Sprint

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Sprint or flat water racing events are contested in two types of craft – Kayak [single K1, double K2, four K4) or a Canadian canoe (single C1, double C2) ] . Sprint racing takes place over 200 metres, 500 metres and 1000 metres. Sprint racing is an Olympic sport that requires superb balance, strength and deep aerobic conditioning. The canoes and kayaks are sleek, fast but unstable for the novice. Contact sprintatpaddlensw [dot] org [dot] au for more information

 

Sprint Calendar

DateLocationEvent
Sat 11 Aug 2012 SIRC PaddleNSW Sprint Series Round 1 - Results
Sun 30 Sep 2012 SIRC PaddleNSW Sprint Series Round 2 - Results - Photos
Sun 11 Nov 2012 SIRC PaddleNSW Sprint Series Round 3 - Results - Photos
7-9 Dec 2012 West Lakes, SA AC - Canoe Sprint Grand Prix 1
12-13 Jan 2013 SIRC 'Be the Influence - Tackle Binge Drinking' PaddleNSW State Championships - Race Schedule - Lane Draw - Results
1-3 Feb 2013   AC - Canoe Sprint Grand Prix 2
1-3 Mar 2013 SIRC AC - Canoe Sprint Grand Prix 3
 

What is Canoe Sprint?

Previously called Flatwater, Canoe Sprint has been a competition sport in the Summer Olympic Games since the 1936 Games in Berlin. Since then Australian sprint paddlers have won 18 Olympic medals. Tippy, lightweight boats designed with little consideration for anything but straight line speed. Races are on a straight course, in lanes and usually over 200m, 500m and 1000m.

The Boats

The ICF sets several criteria for "K" boats but length and weight are the key ones. In 2000, after the Olympic Games in Sydney, the ICF withdrew width restrictions on all boats, spurring a flurry of innovations in boat designs. Narrow and wide boats can qualify.

  • K1 - Must be less than 520cm long and must weight more than 12kg
  • K2 - Must be less than 650cm and must weight more than18kg
  • K4 - Must be less than 1100cm and must weight more than 30kg

Full details in the ICF rules.

Note: You don't need one of these boats to have a go. The PaddleNSW Sprint Series allows you to use whatever boat you want - See below to learn more.

How can I get into sprint?

First thing to do is come and watch or volunteer at an event such as the PaddleNSW Sprint Series or NSW State Championships. It's also important to have a go in a K1. Stability will be an issue for some and it may take some time to feel comfortable in a full blown ICF racing boat. It's been said that it takes a tenth of your age to get it! Fortuantely more stable beginner and intermediate boats are available.

What events are there?

PaddleNSW helps out people wanting to have a go at sprinting.

  • The best place to start is the PaddleNSW Sprint Series.
  • Once you're comfortable there is the PaddleNSW State Championships.
  • For more experienced paddlers there is the Australian Canoeing Grand Prix series and the National Championships.

Results

How does the PaddleNSW Sprint Series differ from other National and International Sprint Regattas?

The PNSW Sprint Series groups competitors into races with others of similar ability. You don't have to paddle a tippy K1/K2 sprint boat to be able to compete. All you need to do is estimate your time to paddle 1000m and nominate this on your entry. If you know your times over shorter distances, all the better, but it is not crucial.

Based on the times provided, competitors are placed into similarly timed heats, so you will be racing people of your own speed and ability, no matter what boat you paddle. K1s, ocean skis, racing sea kayaks like the Sonic or Flash are all perfectly acceptable even a K4. The point here is it gives you a chance to race your current boat over an Olympic course and develop your skills.

 

Venue

  • SIRC - The Sydney International Regatta Centre is Sydney's paddling and rowing Olympic Venue. A truly world class facility and a wonderful experience to paddle there. Map

Links

 

Looking down the SIRC Competition Lake from the finish line. Control tower and starter's huts on the left.