Flatwater Sports

Canoe sprint, also known as flatwater canoe racing, is an extremely specialized sport. While kneeling, athletes only paddle on one side of a one-person racing canoe to maintain a straight course.

Notable WIFC-hosted events:

• 2018 Ontario Championships
• 2017 Canadian National Championships
• 2016 Ontario Championships
• 2015 Pan American Games Canoe Sprint Events
• 2013 International Canoe Federation (ICF) Junior and Under 23 Canoe Sprint World Championships

Canoe polo is a spectacular team game, combining elements of water polo, basketball, and canoeing. Five-player teams try to score goals in nets suspended above the water at either end of a playing pitch.

Notable WIFC-hosted events:

• 2018 IFC Canoe Polo World Championships
• 2013 Canoe Polo Nationals

A crew of 22 (including a drummer) races a 40-foot boat adorned with a dragon’s head and tail. Since the formation of the International Dragon Boat Festival in 1990, the sport has become a popular festival for supporting charitable organizations.

Notable WIFC-hosted events:

• 2018 Canadian Dragon Boat Championships
• 2015 International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) 12th World Dragon Boat Racing Championships
• 2015 Pan American Club Crew Championships
• 2015, 2014, 2011 Canadian Dragon Boat Championships

Flatwater kayak racing is an extremely fast sport requiring expertise. The WIFC is an ICF-sanctioned venue for kayak, with hosted events including K1, K2, and K4 races. Courses for men and women cover 200, 500, and 1000 metres, and sprints are primarily held on the North Course.

Notable WIFC-hosted events:

• 2015 Pan American/Parapan American
• 2013 International Canoe Federation (ICF) Junior and Under 23 Canoe Sprint World Championships

These are fast-paced races right from the start, with competitive swimmers jostling for position and using their best techniques as they head for the buoys.

Notable WIFC-hosted events:

• 2012 World Junior Open Water Swim World Championships

Rowing is a demanding sport requiring endurance, focus, and discipline. Regattas held at the WIFC vary from 500 to 2,000 metres, accommodating up to six designated lanes. All weight, age, and skill divisions, including adaptive, are held on either the North or South Course.

Notable WIFC-hosted events:

• 2017 Canadian University Rowing Championships
• 2013 Rowing Canada Aviron (RCA) Canadian Masters Championships
• 2013 National Rowing Championships
• Rowing Canada Aviron (RCA) Development Regatta
• Rowing Canada Aviron (RCA) Junior National Team Selection
• Row Ontario Championships

Triathlons are multi-sport endurance events combining consecutive swimming, cycling, and running races.

Notable WIFC-hosted events:

• Rose City Triathlon
• Niagara Falls Barrelman Triathlon
• Triathlon Ontario

Water polo is a contact sport where players can only use one hand to score and the goaltender can use both. Traditionally played in deep water, the game can be played in any type of open water or pool.