that athletes must pass through correctly without making contact. Any touch or mistake when negotiating them results in a time penalty. The goal is to complete the course in the shortest possible time, combining speed, boat control, and an effective reading of the river’s flow.

This discipline not only requires excellent physical preparation but also demands sharp focus and quick reflexes to adapt to the changing water conditions and make strategic decisions in a matter of seconds.

CANOE OR KAYAK

A kayak is a personal watercraft where the paddler sits facing forward with legs stretched out and uses a double-bladed paddle to propel and steer the boat. The cockpit opening is typically smaller and the paddler sits at the water level.

Kayak

Length: 4m

Width: 60cm

Weight: 15kg

KAYAK

CANOE SLALOM EQUIPMENT

Security Helmet

SECURITY HELMET

Constructed from impact-resistant plastic with foam padding inside. Lightweight models weigh around 300-400 grams. Designed to protect against head injuries from collisions with rocks, gates, or boats.

Security Helmet

CANOE PADDLE

A single-bladed paddle typically made from lightweight materials such as carbon fibre, fibreglass, or wood. Weighs around 500-800 grams. Designed for efficient propulsion and control, it usually has a straight or slightly curved blade and a T-grip or palm-grip handle.

Security Helmet

SPRAYDECK

A flexible, waterproof cover worn around the paddler’s waist and attached to the cockpit rim to prevent water from entering the kayak or canoe.

Security Helmet

CANOE SHOE

Lightweight water shoes made from quick-drying synthetic fabrics with rubber soles for grip. Designed to provide protection and stability during paddling and portaging, they typically weigh 300-500 grams per pair.

Security Helmet

WETSUIT

Made from neoprene foam, ranging from 2mm to 5mm thickness, depending on water temperature. Provides thermal insulation by trapping a thin layer of water between the suit and skin. Usually weighs 1-3 kg.

Security Helmet

KAYAK PADDLE

A double-bladed paddle made from carbon fibre, fibreglass, or plastic composites, weighing approximately 700-900 grams. The blades are shaped to provide powerful, smooth strokes on both sides of the kayak. The shaft can be straight or bent for an ergonomic grip.

Security Helmet

SHIRT

Made from quick-drying synthetic materials such us polyester or nylon blends. Lightweight and breathable, typically weighing 100-200 grams. Designed to wick moisture and provide UV protection during paddling.

Security Helmet

KAYAK SHOE

Slim, flexible shoes with neoprene or mesh uppers and sticky rubber soles. They offer comfort and grip inside the kayak and on slippery surfaces. Weight varies but usually between 250-400 grams per pair.

TAP TO EXPAND!

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CANOE SLALOM

TRACK

PENALTIES

+2″

are added for touching a pole with the boat, paddle, or body.

+50″

are added for failing to pass between the poles.
The time taken to complete the course, plus any penalty time, will make up the athlete’s total time.

COMPETITION FORMAT

How to win

  • Each paddler (or pair in team events) completes the whitewater course individually.
  • The winner is the one with the fastest total time, including any penalties.
  • The standard competition format includes:


      – Two qualification runs: each athlete gets two chances, and the best time counts.

      – The top-ranked paddlers move on to the semi-final.

      – In the semi-final, each paddler gets one run.

      – The fastest athletes qualify for the final, where they also do one run.

      – In the final, the best time wins – simple!

The course

  • The race takes place on a whitewater course, with strong currents and rapids.
  • There are usually 18 to 25 gates, which the paddlers must pass through in the correct direction.
  • Green gates go downstream – pass them with the flow of the river.
  • Red gates go upstream – paddle against the current to pass through

Penalties?

  • Time penalties are added for mistakes:
  • – +2 seconds if you touch a gate (with your boat, paddle, or body).
  • – +50 seconds if you miss a gate completely or pass it the wrong way.
  • These are added to your run time, so even small mistakes can make a big difference.

What counts as a fault?

  • You get a penalty if:


      – You touch a gate

      – You miss a gate

      – You go through a gate in the wrong direction

      – You roll over or exit the course

  • You’re not disqualified unless you break major rules or fail to finish the course

Tiebreakers

  • If two paddlers have the same total time (including penalties), the one with the faster raw time (before penalties) gets the higher rank

KAYAK CROSS

Kayak cross is a new and exciting discipline within canoe slalom, known for its fast pace and head-to-head racing format. Unlike traditional slalom, where athletes race one at a time, kayak cross features four paddlers competing simultaneously on a whitewater course.

During the run, athletes must navigate through hanging gates, complete a mandatory 360-degree turn around a buoy, and reach the finish line as quickly as possible. Contact between boats is allowed, as long as it’s not dangerous or deliberately unsportsmanlike. The basic rules are similar to classic slalom, but adapted for multi-athlete races.

The event uses a knockout format, with qualifying heats where the top two finishers advance to the next round, continuing until the final. Kayak cross made its Olympic debut at the Paris 2024 Games, following its first major appearance at the 2023 European Games in Kraków.