Para canoe words · Intermediate

The words that make the commentary make sense. They build on the beginner words.

I · Intermediate · 16 words · Step 2 of 2

Sport classes

KL1, KL2 and KL3

The three kayak sport classes. KL1 is for paddlers with the most severe loss of trunk and leg function, KL2 is in the middle and KL3 has the least. Men and women race in each class, and the class is set by the classification tests of trunk, legs and on-water paddling.

Also called: kayak classes

VL1, VL2 and VL3

The three va'a sport classes, from the most to the least impaired. VL2 and VL3 are Paralympic events and VL1 is a world championship event.

Not eligible

The designation for a paddler who does not meet the minimum impairment criteria and so may not compete as a paracanoeist.

Also called: NE

Racing up

At world championships athletes in a lower-functioning class are not allowed to race up into a higher-functioning class. A KL1 athlete, for example, cannot enter a KL2 event.

Classification terms

Eligible impairments (paracanoe)

In kayak there are three: impaired muscle power, impaired range of movement and limb deficiency, and they apply only to the lower limbs and trunk. Leg length difference, short stature, hypertonia, ataxia, athetosis, vision impairment and intellectual impairment are not eligible for kayak classification.

Minimum eligibility (kayak)

A paddler must lose at least four points on one lower limb in the physical assessment to be eligible.

Cluster score

The kayak class is set by adding the cluster, from 1 to 3, a paddler scores in each of three tests: trunk, legs and on-water. A total of 3 is KL1, 4 to 7 is KL2, and 8 or 9 is KL3.

Classification process (paracanoe)

Seven steps: documents are submitted about 30 days before, then physical assessments of the legs and the trunk, an on-water technical observation, the panel's first calculation, an observation assessment if needed, and a conclusion giving the athlete's class and status. The panel includes a medical classifier and a technical classifier.

On-water technical observation

A test of the paddler's function in the boat, watched by a technical and a medical classifier. The boat type, paddler position and adaptive equipment used in it must be identical to those used in competition, and any change must be reported to the ICF Head of Classification.

Boats and equipment

Kayak (paracanoe)

A monohull boat of at most 5.20 m and at least 12 kg, which may be sit-in or sit-on. It may have one rudder, under the hull, and weed deflectors. Hull sections must not be concave.

Ama and iato

The ama is the outrigger float of a va'a and the iato are its two spreaders. The ama is attached on the left side but must be able to be attached on the right, to suit the paddler.

Adaptive equipment (paracanoe)

Adaptation equipment is not regulated and counts in the boat's weight if securely attached. Only adaptations used in classification may be used afterwards. Stabilising pontoons are allowed if they make the boat slower, but anything that generates propulsion mechanically is banned.

Quick release and flotation

Any strapping between the athlete and the boat or paddle must be quick-release and activated by the athlete without help, and the athlete may be asked to prove capsize and self-escape. Athletes must wear a personal flotation device to ISO 12402-5 (level 50) or equivalent, unless they sign a waiver as excellent swimmers.

Events and rules

Paralympic events

In the 2025 rules the Paralympic canoe sprint events are the 200 m kayak for men and women in KL1, KL2 and KL3, and the 200 m va'a in VL2 and VL3. VL1 is a non-Paralympic event. The programme at the Games is agreed with the IPC.

Paracanoe marathon

A non-Paralympic ICF event over 6.8 km for KL1 and VL1 and 10.2 km for KL2, VL2, KL3 and VL3. Marathon events may include exhibition open classes for impairments not recognised as paracanoe sport classes, such as upper limb, short stature, intellectual and visual impairments.

Heats and finals (paracanoe)

At least three boats must enter a race. If there are more boats than lanes, heats are drawn by lot with equal numbers. A B final is held only with more than 18 boats and a C final only with more than 36.

All Para canoe words