Discover the Exciting New Olympic Sport: Kayak Cross

I have been glued to the television the last couple of weeks, watching the 2024 Paris Olympics - which, at least for this Francophile have been fantastique!  New streaming options have meant I can watch just about any sport I’m interested in, not just the usual crowd favorites.   This year, an exhilarating new event known as Kayak Cross has captured my attention. Combining the intensity of head-to-head white water racing with the technical challenge of obstacle courses, Kayak Cross makes you want to get in the water and race!

History of Kayak Cross

Kayak Cross, also known as extreme slalom, originated from traditional slalom kayaking. It merges the adrenaline of competitive racing with the strategic maneuvering required in slalom courses. The sport gained traction in extreme sports events and was officially recognized by the International Canoe Federation (ICF) in recent years. The inclusion of Kayak Cross in the Paris 2024 Olympics marks a pivotal moment, showcasing its growth and popularity on a global stage.

The beginning of a Kayak Cross race starts with up to four kayakers doing an “assisted” seal launch off a 15-foot platform into the whitewater course.  That in and of itself is fun to watch, but the rest of the run includes a combat roll in a designated roll zone, and downstream salom gates as well as upstream ones.  These slalom “gates” aren’t like the gates in skiing - participants in Kayak Cross can use the gate maneuvers as a way to block and pass their opponents.  Rubbing is racing, after all!

The Rules and Format of Kayak Cross

Kayak cross involves up to four athletes racing simultaneously down a dynamic course. The knockout format means only the top two from each heat advance to the next round, creating high-stakes competition. Key rules include:

• Mandatory gate passe
• Mandatory rolls
• Penalties for missed gates or contact with other competitors

These elements ensure that each race is unpredictable and thrilling, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats.

Training and Preparation

Training for Kayak Cross is rigorous, combining endurance, strength, and technical skills. Athletes focus on mastering rapid turns, precise gate passes, and maintaining high speeds. Coaches emphasize both physical conditioning and strategic planning, as success in Kayak Cross requires a blend of raw power and tactical acumen.

Impact on the Sport of Kayaking

The inclusion of Kayak Cross in the Olympics is a significant boost for the sport of kayaking. It highlights the versatility and excitement of kayaking disciplines, attracting new fans and inspiring future athletes. The global exposure from the Olympics is expected to drive growth and development in kayak cross, cementing its place in the sporting world.

Leading Kayak Cross Athletes

Paris 2024 features some of the world's top Kayak Cross athletes, each bringing their unique skills and competitive spirit:

• Joe Clarke (Great Britain): An Olympic gold medalist in slalom, Joe Clarke has transitioned to Kayak Cross, bringing his experience and precision to this new format.
• Jessica Fox (Australia): A multiple-time world champion in canoe slalom and Kayak Cross, Jessica Fox is known for her agility and tactical prowess on the water.
• Peter Kauzer (Slovenia): An experienced slalom paddler, Peter Kauzer has made significant strides in Kayak Cross, showcasing his adaptability and competitive edge.
• Evie Stevens (USA): A rising star in American Kayak Cross, Evie Stevens has a strong record in national competitions and is poised to make a significant impact at the Olympics.
• Nicolas Gilbert (Canada): A prominent figure in Canadian kayaking, Nicolas Gilbert is making his mark in kayak cross events, demonstrating his skill and determination.

The Paris 2024 Olympic Schedule for Kayak Cross

Kayak Cross events take place at the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium. Preliminary heats were held on August 7-8, 2024. You can tune into the rest of the action this weekend:

• Quarterfinals: August 9, 2024
• Semifinals: August 10, 2024
• Finals: August 11, 2024

Conclusion

Kayak Cross is making a big splash at the Paris 2024 Olympics. With its fast-paced races and skilled athletes, it promises to be a highlight of the Games.  It does, however, make me excited to see more paddlesports added to the Game’s roster - maybe a SUP Cross event - just switch out the kayaks for paddle boards, reminiscent of the river games that were once held all over the western whitewater states here in the US!!

Read more by Lisa Schell:

• Outrigger Canoe Safety: Leashes and Life Jackets
• Discover the Exciting New Olympic Sport: Kayak Cross
• Voyaging Canoes and Their Connection to Paddling
• Deciphering the Wind Forecast
• The Paddler’s Library: Paddling Your Own Canoe by Audrey Sutherland