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The classic test of speed and power
In Flatwater Racing sprint events, paddlers race on a straight course, each boat in a separate lane, over three different distances : 200 m, 500 m and 1000 m. 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. There are kayak events, for men and women, in single (K1), double (K2) and four boats (K4), and canoe events for men in single (C1), double (C2) and four boats (C4) and recently also for women.
This form of racing became an Olympic discipline in 1936 and its programme includes events over 200 m and 1000 m for men and 200 m and 500 m for women.
Except of sprint categories canoeists race also in long distances. At World Championships and European Championships these are 5000 m, only single boats are used. Long distances are also very popular for mass competitions, e.g. Sella Descent in Spain.
Canoe sprinter Catalin Chirila was named the best sportsman of the year 2023 in Romania. The 25-year-old canoeist won medals at last year’s World Championships in Duisburg and at European Games in Krakow.
Read moreOne of the highlights of canoeing season 2024 will undoubtedly be the 2024 ECA Canoe Sprint, Paracanoe and SUP European Championships. This Championships will be held between 12th and 16th June in Szeged, Hungary, at one of the most famous canoe sprint venues in the world. Only 100 days are left until the Championships and the tickets are already on sale!
Read moreSlovak canoe sprinter Ivana Kmetova ended her successful sporting career in which she won medal at European and World Championships. She also competed at two Olympic Games, in Beijing 2008 and in London four years later.
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