Racers speed past the finish line only fractions of seconds apart. There are more differences between the sports of canoeing and kayaking than one might imagine. Kayaks are closed, except for the small cockpit where the paddler sits. Flatwater canoes are open. In whitewater races, kayaks are equipped with water-tight sprayskirts.
Canoeists kneel as they paddle, while kayakers sit in their boats with their legs extended forward.
Sports Whitewater Slalom Whitewater slalom requires the paddler to navigate an obstacle course. Each competitor runs the course twice. Only the better score counts. Competition Contests begin with qualifying heats. The first three to finish in each heat advance directly to the semifinals.