Wildwater canoeing: Difference between revisions
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In the [[United States]], most races take place in the Southeast; rivers there include the [[Nantahala River|Nantahala]] and [[Pigeon River (Tennessee - North Carolina)|Pigeon]] in North Carolina and the [[Ocoee River|Ocoee]] in Tennessee. However, there are also well-attended annual races on West Virginia's [[Cheat River|Cheat]] and [[Gauley River|Gauley]] rivers, as well as on Colorado's [[Arkansas River|Arkansas]].<br/> |
In the [[United States]], most races take place in the Southeast; rivers there include the [[Nantahala River|Nantahala]] and [[Pigeon River (Tennessee - North Carolina)|Pigeon]] in North Carolina and the [[Ocoee River|Ocoee]] in Tennessee. However, there are also well-attended annual races on West Virginia's [[Cheat River|Cheat]] and [[Gauley River|Gauley]] rivers, as well as on Colorado's [[Arkansas River|Arkansas]].<br/> |
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Rivers in [[Europe]] that have held international races include the [[Isere]] in Bourg St Maurice, France, the [[Loisach]] in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, and the [[Karlovy Vary|Tepla]] in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic. |
Rivers in [[Europe]] that have held international races include the [[Isere]] in Bourg St Maurice, France, the [[Loisach]] in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, and the [[Karlovy Vary|Tepla]] in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic. |
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White Water Racing is a reasonably new addition to canoeing in [[South Africa]] and races are run on the As river and the Trichardt Spruit. The As river forms part of a water exchange program between South Africa and [[Lesotho]] and is fed via a tunnel from the |
White Water Racing is a reasonably new addition to canoeing in [[South Africa]] and races are run on the As river and the Trichardt Spruit. The As river forms part of a water exchange program between South Africa and [[Lesotho]] and is fed via a tunnel from the Katse dam in Lesotho. |
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==External Links== |
==External Links== |
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Revision as of 12:44, 29 May 2006
Whitewater racing is a competitive discipline of canoeing in which kayaks or canadian canoes are used to negotiate a stretch of river speedily. It is also called 'wildwater' or 'downriver' racing to distinguish it from slalom and rodeo.
An Explanation
The object, simply stated: go from point A to point B on a river as fast as possible. Typical wildwater venues consist of class II-IV whitewater, in contrast to extreme racing, for which harder rivers are used. Competitions generally consist of a classic and a sprint race. The classic course is 4-6 miles in length or 15-20 minutes in duration, while the sprint is between 500 and 750 meters and lasts around 2 minutes. Although there is some specialization, the vast majority of racers compete in both classic and sprint.
Competitors are placed in classes based on gender and boat type as follows:
- K1- individual kayak, male
- K1W- individual kayak, female
- C1- individual canoe, male
- C2- two man canoe
They are numbered within their class based on results from previous races and compete in reverse order (best paddler last), usually at one minute intervals. To race successfully, paddlers must possess refined technical skill, as well as strength, endurance, aerobic capacity, and the ability to "read" whitewater.
Boat design
Whitewater racing kayaks and canoes are long and narrow, with a rounded hull profile, making them fast but unstable and hard to turn. They are turned by leaning to one side rather than with wide sweep strokes. Two 'wings' (flaring protrusions near the stern hull) add stability and meet the minimum width required by racing rules. When the boat is under way, most of each wing will be above the waterline so as to minimize drag.
Training and Racing
Racers paddle down a course along the fastest jets of water. In order to go fast, they follow the edges of wave trains and hold as straight a line as possible down the river. If it is unclear which line is fastest, two paddlers simultaneously float the different options and see which boat moves ahead. Because of the high speeds, racers frequently run a river two or three times a day when training for a race.
Rivers
Popular whitewater racing courses in Scotland include Grandtully and Stanley on the River Tay. Whitewater racing courses in England include the Washburn and the Tees. Popular whitewater racing courses in Wales include the Tryweryn, and the Dee (although canoeing is currently banned there).
In the United States, most races take place in the Southeast; rivers there include the Nantahala and Pigeon in North Carolina and the Ocoee in Tennessee. However, there are also well-attended annual races on West Virginia's Cheat and Gauley rivers, as well as on Colorado's Arkansas.
Rivers in Europe that have held international races include the Isere in Bourg St Maurice, France, the Loisach in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, and the Tepla in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic.
White Water Racing is a reasonably new addition to canoeing in South Africa and races are run on the As river and the Trichardt Spruit. The As river forms part of a water exchange program between South Africa and Lesotho and is fed via a tunnel from the Katse dam in Lesotho.