Which paracanoe events are raced?
B · Beginner · Racing · 3 of 3Sprints are 200 m for men and women in kayak classes KL1 to KL3 and va'a classes VL1 to VL3. The Paralympics race all kayak classes and va'a VL2 and VL3. The non-Paralympic marathon is 6.8 km for KL1 and VL1 and 10.2 km for the others, and may add open classes for impairments not otherwise eligible.
How it works
- Sprint: 200 m.
- Kayak: KL1, KL2, KL3.
- Va'a: VL1, VL2, VL3.
- Paralympics: VL1 not included.
- Marathon KL1 and VL1: 6.8 km.
- Marathon others: 10.2 km.
- Open classes: in marathon, as exhibitions.
- Games programme: agreed with the IPC.
The glossary has the Paralympic events, the paracanoe marathon, the VL1, VL2 and VL3, the KL1, KL2 and KL3, the paracanoe and the K1 and V1.
Tricky cases
Can a paddler with an arm impairment race?
In the marathon open class, as an exhibition.
Is the marathon Paralympic?
No.
Is there a 500 m paracanoe event?
The sprint distance is 200 m.
Who sets the Games events?
The ICF with the IPC.
Why the rule exists
A short sprint suits all classes; a shorter marathon for the most impaired keeps it fair.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Sprint | 200 m | PC 4.1.2 |
| Marathon, most impaired | 6.8 km | PC 4.1.2b |
| Marathon, others | 10.2 km | PC 4.1.2b |
From the rule book
ICF, Paracanoe Competition Rules 2025, articles 4.1, 4.2 and 12.2.2. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: ICF Paracanoe Competition Rules 2025.