What happens if a sprint boat capsizes or a paddle breaks?
A · Advanced · The race · 1 of 4The race is over for that boat. In races up to 1000 metres a capsize eliminates the athlete or crew, and a paddler whose paddle breaks cannot be given another. Outside help of any kind during a race means disqualification.
How it works
- Capsize: "If there is a capsize the athlete or crew is eliminated (DNF) from the race."
- Broken paddle: "If a paddle is broken, the athlete cannot be provided with a new one."
- Outside help: "It is forbidden to receive external assistance during a race."
- Following boats: no crew may be accompanied alongside the course by other boats.
- Thrown objects: no crew may be helped by objects thrown on to the course.
- The penalty: disqualification of the athletes concerned.
- Buoyancy: boats must stay afloat when filled with water.
- Not tied in: "No part of the athlete's body should be attached to the boat in anyway."
- A null race: if a race is declared void and rerun, the crew may not be changed.
The glossary has the capsize, the paddle and the irregular ranking marks entry.
Tricky cases
A paddler falls in, climbs back and finishes. Is there a result?
No. In races up to 1000 metres a capsize eliminates the boat.
Is a capsize treated the same in the 5000 metres?
No. In long races the crew is eliminated only if it cannot get back into the boat without help.
Can a team-mate in a K4 carry on with a broken paddle?
Yes. The rule bars a replacement. It does not stop the crew from finishing with what it has.
Is a paddler with a DNF ranked?
Yes. Athletes with DNF are ranked in the phase they had reached, after those with valid results.
Why the rule exists
A sprint boat is as narrow as the rules allow and stays upright only while it is being paddled well. Balance is part of the skill, so losing it ends the race. The ban on spare paddles and help keeps the race between the crews that started it.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Races up to 1000 metres | Capsize is a DNF and no new paddle may be given | SP 10.3.6; SP 10.3.7 |
| Races over 1000 metres | The crew may climb back in unaided, and broken equipment may be repaired or replaced with help | SP 10.5.1.d; SP 10.5.1.e |
| Canoe slalom | A roll is allowed. Being passed a paddle is outside assistance | ../slalom/ set |
From the rule book
International Canoe Federation, Canoe Sprint Competition Rules 2025, Articles 3.5, 10.3.6, 10.3.7, 10.3.9, 10.5.1, 10.6.7 and 10.8.1 to 10.8.4. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: ICF Canoe Sprint Competition Rules (PDF).