We use cookies to improve our site and your experience. By continuing to browse our site you accept our cookie policy

More Information

Paracanoeing

Paracanoeing

Paracanoeing is canoeing for athletes with a range of physical disabilities. The sport is governed by the International Canoe Federation (ICF). Paracanoeing debuted at the Summer Paralympics held in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 where single kayak races were contested.


Equipment

The two main types of paracanoe boat are kayaks (K), with a double-blade paddle, and outrigger canoes called va'as (V) where the paddler has a second hull as a support float and uses a single blade paddle with a T-top handle.


Competitor classification

Paralympic classification of mobility impairments has been restructured as of April 2015; in kayak competition (K1) there are three different classes for both men and women:


KL1 (formerly A; Arms): This grouping is for paddlers who have no trunk function (i.e. shoulder function only). A KL1 class paddler is able to apply force predominantly using the arms and/or shoulders.


KL2 (formerly TA; Trunk and Arms): Paddlers who have good use of the trunk and arms, but limited use of their legs. They are unable to apply continuous and controlled force to the footboard or seat to propel the boat.


KL3 (formerly LTA; Legs, Trunk and Arms): This class is for paddlers with a disability who have good use of their legs, trunk and arms for paddling, and who can apply force to the foot board or the seat to propel the boat.


Non-Paralympic competitions including va'a events use the same system of classification (VL1, VL2, VL3).


Competition format

Paracanoeing is contested at World Championships, World Cups and continental championships; paddlers compete in kayaks (K1) and in va’a outrigger canoes (V1) both men and women.

All international paracanoeing competitions are 200 m sprints.


ECA Competitions

2025 ECA Junior Canoe Slalom ...
June 14. - 15. 2025, Valstagna, ITA
	2025 ECA Wildwater Sprint Canoeing ...
June 14. 2025, Holme Pierrepont/Nottingham, GBR
2025 ECA Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe ...
June 19. - 22. 2025, Račice, CZE
2025 ECA Canoe Polo European Cup II
June 21. - 22. 2025, Avranches, FRA
2025 ECA Junior Canoe Slalom ...
June 21. - 22. 2025, Ivrea, ITA
All competitions

NEWS

Portuguese and Hungarian Triumph at the Conclusion of the Canoe Marathon European Championships
Portuguese and Hungarian Triumph at the Conclusion of the Canoe Marathon European Championships

The organisers of the 2025 ECA Canoe Marathon European Championships in Ponte de Lima could hardly have hoped for a better end to the competition, as Fernando Pimenta and Jose Ramalho claimed victory in the elite men's kayak double, while Rui Lacerda and Ricardo Coelho took the title in the men's canoe double. The remaining two titles of the day went to Hungary.

Read more
France, Italy and Slovenia Wrap Up Championships in Mezzana in Style
France, Italy and Slovenia Wrap Up Championships in Mezzana in Style

The 2025 ECA Wildwater Canoeing European Championships in Mezzana concluded with an exciting Wildwater Sprint Canoeing final. The last gold medals of the championships went to France, Italy, and Slovenia.

Read more
New Faces on Top at the Canoe Marathon European Championships
New Faces on Top at the Canoe Marathon European Championships

The penultimate day of the 2025 ECA Canoe Marathon European Championships in Ponte de Lima featured individual races in the senior events, where spectators witnessed a few surprises and new faces at the top of the podium.

Read more