The International Canoe Federation (ICF) recognises other paddling disciplines which are not widely practised in South Africa, although in some cases there are sparodically pockets of competition.
Paracanoe is an Olympic discipline for athletes with an impairment and is raced in kayaks and va’a.
Dragon Boat Racing is a fast and exciting traditional Chinese form of paddle racing with crews of 10 or 20 paddling to the beat of a drum.
Canoe Sailing is a version of traditional sailing in a smaller, canoe-like version of a sail boat.
Rafting is a recent addition to the ICF and sees competitors competing in slalom or downriver events.
Va’a boats originated in the Pacific Ocean and were the traditional mode of transport for Polynesians to move around the Pacific Islands. The stable, outrigger-type of craft are ideal for paracanoe racing. “Va’a” means “boat” or “canoe” in Samoan, Hawaiian, and Tahitian.
