Canoe/Kayak


Background
Canoe/Kayak is a racing sport and racing is simple: the first/fastest racer to reach the finish line wins.  In modern canoe sport, canoes and kayaks are classified together, although these watercrafts have different designs, and historical uses.  Both canoes and kayaks may be closed-decked.  Other than by the minimum competition specifications, typically length and width (beam) and seating arrangement, it is difficult to differentiate most competition canoes from the equivalent competition kayaks.  The most common difference is that competition kayaks are always seated and paddled with a double-bladed paddle, and competition canoes are generally kneeled and paddled with a single-bladed paddle.

The International Canoe Federation (ICF) is the worldwide canoeing organization and creates the standard rules for the different disciplines of canoe/kayak competition.  The ICF recognizes several competitive and non-competitive disciplines of canoeing, of which Sprint and Slalom are the only two competing in the Olympic Games.

Competition at the Games
CanoeKayak BC is excited to be back in the BC Games.  There are many disciplines of Canoe/Kayak, and athletes in the Games are encouraged to participate in a number of different disciplines in an effort to best develop their foundational skills.  Participants have the opportunity to compete in Canoe (singles, doubles and fours), Kayak (singles, doubles and fours), a six person outrigger (team event), a whitewater slalom event and a skills competition.

Different areas (zones) of the province tend to participate in different disciplines.  Asking all athletes to participate in all events ensures an exciting and competitive weekend.

For more info on Canoe/Kayak, contact CanoeKayak BC at www.canoekayakbc.ca or (604) 465-5268.