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Flatwater racing in a canoe or kayak is a test of speed against the clock on still water and is the oldest form of canoe or kayak competition for both men and women. It requires excellent aerobic capacity and muscular endurance with particular demands on the arm, shoulder and back muscles. Characteristics for performing well in this sport include power, coordination, agility and motivation. In the Olympics, races are over distances of 500 and 1,000 metres for men and 500 metres for women.
At the world championships, a distance of 200 metres is added.
In flatwater canoe racing, one or more canoeists (up to four in kajaks) in a specially designed shell (form of boat) try to paddle as quickly as possible across a body of water. Ideally, the basin of water should be sheltered from wind and have no current. As waves can interfere with a race, the sides should be able to absorb waves rather than reflecting them.
Canoe races are usually along a straight course divided into 9 lanes, marked by buoys that are white for the beginning of the course and red for the last 200 metres, the last red buoy denoting the end of the race.
Depending on the number of competitors, the qualifying rounds consist of trials, quarterfinals and semifinals. Those with the best times in the semifinals are given the priviledge of starting in the centre lane in the finals, giving them a better view of their opponents’ progress.
The International Canoe Federation (ICF) oversees the sport of canoeing, and organises international championships.
Basics?
The canoe paddling technique is the key to being successful in flatwater racing. There are 4 repeating phases in the cycle stroke which are the (a) catch, (b) brace, (c) recovery and (d) return to catch.
Catch
With both arms stretched and the paddle out of the water, the paddler prepares to start the stroke.
Brace
The blade is completely immersed and vertical in the water and the paddler pulls it inwards towards the canoe.
Recovery
When the pulling phase is over, the paddler strengthens up the back and lifts the paddle out of the water.
Return to catch
The paddler is ready to begin the next stroke.
Equipment?
In competition, the different types of canoes and kajaks are usually designated by their first letter followed by a number indicating the number of passengers, e.g. K2 representing a pairs kayak, C1 a singles canoe, etc.
The main differences between canoes and kayaks are that kayaks have a narrower profile with a double-bladed paddle consisting of a middle handle with a spoon and back at each end instead of a single-blade with shaft.
Canoeist’s dress is conventional athletic jersey, shorts and footwear. The jersey will typically be in national, federation or club colours.
History?
Canoes and kajaks were invented more than 6,000 years ago by indigenous peoples in Canada and Greenland, who used them as a means of transportation on the rivers, lakes and polar waters of these vast lands. In the 19th century, they began to be used in different sports, including flatwater racing.
The first canoe club was established in London in 1865.
In 1924, the International Repraetantschaft fur Kanuspart (IRK) was set up in Copenhagen. Also in that same year of 1924, flatwater racing was a demonstration sport on the Seine at the Olympic Games in Paris.
In 1936 at the Olympics in Berlin, it became an official Olympic event.
In 1946, the International Canoe Federation (ICF) was created in Stockholm to replace the IRK.
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