Para canoe is an exhilarating water sport that allows athletes with physical impairments to compete in canoeing events. It became a part of the Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. This sport provides an inclusive platform for athletes to showcase their strength, endurance, and skill on the water.
Para Canoe
Overview
Events & Disciplines
The Paralympic Games feature individual kayak (KL) and va’a (VL) events for both men and women. Competitions are held over a distance of 200 meters.
Rules & Equipment
Para canoe athletes compete in specially designed kayaks and va’as, which are adapted to suit their specific needs. The kayaks are closed cockpit boats, while va’as are outrigger canoes that offer additional stability.
Races are conducted over a straight 200-meter course. Athletes paddle as fast as possible from the start to the finish line, and the fastest time determines the winner. The sport demands high levels of upper body strength, technique, and endurance.
Classification
The Paralympic paracanoe classification of impairments was restructured in February 2015, as a result of a two and one half year study by the ICF. In Paralympic kayak competition (K1), there are three classes for both men and women based on an athlete’s functional ability to paddle and apply force to the foot board or seat in order to propel the canoe.
KL1: Athletes with no or very limited trunk function and no leg function and typically need a special seat with high backrest in the kayak.
KL2: Athletes with partial trunk and leg function, able to sit upright in the kayak but might need a special backrest, limited leg movement during paddling.
KL3: Athletes with trunk function and partial leg function, able to sit with trunk in forward flexed position in the kayak and able to use at least one leg/prosthesis.