Paddlesports
The Association of International Paddle Sport Federations, first conceived in 1999 and eventually established in 2009, exists to encourage and facilitate co-operation and communication of issues of mutual interest among international organizations which govern competitive sports involving watercraft propelled using a paddle, of either a single blade or double blade design.
Examples of competitive paddle sports include
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- dragonboat racing: flatwater
- swanboat racing: flatwater
- va'a or outrigger canoe racing: flatwater & turbulent water
- canoe racing: flatwater and turbulent water
- kayak racing: flatwater and turbulent water
- inflated raft racing: turbulent water
- surf ski racing: flatwater and surf zone
- wave ski racing: turbulent water
- ethnic traditional watercraft racing: flatwater
Racing and competitive events can be held over short distances (sprint racing), longer distances and marathon distances, with some races involving multiple stages that occur over two or more days.
The number of paddlers competing per boat varies, ranging from 1 to more than 50, depending on the length, design and associated cultural traditions of the boat races. The craft can be of a single or double hull design.
