Flatwater Sprint Canoe-Kayak Racing
is a sport that utilizes balance, power, technique and speed.
Distances raced by paddlers are: 200m, 500m, 1000m, 2000m, and
6000m and there are singles, doubles and four person racing canoes and
kayaks used. This discipline of paddling is recognized at the
Olympic Games and more locally, the Western Canada Summer Games and
Canada Summer Games.
In Canada, there is a boat called
the War Canoe, which is a 15 person high kneeling racing canoe used at
the National Championships as a Club challenge. It is a very
exciting boat as paddlers generate power from their whole body and
precariously keep their balance at full speed. This boat has been
used back east for membership recruitment and is just beginning to do
the same here in Nanaimo with our Big Boats Programs.
The term flatwater racing
signifies that the waters in which these boats race on is flat,
meaning calm rivers, sheltered bays, or lakes. Buoys are set out
with 9 lanes which the competitors are directed to stay in for the
duration of their race, with the exception of the 2km and 6km events.
In BC, you can find flatwater sprint racing clubs in the following communiites:
Burnaby
Delta
Vancouver - False Creek
Fort Langley
Kamloops
Maple Ridge
Nanaimo
Nelson
North Vancouver
Pemberton
Pitt Meadows
Victoria
Programs
LEARN TO SPRINT CANOE & KAYAK PROGRAM FOR YOUTH
Mon & Weds, May 5 - June 18th 3:45-5:15pm
Single, Double, & Four person Olympic racing canoes & kayaks
- This is the entry point for many that are interested in the Club’s Racing Program. Focus is on entry level sport skill development, balance, team boat skills, and gaining the confidence to paddle with ease in these boats. Paddle with others at the Island Regional Regatta on Long Lake at the end of your course.
LEARN TO SPRINT CANOE & KAYAK PROGRAM FOR ADULTS
Mon & Weds, May 5 - June 18th 5:45-7:15pm
Single, Double, & Four person Olympic racing canoes & kayaks
- Come develop your skills and develop your balance while learning to paddle these challengingly fast boats. They are super light weight, made for speed and are great fun to learn. There are races for all ages throughout Canada and internationally, so take it recreationally or to the next level! It’s up to you!
WAR CANOE Wed, July 9-30 5:45-7:15pm
- This is a canoe designed for 14 paddlers whom paddle in a high kneeling position and a coxswain in the back who stands and steers the canoe. It is a beautiful wooden boat that demands balance, strength and determination. It is a fast canoe, but is also a challenge initially to just keep it upright. Are you up for it? Come ready for many laughs and some occasional sore muscles!
