Rules - Extreme Kayaking World Championship

Rules & category:

  • Category:

Categories are based on AWP rules, which are (more info at https://awpkayak.org/race-standard):

The AWP has decided to adopt the current IOC guidelines and rules for the transgender athletes. IOC rules has changed at the end of 2021. We acknowledge that this matter is a relatively under-researched field and that there is no clear-cut solution. In order to avoid unhealthy treatment and unnecessary tests, and taking in account the history of extreme races, AWP has decided as follows:  

In order to promote inclusion and a fair competition for everybody, AWP has defined the following categories for the gender inclusion: 

- Open: anybody, no matter the gender, can take part in this category

- Women: reserved to biological female (declared female at birth) 

For this year championship booth, the women and open class will be available for:

  • Under 18 (born in and after 2006).
  • Over 18 (born in 2005 and before). 

Junior will not be eligible to compete in the final! Junior result will be based on the qualification ranking.

  • Rules:
    • Each paddler must wear a whitewater helmet (EN 1385) and a whitewater PFD with safety harness and quick release belt. Each paddler must wear equipment adapted to cold water temperature. Each paddler also must wear a pair of close river boots adapted to white water kayaking. Each paddler must carry a throw bag in his boat during training.
  • Kayak rules (more info at: https://awpkayak.org/kayak-rules):
    • Made of PE plastic
    • Boats with a maximum length of 275 cm (9 feet)
    • With a minimum weight of 20kg for Open category and 18kg for Women. Weight is considered without any removable (without screws or glue) pieces in the kayak.  
    • A large cockpit that the paddler can escape from easily
    • Minimum volume of 280 liters for open category (manufactures has to certify with a written document the volume calculation).
    • Minimum volume of 220 liters for woman category (manufactures has to certify with a written document the volume calculation).
    • Must be fitted with a full plate footrest or similar (Yakima type touring, and slalom footrests are not permitted. Solid foam foot plates are allowed)
    • With a minimum of two attachment points in the front (in front of the paddler) and a minimum of two attachment points at the rear (behind the paddler), or alternatively one attachment point in the front and three attachment points in the back, that are strong enough to rescue a pinned kayak (at least 500 kg)
    • No construction changes may impact the safety standards or structural integrity of the kayak.
    • Handles, seat, full plate footrests and pillars may not be removed.
    • Homemade outfitting in composite materials are not allowed for safety reason, unless installed or available for sale and approved by the kayak manufacturer. Seats must not break after a strong impact on the bottom of the kayak.
  • Each paddler must have a solid roll and be able to be comfortable in grade 4 for the qualification and grade 5 from quarter-final. Any paddler who qualify for the next round and do not wish to compete need to inform the organisation as soon as possible (the spot won't be file-up).
  • For any complaints from a competitor: the kayaker must inform the race leader. The cost of a protest is 2000 kr. An independent race jury of three people will meet to examine the protest. If the claim is accepted the money will be returned to the paddler, if the protest is declined the money will be used for the Saturday kayaker BBQ meal!

The organisation give themselves the right to refuse access (or disqualify) to the competition to anyone, who:

  • seems to have insufficient experience to paddle safely in the racecourse (finals and/or qualification),
  • is under the effect of alcohol or other drugs.
  • present obvious “limitation” ( injury,  illness…) which wont allow him to paddle safely the racecourse.
  • doesn´t fulfil the equipment and category rules.

For any of this scenarios the entry fee will not be refunded!


Prize money (for men & women):

  • 1st place: 25 000 nok
  • 2nd place: 15 000 nok
  • 3rd place: 10 000 nok