Rapids are sections of a river where the river bed has a relatively steep gradient , causing an increase in water velocity and turbulence . Flow, gradient, constriction, and obstacles are four factors that are needed for a rapid to be created.
12-689: The Irish Canoe Union , known as Canoeing Ireland since 2012, is the governing body for paddlesports ( canoeing and kayaking ) in the Republic of Ireland. It has been affiliated with the Olympic Federation of Ireland since 1964. It is a member of the International Canoe Federation . Athletes have represented the union at the 1972 Summer Olympics for kayaking, and 1992 Olympics for Canadian canoeing . Canoeing in Northern Ireland
24-565: Is a competitive sport with the aim to navigate a decked canoe or kayak through a course of hanging downstream or upstream gates on the river rapids in the fastest time possible. It is one of the two kayak and canoeing disciplines at the Summer Olympics and is referred to by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as Canoe/Kayak Slalom. The other Olympic canoeing discipline is the canoe sprint. In his lifetime, according to
36-514: Is an ancient mode of transportation. Modern recreational canoeing was established in the late 19th century. Among early promoters of canoeing as a sport was Carl Smith , who introduced canoeing to Sweden in the 1880s. In 1924, canoeing associations from Austria, Germany, Denmark, and Sweden founded the Internationalen Representation for Kanusport , the forerunner of the International Canoe Federation (ICF). Canoeing became part of
48-505: Is done as or as a part of a sport or recreational activity. In some parts of Europe, canoeing refers to both canoeing and kayaking, with a canoe being called an Open canoe . A few of the recreational forms of canoeing are canoe camping and canoe racing such as canoe sprint and canoe marathons . Other forms include a wide range of canoeing on lakes, rivers, oceans, ponds, and streams. The summer Olympics include canoeing competitions . Canoe slalom (previously known as whitewater slalom)
60-459: Is merely a transportation method used to accomplish other activities. Most present-day canoeing is done as or as a part of a sport or recreational activity. In some parts of Europe canoeing refers to both canoeing and kayaking , with a canoe being called an open canoe . A few of the recreational forms of canoeing are canoe camping and canoe racing . Other forms include a wide range of canoeing on lakes, rivers, oceans, ponds and streams. Canoeing
72-489: Is regulated by the Canoe Association of Northern Ireland , a part of British Canoeing , but Northern Irish athletes may freely choose to represent Ireland at International level. The union is funded through membership fees, sponsorship and government grants through Sport Ireland . The organisation is led by a president, and chief executive officer. Michael Scanlon was suspended as chief executive officer in 2011, and
84-455: The Guinness Book of World Records , Verlen Kruger paddled the most miles (over 100,000 miles) of anyone in the sport. Rapids Rapids are hydrological features between a run (a smoothly flowing part of a stream ) and a cascade. Rapids are characterized by the river becoming shallower with some rocks exposed above the flow surface. As flowing water splashes over and around
96-572: The Olympic Games in the summer of 1936 . The main form of competitive sport was canoe sprint using a sprint canoe . Others include canoe polo , whitewater canoeing , canoe marathon , ICF canoe marathon , and playboating . More than 170 national canoe associations and federations are members of the ICF, including the American , Canadian , British , Scottish , and Welsh . Most present-day canoeing
108-462: The decision was the subject of a High Court battle. Another former CEO and Sporting Director, Karl Dunne, also took a High Court case. Canoeing Canoeing is an activity which involves paddling a canoe with a single-bladed paddle . Common meanings of the term are limited to when the canoeing is the central purpose of the activity. Broader meanings include when it is combined with other activities such as canoe camping , or where canoeing
120-400: The rocks, air bubbles become mixed in with it and portions of the surface acquire a white color, forming what is called " whitewater ". Rapids occur where the bed material is highly resistant to the erosive power of the stream in comparison with the bed downstream of the rapids. Very young streams flowing across solid rock may be rapids for much of their length. Rapids cause water aeration of
132-422: The stream or river, resulting in better water quality. For a rapid to form, a necessary condition is the presence of a gradient, which refers to the river or stream's downward slope. When a river has a larger gradient, the water flows downhill faster. Gradients are typically measured in feet per mile. This impacts the river's flow or discharge , which is measured as a volume of water per unit of time. The faster
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#1732884340582144-494: The water flows, the more likely a rapid will form. Rapids are categorized in classes , generally running from I to VI. A Class 5 rapid may be categorized as Class 5.1-5.9. While Class I rapids are easy to navigate and require little maneuvering, Class VI rapids pose threat to life with little or no chance for rescue. River rafting sports are carried out where many rapids are present in the course. Constriction refers to when rivers flow through narrower channels, thus increasing
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