What is Kayak Cross?

Kayak cross will make its much-anticipated Olympic debut in Paris – and you will not want to miss this pulsating, action-packed event. 

Previously known as extreme slalom, kayak cross first appeared on the ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup programme in 2015 and will now make its first appearance at the Games. 

A combination of all canoeing’s whitewater disciplines, kayak cross sees four paddlers go head-to-head in identical plastic boats, using double-bladed paddles. 

4.5m high start ramp 

If rollercoasters with splashdown landings give you an adrenaline kick, kayak cross is a must see. All four competitors holding their paddle with both hands will slide off a ramp situated two metres above the water, offering a spectacular start to the race. Athletes will be wearing different coloured bibs. This colour is based on their rank in the qualification phase with the red bib going to the best ranked followed by green, blue and yellow. Paddlers splash onto the course as one before they battle for the early advantage. 

Collision course and battles

After the big splashdown, paddlers need to negotiate the course which consists of a maximum of two upstream (red) and six downstream (green) buoys. Tactics are important as the two pairs of upstream buoys are symmetrically set, allowing the athlete to go either up right or up left.  With contact permitted, provided it’s not dangerous, you simply cannot take your eyes off the action. The collisions add to the thrills and spills and excitement for spectators and athletes alike. 

Kayak roll 

If Keanu Reeves dodging a bullet in slow motion looked cool, wait until you see the kayak roll. At a marked section of the course, competitors must complete a full 360-degree flip into the water with the kayak and land upright within a designated boundary. The roll zone and all gates are judged. The whole head of the paddler and part of the boat at the same instant must cross the gate line in accordance with the correct side of the gate to be considered as correctly negotiated. 

Fight to the finish 

The first paddler to cross the finish line is the winner. Most races are over in around a minute, but times are not important. Kayak cross is very much a race of tactics and often it does not pay to lead early.  

Stick to the rules 

There are many ways in which a paddler can get penalised in a kayak cross race, so it is important to stick to the rules. Among those include breaking the start, missing a buoy, failing to complete the kayak roll within the allocated area and dangerous paddling.

• What is Kayak Cross? 
• What are the Kayak Cross rules? 
• When Kayak Cross will take place at Paris 2024
• Key dates in history of Kayak Cross