General introduction

Updated: 2004-07-29 10:31

The energy Canoeing generates has made it one of the most popular sports worldwide in the last decade. Even non- professional athletes enjoy canoeing as a way to escape the hectic pace of the city.
Description

Canoe / kayak flatwater racing is made up of speed races in calm water. The main features of this sport are power and speed. Canoe / kayak flatwater incorporate speed races for nine individual competitors (Κ1, C1) or nine crews (K2, K4, C2) per course. A course consists of nine lanes, each 9 m wide. The contests take place in a Flatwater Racing Centre, and competitors paddle over 500 m or 1,000 m, respectively (Olympic distances). Arrangements for the heats, semi-finals and finals depend on the number of competitors taking part. The winning paddler or crew is the one whose bow’s point (the tip of the boat) crosses the finishing line first.

The basic features of Canoe / kayak slalom are dexterity, power, speed and tactical skill. Canoe / kayak slalom racing takes place on a natural (a river) or artificial competition course. Competitors complete distances of 250 to 400 m, passing through a series of 18 to 25 ‘gates’ without touching them with their paddle, boat, head or body.

ATHENS 2004 Canoeing

In Athens, the Canoe / kayak flatwater racing competition will be held at the Schinias Olympic Rowing and Canoeing Centre, near the village of Marathon, over six competition days, from 23 to 28 August 2004. The Canoe / kayak slalom racing competition will be held in the Helliniko Olympic Complex, over four competition days, from 17 to 20 August 2004 .