9.0 SPRINT RACES

9.1 Are there both sprint and distance type races?
9.2 How long are the sprint races?
9.3 Are sprints held on sheltered waters or open waters?

9.1 Are there both sprint and distance type races?

Yes and some countries and states combine both during their season, whilst some have a definite distance or marathon season, which includes Hawaii and California.

9.2 How long are the sprint races?

Sprint races are held over a course length which is generally either 250m or 500m in length. Sprints begin at 250m (.156miles) with no turns, 500m (.311miles) with or without one turn, 1000m (.622miles) with up to three turns, 1500m (.933miles) up to 5 turns, 2000m (1.244miles) with up to seven turns and on occasions 3000m (1.866miles) with up to 11 turns.

9.3 Are sprints held on sheltered waters or open waters?

In most cases on sheltered waters, with minimal tidal movement and wave action and protection from prevailing winds. Outrigger sprint races are staged on rivers, lakes, dams or canals and where possible, lagoons and bays. Unlike kayak and other forms of canoe racing, the need to stage such sprint races in a near static environment has never been a major concern, though a reasonably sheltered course is generally sought, with the absence of tidal influence and suitable water depth, sheltered from prevailing winds being the main concern for elimination.

The setting out of a sprint coarse is a difficult task with the primary aim of making each lane of equal standing for competitors, so as one lane is no more advantageous than the other and provided this is achieved, it seems sprint races in outrigger canoe racing can be held in a variety of static and non static environments.