From flat water to white water rapids, the spectacular, adrenaline-pumping game of canoe slalom has indeed whirled a long way. Although canoe slalom was first competed in the year 1933, it became a full medal sport at the 1972 Munich Games. Come this summer, and you will witness the contenders take over the whitewater test. The competition will kick off on high waters on Sunday July 29 and have its ravishing finale on Thursday August 2. Canoe Sprint events will be held at Dorney Lake, Eton. This year's canoe slalom will feature four medal events which include the Women's K1 (Kayak Single), Men's K1, Men's C1 (Canoe Single) and the Men's C2 (Canoe Double). A total of 82 athletes will participate in the events and strive for gold this summer. Unlike flat-water canoe and kayak racing, slalom events are more specialized and warrant quick reactions, timing, dexterity and physical strength.
Canoe Slalom Rules And Regulations
A game of control, speed and precision - the spectacular sport of canoe slalom has always thrilled spectators. Read on to know all about its ruled and regulations.
Canoe Slalom
- The first and most important rule of the game is to reach the finish line as fast as possible, making way through an unhindered course.
- The participants should follow their lanes and should, in no way, deviate from their assigned course.
- As a part of the Olympics rules, all the participating teams should take care of their own equipment and should display the NOC flag or emblem and the names of the competitors on the boats.
- All K1 boats should be of minimum length of 3.50 m and minimum width of 0.60 m.
- All C1 boats should be of minimum length of 3.50 m minimum and width of 0.65 m.
- All C2 boats should be of minimum length of 4.10 m minimum and width of 0.75 m.
- The paddlers must make sure that the boats have a minimum radius at each end of 2 cm horizontally and 1 cm vertically.
- No rudders or propellers are allowed on any boats.
Canoe Slalom History
It was in the 1936 Berlin Games that the Olympics committee made canoe and kayak racing a full medal sports, but it wasn't until the 1972 Munich Games that Canoe Slalom made its debut. However, it only became a permanent part of the Olympics programme in 1992.
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It was in the 1936 Berlin Games that the Olympics committee made canoe and kayak racing a full medal sports, but it wasn't until the 1972 Munich Games that Canoe Slalom made its debut. However, it only became a permanent part of the Olympics programme in 1992.