REINVENT THE GAME.

Paddle Games – 2025 Open Category Format & Rules Summary

1. Introduction

The Open Category is designed to allow broader participation in the Paddle Games, giving rising athletes the chance to experience the innovative competition format.

In this category, 16 men and 16 women race individually. The best performers advance through heats, semifinals, and finals, with the top athletes qualifying for the Elite Team competition.

2. Race Format

Course Design

  • Two buoys mark the start line.
  • Two additional buoys mark the turns.
  • Paddlers may choose either buoy to turn (inside → outside).
  • Starts are given by a visible automatic timer with horn at 00:00.
  • False start rules:
    • Early crossing (no bow over): 10s penalty
    • Bow over line before horn: Disqualification (DSQ)

Participants

  • 16 Men + 16 Women.
  • They race individually in separate brackets.

Progression System

  1. Heats
    • Each heat: top 2 paddlers → Final A
    • Remaining paddlers → Semifinals
  2. Semifinals
    • Top 2 paddlers → Final A
  3. Final
    • Final A decides overall winners.

Turn Negotiation

  • Whole boat must cross one of the two turns.
  • Turns must go inside → outside.
  • Buoy touches are allowed.
  • Moving buoys unfairly = violation.

3. Safety Rules

  • Allowed:
    • Kayak-to-kayak contact.
    • Brief paddle/arm contact.
  • Not Allowed:
    • Holding back another athlete.
    • Purposeful paddle strokes off another body.
    • Dangerous head/body contact.
  • Broken paddle:
    • Athlete must drop back or finish alone.
    • Paddle may be dropped; hands may be used.
  • Judges assess all incidents.

4. Penalties

  • 10s penalty: early crossing before horn (without bow over).
  • DSQ: bow over line at start, incorrect/unnegotiated turns.
  • DNF: capsize without remounting.
  • No protests allowed.
  • All races are video judged.

5. Qualification to Elite Teams

  • After the Open Finals, the top 4 men and top 4 women from Final A qualify to form two Elite Teams.

Team A composition:

  • Men’s 1st + Men’s 3rd
  • Women’s 2nd + Women’s 4th

Team B composition:

  • Men’s 2nd + Men’s 4th
  • Women’s 1st + Women’s 3rd

These teams will join the Elite Paddle Games Format and compete for team points.