MAIN Sports 2012 Summer Olympics Canoeing

Some of the most exciting Olympics water events are canoe races that test athletes to the limit.

Consisting of two disciplines, the more recent canoe slalom competition (added during the Munich games in 1972) features timed runs down a white water course with up to 25 gates to negotiate.

Meanwhile, the more traditional sprint course refers to both kayak and canoe. The kayak paddler is in a sitting position with a double ended paddle while the canoe paddler kneels in the boat using a single blade. 

Although taking place in calm waters, the canoe sprint is anything but —.as racers go head to head across 9 lanes — all bulleting furiously to the finish!

With little more than a shell between these brave mariners and the water, the sprint and slalom courses may be more challenging for the spectators' nerves than for the athletes...

More about Olympic canoeing around the Web:

Canoe Sprint | Olympic sports | London 2012 - Overview of the sport's history and modern competition rules including photos, news and updates, interesting facts and more information about the Canoe Slalom competition.

International Canoe Federation - Extensive coverage of the sport, athletes and events various disciplines including flatwater, wildwater, slalom, freestyle and more.

US Canoe Kayak - News, updates, and pictures tell the story, including info on the various styles of canoeing and kayaking, athlete profiles, clubs, related links.

NBC Olympics - Canoe & Kayak - Athlete interviews & profiles, photos & video, feature stories and complete U.S. TV schedule.

Canoe Kayak Slalom at a Glance - Nice history of both flat water and slalom with schedules forthe events at Athens and a list of the events. A short explanation of who to watch is very general, but still helpful if you are new to the sport.

BBC Olympics Canoeing - Coverage of all of the canoeing and kayaking events and athletes from the world class BBC sports team. Other canoeing events and concerns are covered and there is an excellent beginner's guide for aspiring athletes.

British Canoe Union - The governing body of paddle sports in the UK, BCU's site is a treasure trove of canoe and kayak info although canoe does get the spotlight. Their list of links is global and includes equipment, associations, clubs and trips to enjoy paddling throughout the world.