Para canoe is the fierce battle of the fastest paddlers on flat water.
The course is 200 metres straight, or about 100 strokes.
Our strength, technique, and determination propel us to the finish line.
At the Paralympics, we compete individually in one of two types of Para canoe boats: kayak or va'a.
Kayak is the faster discipline.
Athletes race with a double-blade paddle.
Whereas, va'as have an outrigger attached to one side of the boat to help balance.
Here, athletes use a single-blade paddle.
Our bodies are not attached to the boats, so we can get out if it flips.
We compete in sport classes based on the type of boat we use and the impact of the impairment in our trunk and lower body on our ability to perform the sport.
