The gates consist of two striped poles hanging just above the water from a wire strung over the course. According to Olympic rules, at least six of the 20 to 25 gates must require a paddler to paddle upstream , the remaining gates can be oriented downstream. Slalom racers are not permitted to practice on the racecourse. The first time they face the conditions and layout of the gates is during competition. Canoeing In the sprint category there are nine events.
Men compete in both sprint canoe and kayak.
Women race in the 500-meter K1, K2, and K4. While the slalom racers go on a single lane course and race against a clock, the sprint paddlers race on a multi-laned course against several other boats. There is a rule that all boats must stay five meters away from their competitors in order to prevent boats from gaining an advantage from riding the wake of another boat. If one boat steers to the edge of the nine-meter wide lane it is the neighboring boat's responsibility to avoid the wake. The boats can be made of any materials as long as they meet the regulations on dimensions.