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Paracanoeing

Paracanoeing

Paracanoeing is canoeing for athletes with a range of physical disabilities. The sport is governed by the International Canoe Federation (ICF). Paracanoeing debuted at the Summer Paralympics held in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 where single kayak races were contested.


Equipment

The two main types of paracanoe boat are kayaks (K), with a double-blade paddle, and outrigger canoes called va'as (V) where the paddler has a second hull as a support float and uses a single blade paddle with a T-top handle.


Competitor classification

Paralympic classification of mobility impairments has been restructured as of April 2015; in kayak competition (K1) there are three different classes for both men and women:


KL1 (formerly A; Arms): This grouping is for paddlers who have no trunk function (i.e. shoulder function only). A KL1 class paddler is able to apply force predominantly using the arms and/or shoulders.


KL2 (formerly TA; Trunk and Arms): Paddlers who have good use of the trunk and arms, but limited use of their legs. They are unable to apply continuous and controlled force to the footboard or seat to propel the boat.


KL3 (formerly LTA; Legs, Trunk and Arms): This class is for paddlers with a disability who have good use of their legs, trunk and arms for paddling, and who can apply force to the foot board or the seat to propel the boat.


Non-Paralympic competitions including va'a events use the same system of classification (VL1, VL2, VL3).


Competition format

Paracanoeing is contested at World Championships, World Cups and continental championships; paddlers compete in kayaks (K1) and in va’a outrigger canoes (V1) both men and women.

All international paracanoeing competitions are 200 m sprints.


ECA Competitions

2025 ECA Junior Canoe Slalom ...
August 9. - 10. 2025, Bratislava, SVK
2025 ECA Open Canoe Slalom European ...
August 15. - 17. 2025, Prague, CZE
2025 ECA Open Canoe Slalom European ...
August 22. - 24. 2025, Epinal, FRA
2025 ECA Wildwater Sprint Canoeing ...
August 23. - 24. 2025, Lipno, CZE
2025 ECA Canoe Freestyle European ...
August 30. - 31. 2025, Nottingham, GBR
All competitions

NEWS

Paracanoeists showcased their sport at the EPYG in Istanbul
Paracanoeists showcased their sport at the EPYG in Istanbul

Istanbul hosted the European Para Youth Games (EPYG), and paracanoeists took the opportunity to present their discipline.

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Thrilling Kayak Cross events Mark the Conclusion of the European Championships in Slovenia
Thrilling Kayak Cross events Mark the Conclusion of the European Championships in Slovenia

The final day of the 2025 ECA Junior and U23 Canoe Slalom European Championships in Solkan, Slovenia, delivered intense battles in both individual kayak cross and kayak cross events, with eight more sets of medals awarded. Victories went to Spain, Czechia, Germany, France, and two remained on home soil in Slovenia.

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Swiss, Slovak, Slovenian and French anthems echoed through Solkan
Swiss, Slovak, Slovenian and French anthems echoed through Solkan

The penultimate day of the 2025 ECA Junior and U23 Canoe Slalom European Championships in Solkan, Slovenia, delivered another round of thrilling races among young canoe slalom athletes. Saturday’s events, featuring canoe finals, brought victories for Switzerland, Slovakia, Slovenia and France.

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