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Para Canoe

Para Canoe

Para canoe sprint made its Paralympic debut at Rio 2016. Athletes compete in kayaks over 200m distances with classifications based on functional ability.

Sport History

Explore the evolution of para canoe from its Paralympic debut to modern competition.

2016

Paralympic Debut

Para canoe sprint was included in the Paralympic Games for the first time in Rio.

Key Facts

  • Event Types

    Kayak (K) and Va'a (V) events

  • Race Distance

    200 meters sprint

  • Paralympic Sport Since

    2016 Rio Paralympics

  • Governing Body

    International Canoe Federation (ICF)

Equipment

Para canoe uses specialized boats and equipment:

  • Kayaks (K) with seat modifications
  • Va'a (V) outrigger canoes
  • Single-blade paddles for kayak
  • Strapping systems for stability