Canoe slalom is a timed event where competitors navigate a whitewater course by passing through a combination of upstream and downstream gates. Each course is different but can be a maximum of 300 metres in length and contain a maximum of 25 gates, with a minimum of six upstream gates.
The types of canoes used in Canoe Slalom are known as “closed cockpit canoes”, with competitors taking a kneeling stance when driving.
Canoe slalom is a race where paddlers have to negotiate their canoe or kayak down a 250m white water rapid against the clock. They race through a series of up to 25 gates, which are made up of red and green poles. The colour of the poles determines the direction that the paddlers must pass through gates.
Athletes have to guide their boats through the colored gates, some going upstream, without touching them. Smashing into a gate is a two-second penalty, missing a gate is a 50-second penalty. The goal is to have the fastest overall time, and you have (at most) 90 seconds to survive 250 meters of raging whitewater.
Most slalom courses take 80 to 120 seconds to complete for the fastest paddlers. Depending on the level of competition, difficulty of the course, degree of water turbulence. and ability of the other paddlers, times can go up to 200 seconds.
What is Canoe Slalom? Canoe Slalom is an exciting adrenaline-fueled sport, where paddlers have to negotiate their way down a 300m white water rapid. A course should be between 250 and 400m long, at least 40cm deep and have a stream velocity of at least 2m/sec (=7.2km/h).
A two-second penalty is given to a boat that correctly negotiates a gate, but touches one or both poles. A 50-second penalty is given to any boat that: Intentionally pushes a gate to allow negotiation. Negotiates a gate in the wrong direction.
If the paddler touches a pole with anything - paddle, boat, buoyancy aid, helmet or any part of the body - a 2 second penalty is added to his/her time. If a gate is missed out, or negotiated in the wrong direction or upside down, the penalty is 50 seconds.
0:023:30How to: Practice Strokes and Turns in Canoe/Kayak | Olympians' TipsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe first thing we're going to learn is the forward stroke. And just like it sounds it's going toMoreThe first thing we're going to learn is the forward stroke. And just like it sounds it's going to push you forward but first you need to put your paddle stroke in the water and push towards your hips.
200 to 300mCanoe slalom is an exciting Olympic whitewater sport where competitors negotiate a whitewater course by passing through a series of poles or 'gates'. The timed course is generally 200 to 300m in length and includes a maximum of 25 gates that are colour coded.
Slalom kayaks are paddled when sitting down, with the legs stretched out front into the kayak. Slalom canoes are actually paddled while kneeling in the kayak.