With the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games on schedule, let’s take this time to familiarize ourselves with the different types of Paracanoe boats and impairment levels you’ll see at the Paralympics next week.

Athletes will compete in two types of boats: Kayak (K) and Va’a Kayakers use a double-bladed paddle, while Va’a paddlers use a single-blade paddle with an outrigger for added stability.

The athletes compete in a 200-meter sprint on flat water, and they are classified into three categories based on their level of physical impairment:

KL1/VL1: Athletes in this group have little or no trunk and leg function, relying mainly on their arms and shoulders for paddling.

KL2/VL2: These athletes have partial trunk and leg function, providing more power and balance while paddling. They can use a combination of upper-body and partial lower-body movements.

KL3/VL3: Athletes in this classification have full trunk function and partial leg function, enabling them to achieve greater stability and a powerful, coordinated paddling technique using both upper and lower body strength.

Understanding these classifications allows us to truly appreciate the remarkable skill and determination of all paracanoe athletes.