Kayaking Basics

Types Of Kayaking  -  Marathon Kayaking

Marathon kayaking is a competitive type of kayaking involving flatwater racing, like a Sprint only over much longer distances (same terminology as in running)

Marathon races are competed in singles, doubles, and occasionally fours classes. Lengths of courses are typically 5 - 15 miles, but some races are longer

Marathon kayaking is a competitive type of kayaking involving flatwater racing, like a Sprint only over much longer distances (same terminology as in running)

Marathon races are competed in singles, doubles, and occasionally fours classes. Lengths of courses are typically 5 - 15 miles, but some races are longer

Canoeing over long distances has been known as long as canoeing has been an organized sport. For many years this activity has lead to national competitions only. Some of the known established events in those days were the Kronborg race in Denmark, later the Devizes to Westminster race in Great Britain, and the very colorful Sella Descent in Spain.

Inter-club marathon racing started in Britain in the 1950s with races such as the Bedford to St Neots Race and the Cambridge Marathon, both of which celebrated their fiftieth anniversaries in 2006.

International interest first really came about in the 1960's, when national teams started participating regularly in the Devizes and Sella events as well as in the Liffey Descent in Ireland. And when the Danish Tour de Gudena began in 1968 the international interest for long distance racing increased immensely. In only a few years this race became a big hit with up to 20 countries entering and more than 1,000 paddlers competing.

Today Canoe Marathon is being practiced around the world on all continents and in more than 50 countries. The excitement of a Marathon race particularly during the portages, and the high quality of paddlers in most classes indicate, that Canoe Marathon has the potential of becoming one of the more important disciplines of the International Canoe Federation. One or two categories of Canoe Marathon at Olympic Games could add to the image of our sport in general. A sport with a lot of exciting variety.