Olympic Canoe/Kayak K-1 Slalom Event

The Canoe/Kayak K-1 Slalom event is very similar to the Canoe/Kayak C-1 event in that there is only one paddler in the boat. The difference, of course, is that in the K-1 event the boat is a kayak and the C-1 event is for canoes. Since the slalom event is paddled on whitewater course, both canoes and kayaks use spray skirts. This can make it difficult to tell which type of boat, canoe or kayak, is being paddled. The tell-tale sign in distinguishing between a canoe and a kayak is to make note of the type of paddle that is being used. A double-bladed paddle, as in this picture, means that the boat is a kayak. Single-bladed paddles are used to propel canoes.