Whitewater slalom by Rodrigo

White water slalom is a competitive sport since November 2008.Decked canoes or kayaks are to navigate through a course of hanging gates in river rapids in the fastest time posible.

Whitewater slalom racing started in Europe in 1940s, the International Canoe FederationICF was formed to govern the sport.The first world Championships were held in 1949 in Switzerland.

Most slalom courses take 80 to 120 seconds to complete for the fastest paddler.

There are currently 4 olympic medal events.·C-1 Men·C-2 Men·C-1 Woman·K-1 Men·K-1 Woman

In the early 1970s the boats became lighter and the size was reduced almost every year as a new designs were made.

The gates were hung about 10 cm above the water.

Their low volume streams allow the boat to slice through the water in a quick turn, or pivot.

Usually boats are made with carbon fiber, kevlar, and fiberglass, cloth, using polyester resin to hold the layers together.

The boats were reduced from 4 meters down to 3,5 meters to more precision.

Slalom canoeing made its Olympic debut in Ausburng , Seu D’urgel or the parc Olympic del Segre as part of the Barcelona’s games.