Canoe/kayak is divided into two categories: canoes (open boats) and kayaks (closed boats), and into two types of competitions: Canoe/kayak Sprint and Canoe/kayak Slalom. Canoe/kayak Sprint is held in calm water separated into lanes. There are canoes for one, two, or four people. Kayaks are identified by the letter K and canoes by the letter C. The other type of Canoe/kayak Sprint is Slalom, which includes a zigzag course.
Women’s competitions are only in kayaks in the 500-meter K1, K2, and K4 (for one, two, or four paddlers with a double-blade paddle). Men’s races include the 500- and 1,000-meter (K1 and K2), the 1,000-meter (K4), and the 500- and 1000-meter (C1 and C2). Men race in canoes for one or two people and kayaks for one.
During the race, held on a 300-meter course over turbulent waters, the competitors must pass through 20 to 25 gates hanging from suspended wires. Those who complete the course in the least amount of time with the fewest mistakes win.
