Kayak Cross, formerly known as Extreme Slalom, is mayhem. Kayakers bombard down strong currents, knocking other athletes out of the way while swerving around padded buoys hanging from above.
Competitors at the U.S. canoe and kayak cross slalom trials in Montgomery, Ala. float through the coarse in April 2024.
Once they’re on the other side of the bar, they have to right themselves back up and dash to the finish line. The top two from each heat advance to the next bracket until a first, second and third place winner is declared.Races in Kayak Cross describe it as"mayhem", as they bombard down strong currents, knocking other kayakers out of the way and race in a head-to-head battle while swerving around a series of padded buoys hanging from above.
For the athletes like Leibfarth, Kayak Cross racing is equal parts fun, kayaking skill, strength and underwater composure. Contact with another kayaker is permitted. Referees along the course may call out fouls for behavior that seems “dangerous and/or clearly unfair,” according to the International Canoe Federation rules. All racers must wear a life jacket, helmet and use a plastic kayak designed for this type of racing.
At the Olympic Team Trials in Montgomery’s new whitewater park, hundreds of spectators showed up to watch Kayak Cross racing. Maurice Sterling said he had never seen this type of competition and was awed by the athlete’s agility through the rapids.
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