Canoe/Kayak - Slalom

Both the canoe and kayak were developed by Aboriginal peoples in Canada. Honouring this past, today's racing canoe is called the "Canadian." Men's canoe-kayak sprint racing was included in the 1936 Olympic Games, with women's events 12 years later. The sport made its first Pan American Games appearance in 1967 in Winnipeg.

The racing kayaks are built for one (K-1), two (K-2) and four (K-4) competitors and must meet international standards governing length and minimum weight. In tandems (K-2) and fours (K-4), the "stroke" or first paddler, controls the rudder bar. As with the kayak, canoe racing takes place in three boats: the C-1, C-2 and C-4. Although the C-4 is not an Olympic event, it is a popular feature at the World Championships. The paddler is positioned on one knee centred in the boat and stroking is always on the same side as the bent knee. In C-2 and C-4, the back paddler is responsible for the steering.

Three types of boats are used in slalom racing - the single kayak (K-1), the single canoe (C-1) and the two-man canoe (C-2). Both men and women paddle kayaks but only men paddle canoes in international competition. Kayak paddlers sit in the boat and control it with a double-bladed paddle. Canoeists kneel and use a single-bladed paddle. All of the boats are enclosed except for the cockpit, in which the paddler sits or kneels. None of the boats have rudders. Slalom made its first appearance in Olympic Games in 1972.

Athletes

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