Paracanoe

Paracanoe races are contested on calm water in buoyed lanes over 200 meters in single kayaks and va’a. Para Canoe is open to athletes with physical impairments of the trunk and lower limbs only.

Paracanoe Resources, opens in a new tab

Eligibility in Paracanoe 

The three following impairment groups are eligible for Paracanoe. Eligible impairments must be of the trunk and lower limbs. Upper limb impairments are not eligible for Paracanoe and leg length difference impairments are not eligible for Paracanoe.

  • Impaired Muscle Power

    Athletes with Impaired Muscle Power have a reduced (or no) ability to contract their muscles to generate force that is consistent with an Underlying Health Condition affecting the structure and function of the central or peripheral nervous system or the muscles.

    Examples of Underlying Health Conditions leading to impaired muscle power include: spinal cord injuries, muscular dystrophy, post-polio syndrome, and spina bifida.

  • Impaired Passive Range of Motion

    Athletes with Impaired Passive Range of Movement have a reduced ability for a joint to be passively moved that is consistent with an Underlying Health Condition affecting a structure of bones, joints, connective tissue, or soft tissues.

    Examples of Underlying Health Conditions leading to impaired passive range of motion include: arthrogryposis and contracture resulting from chronic joint immobilization or trauma affecting a joint.

  • Limb Deficiency

    Athletes with Limb Deficiency have a total or partial absence of a limb or anatomically irregular limb dimensions that are consistent with an Underlying Health Condition resulting from trauma (traumatic amputation), illness (example: amputation due to bone cancer), or congenital causes affecting the bones and/or joints (example: dysmelia).


Sport Entry 

  • Entering the Pathway

    Interested athletes can get start by filling out the Paracanoe Interest Form or get connected with the American Canoe Association by emailing Jed Hinkley at jhinkley@americancanoe.org.

    Once athletes fill out the form, Head Coach Kaitlyn McElroy or another American Canoe Association staff member will reach out and can connect them to a Paracanoe club in their area.

    Paracanoe Athlete Interest Form, opens in a new tab

  • Equipment

    Necessary equipment for athletes can vary depending on the severity of their impairment. However, at a minimum, interested athletes need to following equipment to begin competing:

    • Kayak or Va’a
    • Kayak or Va’a with impairment adaptations as necessary
    • Paddle

    Get connected with your local Canoe or Paracanoe club and ask about resources for proper equipment.

  • Kayak vs Va'a

    In kayak, athletes are seated with their legs extended in front of them with a double-bladed paddle, alternating strokes on both sides.

    In va'a, athletes sit in an outrigger canoe. The boat has an outrigger float called an alma attached to one side, providing additional stability. Athletes paddle on one side using a one-sided paddle.

Classification 

The American Canoe Association offers national classification in conjunction with the Team Selection event for new athletes. There are two disciplines in Paracanoe: Kayak and Va'a. Athletes may compete in both disciplines; however, athletes may be eligible for different classes based on the discipline. For example, a KL2 athlete may classify as a VL3 athlete.

  • Physical Impairments

    1. Athletes looking to undergo national classification must register for and request a classification appointment at the Team Selections event.
    2. Athletes must complete a series of required documents and forms which can be found at the ICF website.
    3. Once an athlete is registered and has submitted all required paperwork, eligible athletes will be given a classification appointment.
    ICF Classification Resources, opens in a new tab

  • Kayak Classes

    • KL1: Athletes have no or extremely limited leg function and no or very limited trunk function.
    • KL2: Athletes have no or very limited leg function and retain some trunk function.
    • KL3: Athletes have the least amount of leg function and have strong hips and trunk function. Athletes with loss of leg function below the knee are eligible for this class.
  • Jillian Elwart of Team United States goes down to the start of the Women's Va'a Single 200m VL3 heat on day nine of the Paris 2024 Summer Paralympic Games at Vaires-Sur-Marne Nautical Stadium on September 06, 2024 in Paris, France.

    Va'a Classes

    • VL1: Athletes have no leg or lower trunk function with limited upper trunk function.
    • VL2: Athletes have very limited leg function and hip control but do have lower trunk function.
    • VL3: Athletes have very limited leg function in one leg or a combination of moderate leg function between both legs and have a fully function trunk. To meet minimum impairment criteria, the impairment must be above the knee.

Next Steps 

  • Club Locator

    Connect with an American Canoe Association club in your area and begin your journey!

    Find a Club, opens in a new tab

  • Pathway Progression

    Begin training and competing to progress through the pipeline and meet the Para National Team Standards.

    Athlete Selection Procedures, opens in a new tab

  • Competition Opportunities

    ACA offers two primary Paracanoe competition opportunities domestically with Team Selections and Paracanoe Nationals. View ACA's calendar for a list of domestic and international Paracanoe opportunities.

    Competitions and Training Camps, opens in a new tab