History

Canoe Slalom started on white water on September 11th, 1932 in Switzerland, where the inventor of this discipline proclaimed, "Slalom is a white water test". The idea came from skiing, where terms like "winter, snow and ski slalom" modified into "summer, water and Canoe Slalom". The origins of Canoe Slalom were on flat water, but soon after switched to the white water rapids of natural rivers. The sight of skill, strength and courage pitted against powerful water makes for an exciting spectator sport both live and on TV.

The first Slalom World Championships were held in 1949 in Geneva. Since then there have been dramatic changes in both the boats and the rules. First Olympic race in canoe slalom was held in Munich 1972. After the Olympic Games the slalom races where rejected from Olympic program for 20 years. In 1992 canoe slalom returned to the Olympic Games, in the fantastic atmosphere of La Seu d´Urgell. There has been a massive increase in interest, and slalom is now established as an Olympic sport.