Canoe and Kayak Disciplines

There are many different forms of canoeing and kayaking. Strictly speaking, what is generally referred to as “canoeing” in South Africa is usually kayaking, with almost all racing in South Africa taking place in kayaks.

It is generally accepted that kayaks were used by Eskimos to hunt in the northern oceans, while variations of canoes have been used all over the world from Africa, to Asia, to Europe while arguably the most widely-recognised form of a canoe is that used by traditional North American Indians. 

In simple terms, kayaks are propelled by a paddler sitting and using a two-bladed paddle on both sides of the kayak, while canoeists kneel and use a single-bladed paddle on one-side of the craft.

The most popular canoeing (or kayaking) discipline in South Africa is river marathon racing where hundreds of paddlers compete in events such as the Dusi, Fish, Berg, Vaal and other single or multi-day events, usually racing from point A to point B down a river.

However, internationally the two Olympic disciplines are sprint, and slalom and cross. In South Africa, surfski or ocean racing is also very popular, while we are also very strong in flatwater marathon racing.