Rafting competitions consist of four disciplines - the sprint, head-to-head (H2H), slalom and downriver. The points earned in each discipline are added to determine the overall winner and final positions. Each team has six members with the option to have a reserve.
The sprint is a hard, fast, short burst of speed for the teams.
The H2H (head to head) is the most visually exciting as it is pitting two teams together in a fast paced sprint for the finish line. It counts for 20 per cent of the total points and is an elimination race in which pairs of teams race down a section of powerful rapids. The winner of each heat proceeds to the next round and eventually just two teams will remain for the final.
The slalom is the most technically challenging event and counts for 30 per cent of the total points. This event demands a high level of technique and teamwork to negotiate the rafts through 12 downriver and upriver gates in powerful rapids. Touching, failing to pass or intentionally moving a gate results in a penalty. Each team runs the course twice and their best time is used to determine the results.
The downriver is the star event and is worth 40 per cent of the total score. The race is close to an hour of racing along a section of continuous and powerful rapids. Technical ability and endurance are essential elements to ensuring a good position in this event which is crucial for the teams that aspire to win the championship.
