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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.
The 2025 ECA Wildwater Canoeing European Championships in Mezzana, Italy, is just around the corner.
The deadline for entries is approaching; make sure you enter the competition by 26th May 2025.
More info: https://canoe-europe.org/calendar/2025-eca-wildwater-canoeing-european-championships-570
Read moreDeadlines for the 2025 ECA Canoe Marathon European Championships in Ponte de Lima are approaching.
Deadline for the Masters events is 23rd May 2025,
deadline for junior, U23, senior and paracanoe events is 26th May!
Sign up before it is too late!
More info: https://canoemarathonportugal.com/index.php?page=teams-information
The 2025 ECA Canoe Slalom European Championships in Vaires-sur-Marne concluded with the kayak cross events, where the last four sets of medals were awarded. French paddler Camille Prigent claimed a double European Champion title, while Belgium's Gabriel de Coster and Czech athlete Jakub Krejci also climbed to the top of the podium.
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