What is paracanoe?
B · Beginner · Classes and boats · 1 of 3Paracanoe is ICF canoeing for athletes with an eligible impairment. Sprints are 200 m on a straight course, in the kayak single (K1) or the va'a single (V1), an outrigger canoe. Each has three classes, KL1 to KL3 and VL1 to VL3, from most to least impaired. The Paralympics race all kayak classes and va'a VL2 and VL3.
How it works
- Distance: 200 m sprint.
- Course: straight, unobstructed.
- Boats: K1 kayak and V1 va'a.
- Kayak classes: KL1, KL2, KL3.
- Va'a classes: VL1, VL2, VL3.
- Paralympic: KL1 to KL3 and VL2, VL3.
- Marathon: a non-Paralympic event.
- Winner: shortest time.
The glossary has the paracanoe, the K1 and V1, the KL1, KL2 and KL3, the VL1, VL2 and VL3, the Paralympic events and the va'a.
Tricky cases
Is VL1 at the Paralympics?
No. It is a world championship event.
Are men and women separate?
Yes, in each class.
Is there a longer race?
Yes, the paracanoe marathon.
Is there a doubles boat?
No. The official boats are singles.
Why the rule exists
Kayak and va'a test different paddling, so each has its own classes. Short sprints keep the racing close.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kayak | KL1 to KL3 | PC 4.1.3 |
| Va'a | VL1 to VL3 | PC 4.1.3 |
| Paralympics | VL1 not raced | PC 4.2.1 |
From the rule book
ICF, Paracanoe Competition Rules 2025, articles 2.1 and 4. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: ICF Paracanoe Competition Rules 2025.