Freestyle kayak is a whitewater sport. The paddler performs maneuvers and acrobatic moves along a set course. Freestyle kayak competitions are overseen by USA Freestyle Kayak, which represents the United States as a member of the International Canoe Federation. The ICF sets forth the rules for kayaking competitions. Judges score each kayaker's style and technical ability during competitions.
Rounds and Scoring
Each competitor gets three one-minute runs in the competition's preliminary round. The best two of the three runs are counted, and the top 10 scorers get to go to the semi-finals. At this level, competitors get two runs, with the better of the two counted for scoring. Women see the top four advance and men see the top five advance to the finals. Competitors get only one run in the finals. The lowest scorer gets eliminated. This elimination process continues until just one kayaker remains. That competitor is declared the winner, according to Tom Hanlon's "Sports Rules Book."
Boat Rules
There are not any boat restrictions for competition kayaks. These decked boats, however, do need to respect safety measures, according to the ICF. Competitors also are required to sit with legs out in front and to use a paddle that's double bladed. Boat sharing is not allowed in one heat. The kayaks need to be equipped at each end with anchor points that an average hand can easily grab. These are used for carrying, lifting or rescuing. Competitors have to be able to free themselves from boats quickly and easily at all times.
Start
A run starts lateral of a wave or hole, or can start with an entry move made upstream at the time the boat comes into contact with the wave or hole. The run goes until the competition's time limit. Entry moves need to be fluid. That means if the boat stalls between the intended move and contact with the wave it's not counted as an entry move, according to ICF rules.
Disqualification
A kayaker can be disqualified from a run if his boat doesn't conform to ICF rules. Other grounds for disqualification include any directing or pushing of the boat by someone other than the competitor and not being ready to start as scheduled.
Safety
Kayakers are required to wear fastened safety helmets. The helmets need to be branded and have a recognized safety certification for white water. Competitors also need to wear buoyancy jackets that are branded and have recognized safety certification for white water use.
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