How is a canoe slalom run timed, and how is the result worked out?
I · Intermediate · The run · 2 of 7The result is the time of the run in seconds plus the penalty seconds, and the lowest total wins. The clock starts when the paddler's body breaks the start line and stops when it breaks the finish line. Times are taken to a hundredth of a second, and boats start at least 45 seconds apart.
How it works
- The formula: time of the run in seconds plus penalty seconds equals the result.
- An example from the rules: a run of 2 minutes 20.82 seconds is 140.82. With penalties of 2, 2 and 50 it becomes 194.82.
- The start: the boat must be stationary. An assistant may hold it.
- The clock: from the athlete's body, or a timing device on the body or boat, breaking the start line to the body breaking the finish line.
- Canoe double: the first body across the finish line stops the clock.
- Accuracy: to at least 1/100 of a second.
- Intervals: at least 45 seconds between boats in individual events and 90 seconds between teams.
- False start: only the start judge can call one and decide whether a second start is given.
- The finish: the line must not be crossed more than once, on pain of disqualification for the run.
- The paddle: reaching for the finish line with the paddle, with one hand off it, before the body crosses is a ground for disqualification for the run.
The glossary has the result calculation (slalom) entry, the start and start interval (slalom) entry and the penalty.
Tricky cases
Is the fastest paddler always the winner?
No. The winner has the lowest total of time and penalties, so a slower clean run can beat a faster run with a touch.
Does the tip of the boat stop the clock?
No. The clock stops when the athlete's body, or the timing device, breaks the finish line.
Can two boats be on the course at once?
Yes. With intervals of 45 seconds and runs of around 95 seconds, a second boat usually starts before the first has finished.
A paddler drifts back over the finish line after finishing. Is that a problem?
Yes. An athlete must not cross the finish line more than once or risks disqualification for that run.
Why the rule exists
Turning mistakes into seconds lets one number rank everyone. It also leaves the paddler a choice all the way down: whether the tighter line is worth the risk of two seconds. Timing from the body and not the bow keeps a longer boat from having an advantage at the line.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Individual events | Time from the athlete's start to the athlete's finish | SL 10.5.1 |
| Team events | Time from the first boat's start to the last boat's finish | SL 10.5.2 |
| Kayak cross | Four boats start together and the finish order decides | SL 16.21.1; SL 16.27.2 |
From the rule book
International Canoe Federation, Canoe Slalom Competition Rules 2025, Articles 10.1 to 10.5, 10.16.5 and 10.17.1. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: ICF Canoe Slalom Competition Rules (PDF).