The 2024 Paralympic Games, the largest international event for disabled athletes and societal change in the world, open today in Paris, setting the stage for nearly two weeks of high performance para sport.
The paracanoe events don’t start until next Friday (6th September) so as we gear up for the action, let’s take a moment to understand the different paracanoe craft and classifications you’ll see at the Paralympics next week.
Craft and races
There are two different craft that athletes can compete in, Kayak (K) and Va’a (V). You might also know va’a as waka ama or outrigger canoe.
Kayakers use a double-bladed paddle, whereas Va’a paddlers use a single-blade paddle and have an outrigger for additional support.
Athletes compete in a flat water sprint race across 200metres.
Classification
Paracanoe athletes are categorized into three different groups according to the degree of physical impairment and activity limitation- L1 being the highest level of impairment and L3 being the lowest level.
KL1/VL1: Athletes in this classification have no or very limited trunk and leg function and rely primarily on their arms and shoulders for paddling.
KL2/VL2: Athletes here have partial trunk and leg function, allowing for more power and balance when paddling. This classification is for those who can use a combination of upper body and partial lower body movement.
NZ Paralympian Scott Martlew will be competing in the KL2 division at his 3rd Olympics in Paris.
KL2/VL2: Athletes here have partial trunk and leg function, allowing for more power and balance when paddling. This classification is for those who can use a combination of upper body and partial lower body movement.
NZ Paralympian Scott Martlew will be competing in the KL2 division at his 3rd Olympics in Paris.
KL3/VL3: These athletes have full use of their trunk and partial use of their legs, providing more stability and a strong, coordinated paddling technique. They can generate speed and power using both their upper and lower body.
Our kiwi athlete Peter Cowan will be representing in the VL3 category, as is Scott.
Understanding these classifications helps us appreciate the incredible skill and determination of our paracanoe athletes. They’ve trained hard to represent New Zealand on the world stage, and we can’t wait to see them in on the water in Paris!
Learn more about Paracanoe and classification
If you are interested in learning more about getting involved in Paracanoe or if you are keen to become a para-classifier, visit the Paracanoe page on our website and/or reach out to us.
Aaron Osborne, CRNZ Disability Inclusion Lead – aaron@crnz.org
Stay tuned for all the paracanoe updates at Paris 2024, and let’s get ready to support our team.
