Canoe Sprint

In Flatwater Sprint Racing, paddlers race in separate lanes on a straight course in calm water.  The International Canoe Federation (ICF) recognizes three different distances: 200m, 500m and 1000m. 

In kayak events paddlers are seated in their boats and use a double-blade paddle.  Both men and women race in kayak events; single (K1), double (K2) and four (K4). 

In canoe events, paddlers kneel and use a single-blade paddle.  Canoe events, only for men, can be single (C1) or double (C2).

Flatwater Sprint was added as a full medal sport in 1936 at the Berlin Olympic Games.