Para canoe made its debut at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. The sport is exactly like canoeing for able-bodied athletes, allowing those with physical impairments at all levels to enjoy the sport. At international level all para canoe races are individual events and competed at a distance of 200m.
Para canoe is a young sport which developed at the start of the century thanks to big efforts of the sport’s governing body International Canoe Federation (ICF) and the International Va Federation (IVF), who both pushed for the inclusion of Para canoe within abled-bodied competitions.
In 2009, the ICF organised the first Para canoe showcase event, which was a big success. One year later, Para canoe had its first World Championships and was included into the Paralympic programme.
In Para canoe, male and female athletes compete in single Kayak (K) and Va’a (V) events.
The kayak is propelled by a double-blade paddle, while the va’a is an outrigger canoe which has an ama (second pontoon) as a support float and is used with a single-blade paddle.
Competitors sprint over 200m in a kayak and much like its Olympic counterpart, para canoeing is a race in lanes to make it to the finish line first.
The Boats: The two main boats are the kayak (K) and va’a (V) boats. Whilst the kayaks are the main para canoe boats and are propelled by a double-blade paddle, the latter are outrigger canoes propelled by a single-blade paddle.
Impaired Muscle Power |
Limb Deficiency |
Impaired Passive Range of Movement |
There are two disciplines (kayak and va’a), each with a specific classification which is based on the same principle.
For illustrated explanation please click on the button below.
Athletes with a physical disability compete in three sport classes:
KL1/VL1 |
Athletes have no or very limited trunk function and no leg function. They typically need a special seat with high backrest in the kayak.
Athletes propel with their arms only. |
KL2/VL2 |
Athletes have partial trunk and leg function, able to sit upright in the kayak but might need a special backrest.
They have limited leg movement during paddling and propel with their arms and trunk. |
KL3/VL3 |
Athletes have trunk function and partial leg function. They are able to sit with trunk in forward flexed position in the kayak and able to use at least one leg/prosthesis. |
To be eligible to apply for a national classification, athletes must:
Athletes who do not meet the list of criteria above may still be evaluated by the classifiers by prior arrangement. However, he/she will only receive a provisional class in order to facilitate them to compete this year.
This list includes active athletes who have been classified at national and/or international level. Click here to access the Masterlist
Canoe Ireland is the National Governing Body for para canoe in Ireland. If you wish to get involved in para canoe, please access the National Governing Body link below.
Governing Body | |
National | Canoe Ireland |
International | International Canoe Federation (ICF) |
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