The national governing body for the sport, USA Canoe and Kayak (USACK), has designated the U.S. National Whitewater Center as its' new home.  The USNWC hosts National and World Competitions, Olympic Trials and serves as the home of international Olympic athletes.

Sport Description

Canoe/Kayak Slalom Racing is an event in which you have to maneuver through gates on your way downstream.  There are two types of gates: green/white and red/white.  The gates consist of two colored poles suspended above the water.  The green/white gates have to be run downstream and the red/white ones upstream by making an S or full turn.  Numbers indicate the sequence of the gates.  The gates are positioned in such a way that you have to make optimum use of the current and waves to be able to make it through the course without being penalized or capsizing. 

If your kayak, paddle or body touches a gate, you are assessed a 2 second penalty which is added to your time.  If you miss a gate or go through one from the wrong side, you receive a 50 second penalty.  Therefore, the aim is to be fast and clean!

Slalom event classifications are determined by age, sex and type of boat.  A K1 is a one-person kayak using a paddle with blades on both ends.  A C1 is a one-person canoe which you kneel in and you use a single-bladed paddle.  A C2 is a canoe for two.

Come watch and support the Olympic hopefuls as they train on the competition channel.

Tickets for the 2008 Olympic Team Trials on sale now!   Click here to purchase your tickets on-line.