Flatwater Paddling
Sprints
In Canoe Sprint events, athletes race on a straight course, each boat in a separate lane, over three different distances: 200m, 500m, 1000m and 5000m as well as the 200m x 4 relay. There are Kayak events in single (K1), double (K2) and four (K4) boats, and Canoe events in single (C1), double (C2) and four (C4) boats.
In a Kayak, the paddler is seated and uses a two-blade paddle, while in a Canoe, the paddler is kneeling on one knee, and uses a single-blade paddle.
Canoe Sprint became an Olympic discipline in 1936 and its programme includes events over 200m, 500m and 1000m (ICF Planet canoe)
The sprint season is built around an autumn racing calendar in April and May each year, culminating in the SA Sprint Championships, and the hugely popular SA Schools Championships.
On the international calender, there are Sprint World Cups and ICF World Senior Canoe Sprint Championship and ICF World Junior and U23 Canoe Sprint Championship that are held annually at differing venues.
Marathons
Marathon racing is the most popular discipline in South African canoeing, and a vibrant calendar of events takes advantage of the many excellent paddling rivers and flat-water courses across the country.
The Flat-water Marathon Championships and SA Team selection take place in May/June ahead of the major world events in August to October.
Flatwater marathon racing is a highly tactical discipline that takes place in a lap format, with a portage at the end of every lap. Different distances are raced depending on age category and sex of participants.