Paddling Information - Types Of Boats

Flatwater racing boats tend to be lighter, narrower and longer than recreational boats. They are to conform to the International Canoe Federation rules when used in competition.

 

Kayaks

The kayak used for sprint racing is longer and narrower than the recreational or sea kayak. The beam (width of a kayak) is between 39cm to 51cm (15" - 20") and the length is at maximum 520cm (17'). Beginners are placed in kayaks with a 51cm wide beam that are more stable, whereas the competitive athletes sit in kayaks as narrow as 39 cm. Within the kayak is a foot rest with a steering stick that controls the rudder.

To have an idea how they compare to the other kayaks, the beams are as follows:

• 39cm-51cm (15"-20") - Sprint Kayaks
• 51cm-64cm (20"-25") - Sea Kayaks
• 64cm-76cm (25"-30") - Recreational Kayaks
• 76cm-more (30"+) - Beginner Recreational Kayaks and Whitewater Kayaks

At present, RCKC uses Dolphin for recreational and Plastex and Nelo for sprints.

 

Canoes

Sprint canoes are narrower and lighter than the wilderness canoe. Instead of sitting down on a seat, the athlete is kneeling down on one knee while they are paddling. The athlete paddles on either the right side or the left side, but not both. The maximum length of the canoe is 520cm (17').

 

Dragon Boat

An international racing standard dragon boat has 10 seats and can fit up to 19 paddlers, another person to steer, and one other person to beat on the drums. The size would be 12.49m in length and 1.16m in width. A sample can be found on the BuK - www.dragon.de web site.