What do KL1, KL2 and KL3 mean?
I · Intermediate · Classes and boats · 1 of 2Kayak classes follow trunk and leg function. Classifiers score 1 to 3 on each of three tests, trunk, legs and on-water, and add them: 3 is KL1, 4 to 7 KL2, 8 or 9 KL3. Only muscle power, range of movement and limb deficiency of the legs and trunk are eligible, with at least four points lost in one leg.
How it works
- Tests: trunk, legs and on-water.
- Clusters: 1 to 3 per test.
- Total 3: KL1.
- Total 4 to 7: KL2.
- Total 8 or 9: KL3.
- Eligible: muscle power, range of movement, limb deficiency.
- Where: legs and trunk only.
- Minimum: four points lost on one leg.
The glossary has the KL1, KL2 and KL3, the VL1, VL2 and VL3, the cluster score, the eligible impairments (paracanoe), the minimum eligibility (kayak) and the not eligible.
Tricky cases
Is a vision impairment eligible?
No.
Is an arm amputee eligible for kayak?
No. Only legs and trunk count.
A paddler scores 7. Which class?
KL2.
Are va'a classes set the same way?
They have their own classification; only the kayak manual was found.
Why the rule exists
Kayak power comes from trunk rotation and leg drive, so the class follows those. Arm impairments are not covered.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| KL1 | Total 3 | KM |
| KL2 | Total 4 to 7 | KM |
| KL3 | Total 8 or 9 | KM |
From the rule book
ICF, Paracanoe Kayak Classification Manual (19 August 2018), with ICF, Paracanoe Competition Rules 2025, article 4.1.3. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: ICF Paracanoe Competition Rules 2025.