Kayak Cross in Olympics
The Olympics which originated in 1896 began with just 43 events in nine sports. The Games have come a long way to include 329 events in 32 sports in one of the grandest sports gathering in the world. The Paris Olympics 2024 will mark the debut of Kayak Cross, a new event in Canoe Slalom in both men and women categories.
Canoe Slalom made its debut over 50 years ago in Olympics. In the Kayak Cross event, athletes are racing against each other and not only the clock.
What is Kayak Cross?
Kayak Cross, also known as extreme Slalom, originated in 2015. It is a thrilling and adventurous event, in which four athletes compete at the same time. They begin the race together from a ramp located above the water. Four boats are simultaneously pushed off a ramp placed over two metres above the water making a splash as one.
Paddlers navigate upstream and downstream. During the course of the race, athletes are permitted to thwart the competition. To make it even more thrilling, the each competitor must complete an Eskimo roll which includes flipping a full 360 degrees into the water with the kayak, immersing the head underwater and then landing back fully upright.
Not a full minute is passed by the time the race is over.
This sequence of events is repeated over with winners advancing to the next round until the competitors battle it out in the final for the medals.
Also Read: Paris Olympics 2024: New Events, Sports Dropped
Format
The competition starts with a time trial in order to determine the heats and a bracket. Top two finishers in each race of the preliminary rounds go through to the quarter-finals. The process continues until the finale where the medals are awarded.
Also Read: Technology At Olympics 2024: Enhancing Athletes’ Performances
Rules and Regulations
Kayak Cross has strict rules which the competitors must follow in order to avoid disqualification. Here are the Kayak Cross rules:
- Both hands must be on the paddle at all times.
- Competitors may make touch fellow competitor’s kayak to push them offline, but they cannot ram into other kayaker’s bodies.
- Using a paddle to prevent a competitor from moving forward is not allowed.
- All equipment, including life jackets, helmets and boats, must be compliant with canoe slalom rules. Paddles cannot have sharp edges
- Breaking the start will invite disqualification.
- Missing a buoy on the course or passing a buoy on the wrong side may also amount to disqualification.
- Completing the eskimo roll within the designated area is compulsory for all competitors.
