Discipline's origin

   Many years ago, canoeing began as a mode of transport. Canoes were used for fishing and hunting, and as a means for carrying soldiers into battle. There are two basic types of canoe. The original canoe, an open-topped bark canoe, was a dug-out type developed by Native North Americans. In the northern Arctic regions, the Aleuts and Inuits developed the close-topped kayak, which kept the frigid Arctic waters from entering the canoe. The kayaks were made by stretching animal skins over a frame of wood.

   Competition in canoes began in the mid-19th century. The Royal Canoe Club of London was formed in 1866 and was the first organisation interested in developing the sport. In 1871 the New York Canoe Club was founded. Today competition is contested in either Canadian style canoes, similar to the dug-out Indian style canoe, or kayaks.

   World championships in canoeing began in 1938. The first international federation to govern canoeing was the Internationale Representantskapet för Kanotidrott (IRK) which was formed in 1924. After World War II, this organisation was succeeded by the Fédération Internationale de Canoë (FIC).

   Olympic history

   In 1924, canoeing was on the Olympic programme as a demonstration sport. Canoeing became a full medal sport in 1936 with both canoe and kayak events. The programme has varied a great deal over the years with many events now discontinued and several new ones added. Women began Olympic canoeing, competing only in kayaks, in 1948.

   Canoeing is popular in Europe, which absolutely dominates the sport at the Olympic Games and in international competition. Over 90% of all Olympic medals in canoeing have been won by European nations. The trend in recent years has been towards shorter races. Initially, world championship races were contested over 1000 and 10,000 metres for men and 5000 metres for women. However, the longest distance races were discontinued after the 1956 Olympics and the 1993 World Championships. World Championships are now contested over 200, 500, and 1000 metres, while Olympic events are held over 500 and 1000 metres. Events are held for men with one, two, or four paddlers in a canoe or kayak. Women compete only in kayak events both at the Olympics and internationally, in singles, doubles, and quads.

Credit: IOC

For further info., please visit http://www.olympic.org/uk/sports/programme/disciplines_uk.asp?DiscCode=CF.