Canoe / Kayak
Introduction
Para-canoe was added to the Paralympic Program in 2010 by the International Paralympic Committee. The sport has two disciplines: Kayak & Va’a. Kayak made its first appearance at the Paralympic Games at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games. In 2020, the Va’a discipline will be added to the Paralympics for the first time.
Para-canoeing is exactly like regular canoe/kayak and it gives people with various physical challenges the opportunity to enjoy the sport at all levels: club, regional, national and international. There are many subcategories of the event given the degree of the competitor’s impairment.
All images © to JGRImages & Steve McArthur
How to Canoe/Kayak
Para-canoeing is a sport for all ages and skill levels, using a combination of speed, power and skill. It involves paddling a Kayak or Va’a through still water and can be done non-competitively or competitively.
The events range depending on classification.
Who can Canoe/KAYAK
Para-canoeing is a sport available to all age and skill levels. Competitors are required to wear a life-jacket as the event is held in water.
The purpose of the classification system is to minimise the impact eligible impairment types have on the outcome of competition. The Paddle Australia system of classification aims to place athletes into classes according to how much their impairment impacts on the core determinants of success in canoeing.
Classification is not required for general participation in sport and recreation.
Paddle Australia recognises six (6) sports classes for paracanoe in the international pathway, with these being KL1, KL2, KL3, VL1, VL2 and VL3.
Classification
KAYAK Classification
There are three (3) eligible impairment groups for Paddle Australia Paracanoe-KAYAK:
Impaired muscle power
Impaired range of motion
Limb deficiency.
They only apply to the lower limbs and the trunk.
The following impairment groups are not eligible for ICF Paracanoe but permissible in Paddle Australia Paracanoe Open –KAYAK:
Leg length difference
Short stature
Hypertonia
Ataxia
Athetosis
Vision impairment
Intellectual impairment
MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY
Athletes must lose a minimum of four (4) points on one lower limb to be eligible.
VA’A Classification
There are three (3) eligible impairment groups for Paddle Australia Paracanoe-VA’A:
Impaired muscle power
Impaired range of motion
Limb deficiency
They only apply to the lower limbs and the trunk.
The following impairment groups are not eligible for Paddle Australia Paracanoe – VA’A:
Leg length difference
Short stature
Hypertonia (non-CPISRA Class 4)
Ataxia (non-CPISRA Class 4)
Athetosis (non-CPISRA Class 4)
Vision impairment
Intellectual impairment
MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY
Athletes must lose a minimum of 10 points off one lower limb or 11 points across both lower limbs or 8 points from the lower limb and a transformed score of 10.5 or less in the trunk function.
Click here to find more information on classification.
How Do I Get Classified?
To determine an athlete’s class, a panel of approved classifiers will observe the athlete’s movements during both light and heavy exercises. If you wish to gain a classification please contact your state based organization. They will be able to assist you to get involved or provide details of opportunities to get classified.
Where can you participate?
AUSTRALIA
Paddle Australia
P: (02) 9763 0670
E: info@paddle.org.au
https://paddle.org.au
STATE / TERRITORIES
New South Wales
Paddle NSW
P: +61 2 8736 1254
admin@paddlensw.org.au
Australian Capital Territory
Paddle NSW
P: +61 2 8736 1254
admin@paddlensw.org.au
Queensland
Paddle QLD
qld@paddle.org.au
Victoria
Paddle VIC
P: +61 3 9020 2750
office@paddlevic.org.au
South Australia
Paddle SA
P: +61 408 390 211
sa@paddle.org.au
Western Australia
Paddle WA
P: +61 8 9285 8501
develop@paddlewa.asn.au
Tasmania
Paddle Tasmania
P: +61 497 656 710
paddle.tas@paddle.org.au
Resources
Videos
Intro to Para-Canoe from Paralympics Australia
Resources
International Paracanoe Rules from the International Canoe Federation