Sprint racing is one of only two canoeing events included in the Olympic Games. Racing takes place on flatwater over distances of 200 metres, 500 metres and 1000 metres on a straight course, of up to nine boats, each in a separate lane. Races are in singles, doubles and fours, for both Canadian canoes and Kayaks, which have to conform to minimum weight and specified standard.

Our sprint racing is based around the five National Regattas, including National Championships and an Inter Club Championship at The National Water Sports Centre course at Nottingham. In addition a number of local regattas are run at sites throughout the country during the season.

Most paddlers enter sprint racing through a club, racing locally as novices and progress to national regattas at junior and senior levels; all paddlers are ability ranked within their classes i.e. girls, boys, men, women and masters.