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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.
It is with great regret that we inform all interested parties of cancellation of the 2021 ECA Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe European Championships which was scheduled for 2-6 June in Duisburg, Germany. Due to the health situation, the local authorities did not give a consent for the organisation of such an event.
Read moreGerman Canoe Sprinter Max Lemke is featured in episode 9 of the Class of 22 series, which promote athletes on their road to Munich 2022 Multisport European Championships. Canoe Sprint and Paracanoeing will be part of the European Championships for the first time in history.
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