Kayak cross looks set to make a huge impact in Paris as paddlers prepare for the event’s much-anticipated Olympic debut.
Formerly known as extreme slalom, kayak cross first appeared on the International Canoe Federation Canoe Slalom World Cup programme in 2015.
Since then, kayak cross has experienced phenomenal growth and will now form part of the Canoe Slalom competition at the Olympic Games.
Using plastic boats and double-bladed paddles, competitors begin the race by sliding off a ramp more than two metres above the water and splashing onto the course as one.
Athletes then need to negotiate upstream and downstream buoys and complete a mandatory kayak roll.
With contact allowed, it is hard to keep your eyes off the action as the four paddlers battle it out for glory.
Great Britain’s Kimberley Woods is the reigning world champion in kayak cross and will be among the contenders for the title in Paris.
“Kayak cross is so exciting as there are four people going off at the same time and there is absolute carnage from start to bottom with the kayak roll and having to overtake on the upstream,” said Woods.
“You never know what is going to happen until the finish line.
“You have got to be able to adapt in the moment and just have that strength to go after the girls. We are all friends but it’s sport at the end of the day and you need to be strong mentally.”
New Zealand’s Luuka Jones will make her fifth appearance at the Olympics and believes kayak cross will be a huge hit among fans.
“I love kayak cross,” said Jones.
“It’s such a contrast to the classic slalom and it’s so exciting to watch and to be a part of.
“Four people racing head-to-head, crashing into each other and it’s very tactical.
“There is a lot of skill involved and I am excited about that.
“Because it is so new, we have had to figure out how to train for it and how to combine it with classic slalom, so both are being benefited.”
Ana Satila, Brazil’s three-time Olympian and 2018 kayak cross world champion, added: “Kayak cross is like nothing we have seen at the Olympics before.
“The contact is the hardest part but also the coolest part to watch. It will be a really hard battle in the Olympics and I am sure it will be exciting to watch.”
Switzerland’s Martin Dougoud, who won men’s kayak cross gold at the final ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup before Paris 2024, said: “I think many people will like kayak cross because it is spectacular.
“It is also easy to understand as there are four people competing against each other and two will go through to the quarters, semi-finals and final.
“And there are some fights which people like. It is quite impressive.”
Senegal’s Yves Bourhis added: “I’m really excited by kayak cross as I enjoy the ramp start and it is a good feeling to fight against three other guys.
“You need to have a really good kayak roll and very good skills to be good at kayak cross.”
Kayak cross races will begin on August 2 and run until August 5 when the medals will be awarded.
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