Sports Book

EXCLUSIONS POLO SPEAK STAT CENTRAL WATER SPORTS Players are excluded from the game if they The following are some of the most commonly commit major fouls and are sent to a specially used specialized terms that relate to water OLYMPIC CHAMPIONS demarcated penalty area for a maximum of 20 polo tactics and techniques: seconds. Major fouls include sinking a player YEAR TEAM (holding him or her underwater), interfering DRIVER An attacking player, usually a fast with a free throw, pulling back on a player, swimmer, whose main duty is to advance 2016 SERBIA (MEN) holding onto an offensive player, or the ball into a goal-scoring position. 2016 UNITED STATES (WOMEN) intentionally coming into contact with HOLE GUARD A defensive player who takes a defensive player. An excluded player position in front of his or her goal and 2012 CROATIA (MEN) cannot be substituted with another player. marks the center forward. 2012 UNITED STATES (WOMEN) HOLE MAN Alternative term for a center BLOOD IN THE WATER forward; also called a hole set. 2008 HUNGARY (MEN) HUNGARY BEAT THE SOVIET UNION PRESS DEFENSE A form of man-marking; 2008 NETHERLANDS (WOMEN) 4–0 IN A FAMOUS GRUDGE MATCH the defense plays very tight to the attackers SHORTLY AFTER THE RED ARMY HAD in an effort to prevent or impede their 2004 HUNGARY (MEN) WATER POLO SUPPRESSED THE 1956 HUNGARIAN passing or driving movements. 2004 ITALY (WOMEN) UPRISING. IN THE POOL, VERBAL PUMP FAKING When a player gets in ABUSE SOON TURNED TO PHYSICAL position to shoot but stops halfway, causing 2000 HUNGARY (MEN) VIOLENCE. THE WORST OF THE the defending keeper to commit too early 2000 AUSTRALIA (WOMEN) NUMEROUS PUNCHES THAT WERE to block the shot, thus leaving the goal at 1996 SPAIN TRADED THROUGHOUT THE MATCH the attacker’s mercy. 1992 ITALY FORCED HUNGARY’S ERVIN ZÁDOR STALLING Failure to shoot within 30 1988 YUGOSLAVIA TO LEAVE THE POOL WITH BLOOD seconds of gaining possession, which is 1984 YUGOSLAVIA GUSHING FROM BELOW HIS EYE. penalized by a free throw to the opposition. 1980 SOVIET UNION SWIM-OFF The sprint for the ball in the 1976 HUNGARY center of the field of play that starts each 1972 SOVIET UNION quarter of the match. 1968 YUGOSLAVIA 1964 HUNGARY TEAM FORMATIONS Defense positions in water polo can be either man-to-man or zone-based. The most common formation is a 3-3 formation, with two lines of three players. The 4-2 formation is a useful attacking formation when the opposing team has a player excluded (they are sent off for 20 seconds for a major foul), while the 1-4 is a formation used when the defending team is a man down. The center forward The point player The four attacking The defending team directs the attack players pressure hold a line at the STANDARD “UMBRELLA” ATTACK the 2-meter line 2-meter line The standard “umbrella” attack is an offensive 4-2 ATTACK (6 ON 5) 1-4 DEFENSE formation adopted by high-level teams. The point If one team has a player excluded, the opposing When playing with one player down, the defending man sits at the apex of the umbrella, while the team will press the advantage by playing in the team will often adopt the 1-4 defense, with four center forward sits inside it, in front of the goal. 4-2 formation. Four players are placed on the players positioned on the 2-meter line and one 2-meter line and two on the 5-meter line. on the 4-meter line. SIDELINES 20 The total number of nations that INSIDE STORY Aside from the Olympics, the main 9 The number of Olympic gold participated in the men’s and women’s international competitions are the water polo events in the 2016 Olympics. World Water Polo League, which medals won by Hungary, the most have been contested in July and successful water polo team in the history 13 The highest number of goals August each year since 2002, and of the modern Olympic Games. The the World Championships, which second-most successful nation—with scored by an individual player in an have taken place every two years gold medals in 1900, 1908, 1912, and international. This was achieved by Debbie since 2001. Both contests are 1920—is Great Britain. Italy has won a Handley, playing for Australia against organized by the Fédération total of five gold medals at the Water Canada at the 1982 World Championships. International de Natation (FINA), the Polo World Championship, making it Australia won 16–10. world ruling body for aquatic sports. the most successful nation since the event began in 1973.

NEED2KNOW BODY SHAPE BARRACUDA (A BIG PIKE) PLATFORM POSITION Maintaining a pleasing body This move begins with a bottom-first One person is supported at or Originally known as water shape is the most important downward thrust with the legs together above the surface by the rest of the ballet, the sport began in requirement in both the and pointing straight up; this position team. They must all rise and descend Canada in the 1920s. It spread artistic and free sections of must be maintained while the trunk is once, with the person being lifted to the United States in the any synchronized swimming straightened below the surface. rising head first. early 1930s, where a display event. There are heavy at the 1934 Chicago World’s penalties for any visible Fair drew rave reviews. unsteadiness in the water. Synchronized swimming has Teams must ensure that all of been an Olympic sport since their movements are made in 1984; the two medal events unison or are complementary are altered from time to time, and are performed in perfect but most recently have been time to their chosen music. for duets and teams of eight. SYNCHRONIZED SWIMMING SPORT OVERVIEW TECHNICAL MERIT This pool sport is a unique combination of dance, Both team and solo events consist of a technical routine swimming, and gymnastics. Competitors perform and a free routine, each performed to music within a time graceful movements to a musical accompaniment limit. In the technical routine, swimmers perform specific while out of their depth in water. Judges award moves in a set order, including boosts, rockets, thrusts, and them marks out of 10 for technical merit and artistic twirls. In the free routine, there are no restrictions on music effect. The term “synchronized” implies multiple or choreography. Judges of each routine look for a high participants, and most contests involve teams of two degree of difficulty and risk, flawless execution, innovative or more; however, there are individual competitions. choreography, pool coverage, patterns, perfect synchronization with one another and with the music, and a seemingly effortless performance. SWIMMER Underwater love Perfect hair Keeping the water out PROFILE An underwater speaker lets the swimmers hear the music Gelatine keeps A nose clip prevents water Besides demanding strength, clearly while underwater, helping them achieve the the hair in place. from entering the nose, endurance, flexibility, grace, split-second timing critical Makeup brings allowing the swimmers and artistry, it also requires to synchronized out the features to remain underwater exceptional breath control, as swimming for long periods routines can last up to five minutes. Good musical sense is necessary to keep time with the beat of the music.

UNDERWATER WATER SPORTS SPORTS EVENT OVERVIEW NEED2KNOW UNDERWATER SPORTS The three most popular underwater team activities are hockey, rugby, and soccer. They have fewer players than their on-land counterparts, Swimming costume, mask, and because nearly all the action takes place beneath the surface, snorkel, and fins are worn— these strenuous subaqua sports are naturally not big spectator wetsuits and weight belts are attractions. However, they have an enthusiastic and growing band of not allowed. participants in Australia, Europe, and North America, and many scuba The first underwater rugby divers use the games as a form of recreational training. world championship took place in 1980 in Mülheim an der Ruhr in Germany, the birthplace of underwater rugby. I LOVE WATER HOCKEY Agile and fast A fast-moving game played competitively As maneuverability and by some and for fun by others, often as a speed are important, means of keeping fit for another softer, free-diving fins underwater pursuit, water hockey is a are often used noncontact sport in which size and Ear protection strength are not important, so it is often A blow to the ear can easily played at local level by mixed teams. burst an eardrum, so ear protectors are required in tournament games UNDERWATER Touch or Rapid breathing HOCKEY no touch? A large-bore snorkel Matches are contested between two The wooden hockey allows faster intake teams of six players who are chosen stick must not be of air, reducing time from a squad of 12. Matches are more than 14 in (35 spent at the surface 33 minutes long, each half lasting for cm) long, including 15 minutes, with a three-minute break the handle Safety gear when the teams change ends. The Players must wear a object of the game is to outscore the Deep puck diving mask, a cap, opposing team. A goal is scored by The puck must be 25/8 in hitting a puck into a 9 ft 10 in x 10 in (80 mm) in diameter, 1 in and at least one (3 m x 25 cm) wide goal using a plain (30 mm) thick, and weigh reinforced glove white or black wooden or plywood stick. Players take turns at being under the 3 lb (1.3 kg) PLAYING TOGETHER water. If there is no winner at full time, a NOT VERY MANY PEOPLE PLAY period of overtime (two five-minute UNDERWATER RUGBY; BECAUSE OF periods) will be played. If there is still no THIS, IT IS OFTEN PLAYED IN MIXED winner, the team who scores the next MALE-FEMALE TEAMS. goal is declared the winner. INSIDE STORY UNDERWATER UNDERWATER Underwater hockey emerged in RUGBY SOCCER the 1950s, and was followed Usually played with a round rather than A five-a-side game somewhat 20 years later by soccer and rugby. an oval-shaped 10 in (25 cm) ball, this misleadingly named since players may The 2006 Underwater Hockey World six-a-side game for men and women is use their hands. The object is to propel a Championships were contested by known as rugby because opponents may sand-filled ball into the opposition goal. 17 nations. The first world underwater be grabbed and tackled as long as they To score, the ball must be placed in the rugby championship was held in are in possession of the ball. A tackled goal area of the gutter at the side of the Germany in 1980. player must release the ball, which is pool in such a way that the ball rests for filled with dissolved salt, when tackled. a moment while still in the scorer’s grasp. GOVERNING BODY The goals are metal buckets 16 in A match is 10 minutes each way, with World tournaments are run by the Confédération (40 cm) in diameter, situated on each a three-minute half-time interval. If the Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques (CMAS), end of the floor of the pool. A foul is match is tied, an extra 10 minutes which was established in 1959. called if the ball leaves the water. is played to determine the winner.

NEED2KNOW BUILT FOR SPEED Luffing the mainsail Boats raced in the Olympics are The luff (front edge) of the There were eight Olympic class boats small, with between one and three mainsail should not flutter, selected for the 2016 Games. crew members. A typical Olympic At the 2012 Olympics, six male classes boat will have a large sail area for or speed will be reduced (Sailboard, Laser, 470, Star, Finn, 49er) such a small, light boat and a The slot and four female classes (Sailboard, Laser, planing hull, which allows it to skim 470, and Yngling) were selected. over the water and minimizes drag. A slot between mainsail At the 2008 Olympics, three classes (Finn, and jib, with sides as 49er, and Tornado) were open to either sex. Physical agility parallel as possible, Open classes were discontinued for 2012. The crew hikes out as far as gives a clean wind possible, using a trapeze, to flow over both sails COMPETITOR PROFILE balance the weight of the For racing sailors, physical fitness and strength wind in the sails. Quick Avoiding a flutter are important, but mental skills and attitude reflexes are needed to The leech (back edge) are the key to success. Upper-body strength react to wind shifts is needed for hoisting and trimming (adjusting) and avoid tipping of the jib should not sails, plus leg strength to move around the boat flutter, or speed will quickly, and a strong trunk to hike or lean out. Quick thinking and a fast reaction time are be reduced essential, as racing is all about tactics and using the ever-shifting elements to maximum Steering advantage. Racing can start young. Children The helm steers as race tiny dinghies, many Olympic athletes are steady a course as in their mid-twenties, and around-the-world possible and controls racers are often much older than sportsmen the mainsail, working competing at international levels in other sports. with the wind Foresail The crew adjusts the foresail to work efficiently with the mainsail Smooth sailing Keeping the hull level in the water maximizes hydrodynamics and is the fastest way to sail SIDELINES SAILING 1851 The year in which the yacht EVENT OVERVIEW Sailing has been described unjustly as akin to standing under a America challenged English boats to race shower ripping up money while someone is throwing buckets of around the Isle of Wight, England, for a cold water at you. It is an exhilarating and demanding sport, both trophy that has since become known as physically and mentally. There are many different types of racing the America’s Cup. governed by strict international rules, as well as local regulations. Racing may be on lakes or coastal bays and estuaries, around 67 The age of the oldest competitor to courses defined by temporary marks; in coastal waters, using fixed navigational marks to define the course; or far offshore date in the Velux 5 Oceans Single-Handed across entire oceans. Sailors may race single-handed, in a Race (Sir Robin Knox-Johnson). small crew, or in a crew of more than 20 athletes. 16 The VHF Radio channel dedicated for use in an emergency at sea to request help from coast guard or other vessels. 6,076 The number of feet (1,852 m) in a nautical mile—a standardization of the measurement of I’ (minute) of latitude. 5,000 The number of sailors competing in the annual Kiel Week regatta, in northern Germany, in 2,000 boats.

WHERE THEY RACE WINDWARD/LEEWARD COURSE Spreader mark WATER SPORTS Offshore races usually follow a route delineated by The emphasis of this course is on direct Reaching around this takes the fixed navigational buoys. Shorter coastal and inland upwind and downwind sailing, provided downwind boats away from those races have temporary race marks laid in such a by several laps of two separate way as to provide the best test of sailing ability for marks at the downwind beating to windward the conditions of the day. end of the course. Windward mark Crews hurry to this mark, which also forms the port end of the finish line for the final lap OLYMPIC COURSES Start line Second SAILING Racing is based on short events of 30 to 75 minutes. The line committee boat A classic Olympic course has a distance of 1 mile between this Leeward mark Committee boat This can be used to (1.6 km) between race marks, which are set to provide buoy and the This is set directly A small mark near set a finish line at a variety of different sailing angles. Beating (sailing Committee Boat downwind of the the committee boat is the the windward end toward the wind, or windward) provides the best test of is ideally set at spreader mark starboard end of the start line ability, and the windward leg is the most important part right angles to of the course of the course. On an Olympic course, such as the triangle the wind course below, the windward leg will be sailed twice, and there will be at least one leg downwind (sailing away from the wind). Reaching (sailing between 45° and 135° to the wind) is the easiest and fastest point of sailing, and usually there will be one reaching leg in each direction relative to the wind. The start line is ideally set square (at right angles) to the wind to provide a fair, unbiased start for all the boats. TRIANGLE COURSE On a reach From the start, boats race directly toward the wind After rounding the first mark, crews sail on to the windward mark. Reaches to the wing mark a starboard reach across to the wing mark and back to where the race started form the triangle. Then the windward leg is repeated, and this time the return is directly downwind. Wing mark Windward mark This should form an equilateral This is set directly upwind triangle with the upwind and of the start line, and crews downwind marks sail toward it in a series of Leeward mark zigzags, as boats cannot sail This is set directly downwind of the spreader mark and is separate from directly into the wind the finish line Committee boat A mark near the committee boat forms the starboard end of the start line, which is also the finish line OCEAN RACING Route du Rhum Velux 5 Oceans Ocean racing is the pinnacle of yachting challenges—the This single-handed transatlantic race from In this extreme challenge, solitary sailors race ultimate test of both boats and sailors. These races are long France to Guadeloupe has a mainly downwind (often lasting many months) and grueling, taking competitors course. It is sailed every four years by mono- around the world in Open 60 class yachts. far from the shelter of home waters. and multihulls 40–60 ft (12–18 m) long The last race took place in 2010–2011 All ocean races are held under the Racing Rules of South Atlantic Race the International Sailing Federation (ISAF). Some are raced The only regular transatlantic race in the southern single-handed, testing the endurance of a single yachtsman hemisphere, this starts in Cape Town, South Africa, or woman. They face extreme loneliness and tough and finishes in Brazil. Fully crewed monohulls up to challenges, but most do endure and are recognized for their 100 ft (30.5 m) race every three years skill and resilience in adversity. Other races are sailed with a large crew, where the skill of the skipper is in leading a team that can work and live together at close quarters through storms and calms. Interestingly, it is often the calms that produce severe psychological difficulty; the phenomenon of drifting aimlessly through the ocean, far off the planned course because there is no wind to drive the boat, creates frustrations that many sailors find difficult to deal with. Ocean racers must be resourceful. They must know how to achieve the best sailing speeds from their boats and be able Volvo Ocean Race to navigate safely through unmarked oceans. They must also Fully crewed, yachts (currently the Volvo deal with breakages of equipment that occur in stressful Ocean 65) race around the world. The conditions, improvising repairs to complex equipment with race starts in northern Europe and takes only the most basic of materials or tools on hand. the fleet through the extreme conditions of the Southern Ocean

WHAT THEY RACE LASER 470 Boats of all sizes may have one hull This 14 ft (14.2 m) monohull The single hull is 15 ft 5 in (monohulls) or two or three parallel dinghy is popular worldwide. (4.7 m) long, designed for a hulls (multihulls). A boat with two hulls It is simply designed, mainly crew of two. A trapeze helps is a catamaran, while a boat with three for single-handed sailing, crew keep the planing hull hulls is a trimaran. Racing boats have a with basic rigging. level in the water. large sail area for the size of boat and underwater foils (the fins and rudder) Sleeved sail Stayed mast to minimize leeward drift (the sideways The single sail has a The mast is supported force of the wind). Designers constantly “sleeve” that slides strive to find ways to construct boats by stainless-steel with even lighter materials and are over the mast wire rigging always looking for ways to improve Control lines the balance between speed and safety. All controls must be rope, “Bermuda” rig with no high-tensile strength Conventional mainsail OLYMPIC CLASSES materials such as Kevlar and jib give a large sail Boats sailed for Olympic events are measured area, with a spinnaker to precise formulas so that craft in any one for downwind sailing class are as nearly identical as possible. The test is then of the athlete’s skill, not that Within the rules Unstayed mast Adjustable foils Self-buoyant of the boat builder. Classes are chosen by Design is governed The tall mast is supported As on all dinghies, the The lightweight hull includes the International Sailing Federation (ISAF), by class standards through a slot in the deck centerboard and rudder integral buoyancy tanks and occasionally changes are made to the can be raised as required list to reflect developments in boat design and the greater athleticism of sailors. 49er TORNADO Designed as a high- A 20 ft (6.1 m) catamaran The Laser, Laser Radial, and 470 dinghies performance skiff for two sailed by a crew of two, the are very popular and commonly sailed in club crew, the hull is 16 ft (4.9 m) Tornado is capable of speeds racing throughout the world, both inland and long, with twin trapezes. above 30 knots (35 mph/ in coastal waters. The Tornado catamaran, 56 kph), and 18 knots high-performance 49er skiff, and the Yngling This is the fastest of the (20 mph/33 kph) upwind. and Star keelboats are less commonly seen “one-design” dinghies. outside elite racing circles. The Tornado was not selected for the 2012 Olympics. Mast bend Large sails Tapering top mast Large mainsail and jib are GETTING THE EDGE augmented by a spinnaker Racers work hard to find ways to “tune” or bends to keep “tweak” their boats to achieve a technical the sail flat in for downwind sailing edge over competitors. The measurement Fast tack rules are strict, so everyone is using the strong wind same equipment, but even very small Asymmetric A self-tacking jib makes adjustments to rigging or sails might for quick direction produce a tiny advantage that could spinnaker changes lead to a big medal. The huge downwind sail Adjusting mast launches straight out of the A rotating mast improves bow quickly and easily aerodynamics and sail shape Winging it Innovative This extends to allow Unusual forward end Flying high crew farther out design improves efficiency The Tornado is typically sailed with by reducing drag one hull “flying” (out of the water) OCEAN RACERS Mast Set square Built for speed Some ocean racing events are open to any The mast extends 103 ft An unusual, Despite weighing 26.5 type of boat, often grouped into classes of (31.5 m) above the waterline square- tons (24,000 kg), these different-sized yachts handicapped according headed boats accelerate and turn to criteria such as weight and sail area. Other Sail power mainsail quickly, giving very close, events are for “one-design” classes. The mainsail is 223 sq yd makes maximum exciting racing Yacht designers are constantly searching (186 sq m) and the use of Rising high for ways to combine lightweight materials such spinnaker 598 sq yd the wind as carbon fiber with the strength needed to The mast rises 105– deal with huge forces and potentially heavy seas. (500 sq m) 112 ft (32–34 m) Those boats destined for around-the-world Light and fast racing are extremely robust yet also sleek and The yacht weighs above the waterline hydrodynamic. They have strong mechanisms 13.8–15.4 tons for handling huge sails and up-to-date electronic (12,500–14,000 Deep water navigation and communications equipment— kg) yet is capable Rudder and safety is a serious consideration in this of great speeds dangerous sport. There also has to be some keel are slender living accommodations; the crew must be Canting keel and deep— able to sleep and eat in order to maintain their The 7.7 ton the boat ability to perform under arduous conditions. extends But space and weight are at a premium, so (7,000 kg) ballast 16.5 ft (5 m) there are no frills, and the crew will be expected bulb on the keel to “hot bunk” (alternate in bunks) to save space. can be rotated to below the waterline increase stability AMERICA’S CUP CLASS This is a design-restricted class that is newly developed OCEAN RACER (VOLVO 70) for each series of challenges. The boats are 49.5 ft This 70 ft (21.3 m) monohull yacht was designed for (15 m) long catamarans fitted with an 28 ft (8.5 m) the 2005–2006 Volvo Ocean Race. A core crew of high beam. A crew of six racers is stipulated. nine sails the boat (11 for an all-female crew), with 11 different sails (excluding storm sails) to choose from.

PARTS OF A BOAT Spinnaker WATER SPORTS All sailing boats consist of a hull; a rig with spars, such as mast and The bellying downwind sail boom; sails; and underwater foils for steerage and to resist leeway is set on a spinnaker pole. SAILING (sideways drift). Fittings and control systems vary in size and complexity but are recognizable from boat to boat. Many sailing boats Modern asymmetric are at least partially decked. spinnakers are set off a bowsprit KEELBOAT A keelboat falls midway between a dinghy and a yacht—larger than most Foresail dinghies but with a ballasted keel or centerplate instead of the dinghy’s adjustable A standard foresail is a jib that centerboard. Keelboats are considerably more stable than dinghies and less likely reaches from the bow (front) of to capsize. Below-decks accommodation is usually either absent or rather cramped, but an open cockpit may have room for several crew members. the boat back to the mast. A larger foresail, which overlaps Mainsail the mainsail and sweeps the Most racing boats have a triangular mainsail, deck, is known as a genoa extending right up to the top of the mast Strong spars Mast and booms may be made of Mainsheet aluminum, fiber-reinforced plastic or A rope-and-pulley system attached to the main boom is lightweight modern composites used to control the mainsail reinforced with carbon fiber Boom Sheets to the wind While the mast supports the The ropes used to control the sails vertically, the boom sails are known as sheets On course supports the mainsail laterally In smaller keelboats and dinghies, the Halyards rudder is controlled via the tiller in the cockpit; larger yachts use a wheel Ropes used to raise and Steerage lower the sails are called Turning the rudder from one side to halyards and are usually another changes the direction of the boat fastened close to the mast Keel The keel resists drift caused by pressure of wind on the sails, turning this sideways pressure into forward motion. A ballasted (weighted) keel makes capsize unlikely WHAT THEY WEAR Life jacket Keeping warm, comfortable, and dry is part of safety on the An inflatable life jacket water. Specialized fabrics and specially designed clothing are is worn folded flat, to be an important part of successful racing. inflated only if the wearer falls into the water. It is DINGHY Buoyancy aid Wetsuit designed to turn the wearer Buoyancy aids must Helps flotation without Tight-fitting neoprene traps face up in the water be worn by all racing impeding swimming— a layer of water against the dinghy crews, and skin, where it warms quickly Overalls wetsuits are worn by essential in a craft Chest-high waterproof pants, most racers. There is liable to capsize which can also be worn over a choice between a full warm fleece layers, are heavily suit—covering from reinforced at seat and knees neck, to wrist, to Jacket ankle—and a shortie, A wind- and waterproof which leaves lower jacket with tightly fitting legs and arms bare. cuffs is essential. A high collar helps keep the wind and water out Sailing gloves OFFSHORE/OCEAN Full gloves With or without finger There are times when Waterproof gloves ends, gloves with a yacht crew can strip protect from the reinforced palms to shorts and T-shirts elements and from protect hands from in the sunshine, but rope burn while also rope burn and aid foul-weather clothing is giving better grip grip on the ropes usually essential. Clothing Yachting boots Dinghy shoes systems are based on Knee-high boots with soft Wetsuit shoes keep feet layering for warmth, rubber, nonslip soles are warm and grip the side with the top layer as worn underneath the pants decks firmly and safely waterproof as possible.

RACING RULES All yacht and dinghy racing is governed by rules established by the International Sailing Federation (ISAF), with local rules applying if circumstances demand. The rules are complex and, to race successfully, competitors must know them all in detail and be able to apply them tactically. TACTICAL RACING STARBOARD RIGHT OF WAY WINDWARD BOAT STAYS CLEAR Sail racing is about tactics. To the uninitiated, some of the maneuvers If two boats are approaching each When two boats are on the same tack undertaken during racing may look like shady practices, but when both other on opposite tacks, the boat on (both have the wind on the same side helms know the rules thoroughly, each should use the rules to the port tack (with the wind coming from of the boat), the windward boat (the fullest extent possible in order to gain an advantage. This is most the left side of the boat) must always one closest to the side the wind is noticeable to spectators in match racing—such as the America’s stay clear of the boat on starboard coming from) must stay clear of Cup races—where two evenly matched yachts race boat-for-boat tack (with the wind coming from the the other boat. over a short course. right side of the boat). The Race Committee is not responsible for making sure that rules are not infringed. Sometimes it is possible to have referee boats out on the water, watching all competitors, especially at the turning marks. Otherwise, one boat can “protest” another for infringing rules, by raising a red flag. If the protest is disputed, the Protest Committee will take evidence from both boats after the race to adjudicate. WINNING ISN’T EVERYTHING OVERTAKING BOAT STAYS CLEAR OVERLAP AT A MARK RACING RULES STATE, “A BOAT OR COMPETITOR SHALL A boat overtaking another on the same When two boats are on the same GIVE ALL POSSIBLE HELP TO ANY PERSON OR VESSEL tack must stay clear until the masts tack at a mark, the outside boat IN DANGER.” IN 2006, SAILORS IN THE VELUX 5 OCEANS are level. The boat being overtaken must give the boat overlapping RACE (SINGLE-HANDED) RAN INTO SEVERE STORMS. can “luff” (sail closer to the direction her on the inside room to round ALEX THOMSON’S YACHT HUGO BOSS LOST HER KEEL, the wind is coming from) to force the or pass the mark without touching AND HE WAS FORCED TO TAKE TO HIS LIFEBOAT. MIKE overtaking boat off course, but only it, including room to tack or jibe GOLDING IN ECOVER WAS SEVERAL HOURS AHEAD, IN until their masts are level. if necessary. SECOND PLACE, BUT TURNED BACK TO RESCUE HIS FRIEND. “THAT IS THE GAME,” HE WROTE. “THAT IS WHAT WE DO.” SOON AFTER, ECOVER’S MAST BROKE AND SHE, TOO, WAS FORCED OUT OF THE RACE. TACTICS AND TACKS Start line Downwind mark The course shown on the right is the standard Crews decide where they are Crews will fight for the inside line, Olympic course involving all points of sailing. going to cross the line and get closest to the mark, so that they Racing requires not just technical skill but also into position behind the line a few have right of way around the mark clever use of tactics to exploit any advantage minutes before the start, then aim and “clean” air for the windward possible and to disadvantage the opposition. to accelerate across the line just tack (other boats will be on the after the start signal is given outside of them, and BEATING TO WIN Finish line therefore likely to have Sailing directly into the wind requires a zigzag course, A square line will have to sail in their “dirty,” known as “beating.” Each time the boat changes course so the wind right behind it, turbulent air) that the wind passes across the bow (front) of the boat, it but if the wind is at an First beat is said to “tack.” If the wind comes from the side of the boat, angle, crews aim for Boats will be trying to go as fast as the sails are not hauled in so tightly and the boat is said the end of the line that possible to get “clean” air, sailing a to be “reaching.” With the wind directly behind, the boat is is closest to the wind tack that points as close as possible “running.” A turn so that the wind passes across the stern to the windward mark (back) of the boat is called a “jibe.” STRATEGIC STARTS Committee boat Approaching the start line, starboard tack is the safest The race is tack since it confers right of way. A skilled helm controlled—started (helmsperson) may judge there is room to approach the and finished from line and cross it on port tack before meeting a starboard this boat—using tack boat. If that judgment is wrong, the port tack boat flags and audible can be forced early over the line by a boat approaching signals fast on starboard tack. The penalty for that infringement is a detour around the end of the start line and back over it from the correct side—behind most of the fleet.

ON THE START COUNTDOWN FLAGS WATER SPORTS Sail races are usually set to start directly Each class racing is identified Races are controlled by visual signals, into the wind. A Race Committee Boat by a separate code flag. An audible supported by audible signals. Internationally marks the start line, anchoring in the signal is given each time a flag is recognized racing signals use maritime code starting area, and a mark buoy is laid hoisted or lowered. The class flag flags. Audible signals are also given—such as close to it. An outer distance mark is then is raised five minutes before the gun, whistle, or hooter, but it is the visual anchored in position to make a line that start and the preparatory signal (P) signal that counts for timing. is directly at right angles to the wind. (In at four minutes. The preparatory shifting winds, this line may have to be laid signal is then lowered one minute ANSWERING ANSWERING SAILING and relaid several times.) The first mark is before the start and the class flag PENNANT PENNANT OVER then laid directly upwind, at right angles to at the point of go. Referees check Race is postponed; “A” FLAG the start line. If several classes are racing, that no boat is over the line at numeral signals tell how No more racing today. scheduled so that starts are spread over the start; if a boat is over, the long the postponement time, the wind may shift so that the line is Committee will signal that the boat will last. no longer square to the wind. This can give is over and it must return via the an advantage to boats starting at one end outer distance mark and start of the line or the other—yet another tactical again. An “over” boat that does element to add to the skippers’ calculations. not restart will be disqualified. “N” FLAG “P” FLAG Race is abandoned. Preparatory signal (four minutes before start); PORT-END BIAS SQUARE LINE—NO BIAS STARBOARD-END BIAS competitors are now If the wind shifts so that With a start line that is If the wind shifts so that the under Racing Rules. the outer distance mark lies properly square to the wind, outer distance lies at more at less than 90° to the boats should be evenly than 90° to the wind, boats wind, boats at the port spread along its length, at the starboard (right-hand) (left-hand) end of the line giving all an equal distance end of the line will have the will have a shorter distance to sail to the first mark. shorter distance to sail to the to sail to the first mark. This first mark. With the extra creates crowding at that end obstruction caused by the “X” FLAG FIRST SUBSTITUTE of the line as boats jockey committee boat, this can Indicates there are boats General recall due to for position. become a tricky start. over the start line at the several yachts infringing start gun. the start line—too many to identify individuals. Wing mark “S” FLAG “C” FLAG Boats will try to jibe round the mark as smoothly as The course has The position of the next possible, protecting their “clean” air from other crews been shortened. mark has been changed. Running for the line seeking to “steal” their wind and overtake them On the final leg, crews will On a reach be looking for the areas of strongest wind to fill the sails One of the most important things and give the boat maximum on a reach is to keep “clean” air, possible speed especially if flying a spinnaker “L” FLAG “M” FLAG Come within An object displaying hailing distance. this signal is replacing a missing mark. Second beat Windward mark “R” FLAG BLUE FLAG By the second windward leg, boats will be Boats will try to come in on a starboard Sail the course in the This Race Committee more spread out, and crews have more tack, giving them right of way over any reverse direction to the boat is on station on room to choose their line and concentrate sailing instructions. the finish line. on sailing as fast as possible boats that approach on a port tack

SAILING TECHNIQUES SIDELINES 181,000 Sailing is all about using the wind to the greatest advantage to gain speed and reach a specified 17 The number of The number of adult destination. This involves the set of the sails and the single-handed Laser dinghies hydrodynamics of the hull in the water. It all starts with nations that shared 30 sailed in 120 countries. boat design. But how the sails are adjusted and how medals in Olympic sailing the boat is balanced by the crew are the techniques events in Rio 2016. 22,500 that sailors must learn. 1.5 The estimated The number of nautical miles POINTS OF SAIL (25,892 miles/41,670 km) sailed Each time a boat alters its angle to the wind, the set of the sails cumulative television in the longest nonstop yacht race, must be altered. In a dinghy, the crew’s weight must be adjusted audience, in billions, for the the Vendée Global Challenge. to trim the balance of the boat fore and aft and from side to 2011–2012 Volvo Ocean Race. side. Each different point of sailing has a technical name. PORT OR STARBOARD? Close-hauled Close-hauled Close reach If the wind is coming over the starboard (starboard) Sails are pulled in Sails are eased slightly, (right) side of the boat, the boat is on a tightly so that the as the head of the boat starboard tack. If the wind is coming over Head to wind boat sails as close the other side, the boat is on a port tack. At this point, the as possible toward bears away from the sails flutter and the direction of the wind. This is a fast Close reach cannot fill with wind, wind. A movable point of sailing (starboard) and the boat stops centerboard will be fully down Beam reach The wind is now directly across the side of the boat, the sails comfortably eased. A centerboard may be partly lifted Beam reach (port) Broad reach Broad reach (port) With the wind blowing diagonally from Training run behind, the sails are eased well out to The sails are wide out to catch the wind coming almost catch maximum wind, and an directly from behind; a spinnaker may be hoisted asymmetric spinnaker can be hoisted TACKING JIBING Run If the wind direction across Changing direction with When the wind is directly behind, the mainsail is let right the bow is changed, the wind crossing behind the out to the side. The foresail may be set “goosewinged” on sails “tack” to the other boat is less easy to control the opposite side, and racing boats will hoist a spinnaker side of the boat. To than a tack: on a broad TURNING THE BOAT change tack, the crew reach or run, the sails will pulls in both sails and be far out to one side. To To change the direction of the boat, both sails adjusts the rudder. As the “jibe” the sails, they are and rudder need to be adjusted. Sails provide boat moves through the first brought in as far as most of the power: pulling in the mainsail head-to-wind position possible without altering (“luffing”) turns the boat toward the wind, and and onto the new tack, course, then as the tiller letting it out turns it away from the wind. At the sails flip onto the or wheel is turned hard, the same time, the tiller or wheel is turned other side of the boat. the boom and mainsail to move the rudder and the jib is adjusted to The idea is to do this as jibe across the boat onto work efficiently with the new mainsail position. quickly and smoothly as the new side. Sails are If the boat is racing, tacking and jibing are possible without losing adjusted quickly to keep critical maneuvers that need to be carried out any forward momentum. the boat sailing smoothly. with complete crew coordination. Lack of precision can cost vital seconds, and crews will spend hours practicing tacking and jibing to ensure the turns are as quick as possible.

STAT CENTRAL WATER SPORTS HEELING AND HIKING OUT AROUND THE WORLD The force of the wind on sails naturally makes a boat heel over to one (ONE-HANDED/VELUX 5 OCEANS) side, but it sails faster if level in the water. In a dinghy or small keelboat, the crew balances the tendency to heel by moving their weight toward— YEAR BOAT/SAILOR COUNTRY and then beyond—the outer edge of the hull. In conventional dinghies, this means sitting on the gunwale (the side of the boat), tucking the toes 2010–2011 LE PINGOUIN USA under the toe straps for grip, and leaning backward over the water. This BRAD VAN LIEW effect can be enhanced by use of a trapeze—the crew hooks onto a wire attached to the upper mast and stands on the gunwale to lean out over 2006–2007 CHEMINEES POUJOULAT SUI the water. Some modern, extreme boats such as the 49ers have wings 2002 BERNARD STAMM SUI that dramatically extend the distance the crew can hike out. BOBST GROUP ARMOR LUX BERNARD STAMM HIKING OUT 1998–1999 FILA ITA SAILING If the crew uses its weight to GIOVANNI SOLDINI counterbalance the heeling power of the wind in the sails, Max power AROUND THE WORLD it can harness that power Sails can be used to (CREWED/VOLVO OCEAN RACE*) to drive the boat forward harness the wind more faster rather than letting the effectively if the crew’s YEAR BOAT/SKIPPER COUNTRY wind simply push the boat weight is acting as a 2017–2018 over sideways. counterbalance 2011–2012 DONGFENG RACE TEAM CHARLES CAUDRELIER (FRA) CHN On the wire GROUPAMA 4 FRA The stainless-steel wire is FRANCK CAMMAS (FRA) attached to the mast in the upper section with a loop on 2008–2009 ERICSSON 4 SWE TORBEN GRAEL (BRZ) the lower end In the harness 2005–2006 ABN AMRO ONE NED The crew wears a harness MIKE SANDERSON (NZL) with a hook attached. This is used to hook onto a 2001–2002 ILLBRUCK CHALLENGE GER wire or rope attached to JOHN KOSTECKI (USA) the upper part of the mast *FORMERLY WHITBREAD AROUND THE WORLD RACE An even keel OLYMPIC GAMES RIO 2016 Modern hulls sail flat and rise to “plane” over the COUNTRY GOLD SILVER BRONZE TOTAL water when well balanced GBR 2 10 3 ON THE RAIL NED 2 00 2 Modern yachts carry huge sails. Although the AUS 1 30 4 yachts are ballasted and self-righting, weight NZL 1 21 4 distribution is still important, and crew will often FRA 1 02 3 be seen lined down the windward side deck (on the “rail”). This contributes toward INSIDE STORY leveling the angle of heel, enabling the The International Sailing Federation (ISAF) helm to steer the desired course is descended from an organization dating without reducing the amount of back to 1907, when the International Yacht sail—thus giving more speed. Racing Union (IYRU) was formed in Paris, France. Yachting authorities were included from France, Austria-Hungary, Holland and Belgium, Finland, Denmark, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and Spain. They devised a code for measuring racing yachts and rules for racing in Europe. In 1929, the North American Yacht Racing Union aligned its rules with Europe, and in 1960, a worldwide code was adopted. The IYRU became the ISAF in 1996. Some of the rules devised in 1907 are still in use today.

NEED2KNOW SIDELINES 68 The number of nations Rowing is governed by the International Rowing 6,000 The average that participated in the 2011 World Federation (FISA). Founded in 1892, FISA is the Rowing Championships. oldest federation in the Olympic Games. number of calories consumed each Rowing with one oar in both hands is called day by an Olympic oarsman to give 155 The number of national sweep or sweep-oar rowing, while rowing with him enough energy to complete his one oar in each hand is called sculling. training program. federations affiliated with rowing’s Rowers speak in terms of numbers of governing body, the International strokes per minute, with the rating being 5:19 The current Olympic Rowing Federation (FISA). the number of strokes the crew completes during one minute. record time, in minutes and seconds, 6,200 The average distance set by the US heavyweight men’s eight in the 2004 Athens Games. rowed each year (in miles, equivalent to more than about 10,000 km) by an Olympic oarsman during training. ROWING “SHOOT ME” ONE OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL EVENT OVERVIEW OLYMPIC ATHLETES EVER IS BRITISH Rowing can be described as hurtling backward as fast as possible in an ROWER SIR STEVEN REDGRAVE— unstable craft while ignoring burning lungs and screaming muscles. THE ONLY ATHLETE EVER TO HAVE One of the few athletic disciplines that actually involves all of the body’s WON FIVE CONSECUTIVE OLYMPIC major muscle groups, rowing demands high fitness and power levels GOLD MEDALS IN AN ENDURANCE for racing. Many different disciplines have evolved within the sport— EVENT. IMMEDIATELY AFTER HIS heavyweight or lightweight events, for example, and sprints or long- FOURTH WIN, IN ATLANTA IN 1996, distance races—for both individuals and for teams of up to eight crew. REDGRAVE FAMOUSLY GASPED, “IF YOU EVER SEE ME NEAR A BOAT AGAIN, YOU HAVE MY PERMISSION TO SHOOT ME.” HIS RETIREMENT DIDN’T LAST LONG, HOWEVER, AND HE WENT ON TO WIN A FIFTH GOLD MEDAL IN SYDNEY IN 2000. ATHLETE PROFILE Bowside Strokeside Rowing demands a challenging blend of A rower whose If the oar extends out strength, stamina, balance, technical skill, oars extend from on the left (port) side and mental discipline. Rowers have some of the boat, the rower of the highest power outputs of athletes the right is a strokesider in any sport, and racing 1 mile 427 yd (starboard) side (2,000 m) requires the power of a sprinter together with the physical and mental of the boat is endurance to keep going while the muscles called a bowsider are burning with lactic acid—and while maintaining balance, rhythm, and technical control. It helps to be tall, since long arms and legs provide the advantage of a long stroke through the water; many top male rowers are nearing 6 ft 7 in (2 m), and many of the top women are over 6 ft (1.8 m). The oar Oarlock Rigger Tight fit Tough shell A modern oar is Also called a rowlock, and Bolted to the shell, the Rowers wear a tight-fitting A rowing boat is called a shell and usually hollow carbon fastened by a bar called a rigger is a frame, usually onepiece, also known as a unisuit, with a rubber handle gate, the oarlock holds the aluminum or steel, that zootsuit, or all-in-one, reflecting is typically made of lightweight and a flat blade or their club or national colors carbon fiber and plastic spoon at the other end oar as it rotates through supports the oarlock each stroke

RACE FORMATS COASTAL AND OCEAN ROWING WATER SPORTS There are many different types of rowing races, reflecting the Although not included in the Olympic program, there are many sport’s long history. In addition to standard 2,000 m races, coastal and ocean-rowing events. FISA organizes the World there are time-trial events called head races, long-distance Rowing Coastal Challenge as a championship event for events such as the Tour du Léman, and regattas over international crews, and there are many other cross-ocean non-Olympic distances. In the UK, there are also bumps races races and coastal regattas worldwide. that involve a pursuit to “bump” the boat in front, while stake-racing is an American event that involves a race to a marker some distance away and back to the starting point. OLYMPIC RACES Finish tower Red zones Finish line The Olympic course is competed over a straight course. On the first floor sit the The first and last 109 yd The finish line is marked by Crews race in six lanes and compete in a series of heats and three race judges, while (100 m) of each lane are a board on one side of the repechages (the “second chance” for crews facing elimination) below them sit the official to reach the final. The first three crews in each semifinal race marked by red buoys course with a black line in the “A” final for places 1–6 and the last three crews in each timekeepers and down it; this is aligned with semifinal compete in the “B” final for places 7–12. administrators a wire in the finish tower ROWING Lining up Course Lanes The aligner aligns markers Each lane is the bows of each Every 820 ft boat with a line on a (250 m), there 41–44 ft board on the far side is a marker to (12.5–13.5 m) of the course, ready tell the rowers for the starter to how far they wide have left to start the race the finish line Lane markers Small yellow or white 2,187 yd (2,000 m) buoys mark the boundaries of each lane at 33 ft (10 m) intervals: there may also be larger red buoys at each 274 yd (250 m) mark Lane numbers Each boat carries a number on its bow corresponding to the lane in which it is racing Ready to go Race officials hold the sterns of each boat in position, ready for the race to start; some courses also have starter shoe mechanisms that hold the bows in place and drop down below the waterline automatically as the race starts Start pontoon These adjust to accommodate the different lengths of the various classes of boat racing to ensure they all align with the starting line correctly 2,000 M RACES HEAD RACES The Olympics, World Cup, and World Championships are all rowed over An alternative to side-by-side racing, a head race is essentially a time a standard distance of 1 mile 427 yd (2,000 m). There are 14 different trial and can involve hundreds of crews setting off in procession events in the Olympics and the World Cup: eight for men and, since they seconds after each other and chasing each other down the course. were first introduced in 1976, six for women. Every year except an The oldest, founded in 1926, is the Head of the River Race on the Olympic year sees the staging of a World Championship, which has 22 Thames in London, UK; the largest is the Head of the Charles in Boston, events, including 13 for men and nine for women. World Cup events Massachusetts, which is the largest two-day rowing event in the world. occur annually as a series of three international regattas at different OTHER RACES venues chosen each year. Adaptive rowing events for rowers with Over time, various other events have established themselves in the physical disabilities were first incorporated into the World Championships rowing calendar. First held in 1829, the Oxford and Cambridge Boat program for 2002 and the Beijing Paralympic Games for 2008. Race is contested annually by the two English universities over a LIGHTWEIGHT ROWING course of 4 miles 374 yd (6,779 m) on the Thames in London, UK. Rowing is unusual in that it is one of few noncombat sports to have Yale and Harvard universities have been having a similar annual battle a special weight category for lightweights. This allows countries with since 1852 in New London, Connecticut. There are many other “less statuesque” people to participate in the sport. For men in the variations on university races and on regattas over distances other lightweight class, the crew average must be 1541⁄3 lb (70 kg), with no than 2,000 m, such as Henley Royal Regatta. Established in 1839, this individual crew member weighing more than 1593⁄4 lb (72.5 kg); for unique and prestigious international event races crews side by side women, the crew average is limited to 125 lb (57 kg), with an individual two abreast down a course that is 1 mile 550 yd (2,112 m) long. In maximum of 130 lb (59 kg) for each crew member. Lightweight events 1988, the first Henley Women’s Regatta was held, and in 1993, were first included in the World Championships in 1974 for men and Henley Royal Regatta introduced its first event for women for single 1985 for women and were added into the Olympic program in 1996. sculls. This has since been followed by events for eights and quads.

ONE OAR OR TWO? BOATS AND BLADES The difference between rowing and sculling lies in the number and size Rowing equipment is expensive and is usually of the oars used—the shells used are the same, just rigged differently to owned and maintained by rowing clubs or accommodate the respective number of oars. squads, although many scullers own their own single scull. For racing, rowers usually wear a ROWING SCULLING one-piece suit in club or national colors. This Competing in combinations from a pair to Scullers have two oars, one in each hand. Although garment is designed to be tight fitting to avoid eight, rowers have one blade each. Many octuples (eight scullers in a boat) do exist, most snagging on the boat or blades during the race. rowers have one preferred side, just as most sculling events are for combinations from a single Additional layers of breathable clothing may be people have a preferred writing hand. to a quad (containing four scullers). worn depending on the weather conditions. EVENTS SHELLS The classification system used to describe rowing events uses a mixture of characters: Traditional wooden rowing boats have been largely replaced by boats made from modern materials such L OR LT: The event is for lightweights. as carbon fiber and fiberglass. The shell has a long, J: The event is for under-19s. narrow shape to cut through the water with minimum B: The event is for under-23s. drag. The length conforms to the rules of FISA and varies M: The event is for men. according to the class (minimum requirements shown W: The event is for women. below). The shells range from 231⁄2 to 241⁄5 in (59.7 to 1: The number of athletes in the boat; the number will be either 1, 2, 4, or 8. 62.2 cm) wide. A small fin or skeg is fitted to the hull X: The event is for scullers. for stability, and a small rudder will be attached to all + OR – signifies whether a cox is or is not present. classes of boats except single and double sculls. So, for example, LM4x denotes a lightweight men’s quad, while W8+ is a heavyweight STEERING women’s eight. There are further classifications at national level to denote experience Most racing shells have rudders not much larger than a or handicap levels, or age classifications for veteran rowers, but these vary from credit card, and these are connected to rudder wires country to country and most are not used for international competition. that feed back into the boat. If the boat is coxed, the coxswain will control the rudder (see box below): if not, the rower or sculler nearest to the bow (the front of the boat) will usually control the steering via a movable footplate to which the rudder wires have been attached. He or she may have to look around to check the direction of the boat at regular intervals, depending on how straight the course is. SMALL BUT SIGNIFICANT BOAT CLASSES Eight Pronounced “cox’n” and often shortened to “cox,” coxswains The seven main boat classes are shown This shell contains can perform a vital role in a crew. Not only do they steer the here, with their respective crews and eight rowers and boat, but they also call the tactical shots, provide the motivation, minimum boat lengths and weights a coxswain; it is act as on-the-water coaches to focus the crew’s technique according to FISA classifications. The 62 ft (19.9 m) long during the race and tell the rowers what’s going on around eighth boat class, the coxed pair, is less and weighs 211 lb them. Traditionally, they carried megaphones, but now they commonly used in competition. (96 kg) use “cox boxes”—small amplifiers linked to speakers fitted Coxed Four throughout the boat. To avoid the rowers carrying excess weight, Straight Four Quad Containing four coxswains tend to be light—the FISA minimum is 121¼ lb (55 kg) Also known as a Containing four rowers and a for a men’s crew and 110¼ lb (50 kg) for a women’s crew. “coxless” four, this shell scullers, this shell is 44 coxswain, this shell contains four rowers, two ft (13.4 m) long and is 45 ft (13.7 m) on each side; it is 44 ft weighs 114 lb (52 kg) long and weighs (13.4 m) long and weighs 112 lb (51 kg) 110 lb (50 kg) Single Scull Double Scull Pair Containing one sculler, Two scullers sit in this The same size and this shell is 27 ft (8.2 shell, which is 34 ft weight as a double m) long and weighs (10.4 m) long and scull, this shell 30 lb 13 oz (14 kg) weighs 59 lb (27 kg) contains one bowside and one strokeside rower

IN THE BOAT BOAT BASICS ROWING RULES WATER SPORTS Much of the equipment used for rowing and Rowing shells are Within each country, there is a sculling is exactly the same, although the light, quite fragile, national governing body with its own ROWING riggers and oars for sculling are smaller than and built in different rules for rowing and sculling events. those for rowing. There is no restriction on blade weights and strengths Although these rules vary slightly, size or shape, but both oars and riggers are to suit a crew’s size they all exist to ensure that races run usually designed to be lightweight and very and weight. They are safely and fairly. Each national strong. The internal mechanisms within the very unstable governing body is a member of the boat, such as the seats and feet, are identical. without their oars International Rowing Federation OARS in place. (Fédération Internationale des Modern oars are usually made of hollow carbon fiber. Bowball Sociétés d’Aviron; FISA), which Lengths given are averages, as many designs have Every boat must have is the world governing body for adjustable shaft lengths. a rubber bowball the sport. secured to its bow. Rowing The bows of the boat RACES AND REGATTAS oar would otherwise be Regattas take place under the supervision of very sharp, so a committee of race officials headed by a bowballs can prevent chairman. Before a crew takes to the water, any nasty spearings if officials check that the crew and the boat a collision occurs conform to the rules of the sport. At the start of the race, each crew lines up in lane and Sculling Handle Canvas are held in place either by an electronic oar A rubber cover The narrowing mechanism called a starter shoe or by an allows the rower sections of the boat official while the aligner checks that all of the to grip the between the crew boats are lined up correctly. A loud beep or handle easily area and the bow gun may be used to start a race, the starter or stern are named may call “Go,” or a “traffic light” system may Collar after the material be used. At this point, the boats are released An adjustable historically used to and the race gets underway. In the event of collar, also known cover them. Crews a false start, a bell is rung and the starter as a button, is that win by just over waves a red flag to recall crews. Crews are fastened around 3 ft (1 m) are said to allowed one false start only before being the oar to prevent “win by a canvas” disqualified. it from slipping Sliding seat through the oarlock The seat is mounted An umpire follows each race down the Sleeve on wheels that roll course to ensure that there are no steering This plastic jacket back and forth on infringements, for which crews can be fitted to the oar rails (slides) fixed to disqualified. A hooter sounds as each boat has ridges on it the shell. The sliding crosses the finish line, and the umpire raises to help hold the seat allows the rower a white flag at the end of a race to confirm collar in place to use the legs to that it has been completed properly. The 27 ft (8.2 m)drive the oar throughwinner is the boat whose bow is deemed to 12 ft 6 in (3.8 m)the water touch the finish line first. Three photo-finish Fixed feet judges adjudicate if the race is too close to 9 ft 10 in (3 m) Shoes are bolted to call. A jury of at least three officials, appointed an adjustable by the race umpire before a race, resolves Loom footplate within the any formal protests arising out of competition. The shaft of the oar, boat. Fixing the feet between the handle provides the rower CATCHING A CRAB and the blade, is with a strong platform THE ROWER’S ULTIMATE NIGHTMARE known as the loom from which to push IS CATCHING A CRAB—NOTHING TO DO the legs and drive WITH THE CLAWS OF CRUSTACEANS, the oar through the BUT STILL VERY PAINFUL. CRABS ARE water. Shoes have CAUSED BY THE BLADE ENTERING THE quick-release Velcro WATER AT THE WRONG ANGLE, WHICH straps in case the SLICES THE BLADE DOWN AND boat capsizes CAUSES THE OAR HANDLE TO SHOOT UPWARD OR BACKWARD FAST— Painted blades Built for speed SOMETIMES FAST ENOUGH TO The flattened end A modern shell is CATAPULT A ROWER OUT OF THE BOAT of the oar is known made from lightweight OR CAPSIZE IT. AND THAT’S IF THE as the blade or materials such as ROWER’S LUCKY—IF HE OR SHE IS spoon. Blades come carbon fiber and UNLUCKY, THE HANDLE SLAMS INTO in a variety of shapes shaped to cut through THEIR RIBS INSTEAD. and are traditionally the water. It has to be painted in club or as light as possible yet national colors strong enough to support the crew

THE ROWING STROKE INDOOR ROWING Although rowing may look like an upper-body sport, the Most indoor rowing takes place on an ergometer (often power in a rowing stroke comes from the legs. Rowers sit shortened to “ergo” or “erg”), which is a land-based machine facing backward (toward the stern) holding an oar or oars designed to simulate the experience of rowing. The ergo is and propel the boat forward by pushing with the legs. The a useful training tool and allows coaches to test a rower’s technique is fundamentally the same for both rowing and performance and power output. It can be a factor in making sculling and involves four key phases (see below)—the crew selections, although performance on the ergo does not secret is to flow smoothly from one phase to the other. always equate directly with performance on the water, where Good rowing looks graceful and effortless, but this belies technique and balance also play a critical factor. Indoor rowing the tremendous power and physical demands required. has also become a competitive sport in its own right. There are Applying the necessary power smoothly enough to avoid numerous local and national competitions worldwide, with acting as a brake on the boat while also maintaining hundreds of thousands of participants, and an annual world balance and keeping in time with the crew is a task that championship event called the CRASH-B Sprints, which is requires great technical skill and many hours of practice. held in Boston, Massachusetts. TAKING THE CATCH THE DRIVE PHASE The rower leans forward with knees compressed so that the As the legs engage and start to power the blades through the water, shins are vertical. With arms outstretched for maximum “reach,” the seat slides backward. The rower uses the momentum gained the rower places the oar blades vertically (“squared”) in the water through the leg drive to draw the blade handles toward the body and starts to push with the legs against the footplate. and leans back slightly to optimize the stroke length. Blade Strong spine Fully Opening up Power supply ready The body leans extended During the leg The legs provide The blade forward slightly The arms are drive, the body propulsion for the is squared without slouching fully extended opens up and the drive phase and ready for maximum arms draw the to enter the shoulders stroke length oar in toward the water the body THE EXTRACTION RECOVERY TIME Also known as the finish or the release, for this phase the rower pushes The rower begins by stretching the hands forward beyond the knees, down on the handle of the oars to lift the blades out of the water. with the blades initially still parallel to the surface of the water. The Once the oars are clear of the water, the rower rotates the handle to body then rocks forward to be ready in the catch position, while “feather” or position the blades parallel to the water, which cuts down the hands are rotating the oar handles to square the blade and the on air resistance. legs are compressing to bring the body forward for the next catch. Down and away Blade released Coming forward The hands tap down The blade is As the oar handle is and away from the body pushed forward, the quickly at the finish feathered as it blade is squared, ready exits the water for the next catch SIDELINES 7,500 The number of 0.08 The margin 250,000 competitors competing in the annual of victory in seconds over the Head of the Charles race in Boston. Canadian boat when British rower The number of spectators lining the Matthew Pinsent took his fourth banks of the Thames River each year to 20 ⁄1 2 The lung capacity in consecutive Olympic gold in the watch The Boat Race between Oxford men’s coxless four in the 2004 University and Cambridge University. pints of British rower Peter Reed Athens Olympics. Pinsent’s (equivalent to 11.68 liters and more than teammates were James Cracknell, double that of the average person). Ed Coode, and Steve Williams.

RACING TO WIN TEAMWORK WATER SPORTS Rowers talk in terms of “rating”—the number of strokes a crew completes in a minute. Aside from the single scull, rowing At the start of a race, the stroke rate will be high—upward of 50 for a men’s eight—as the requires a high level of teamwork. One boat sprints away. During this phase, the rowers are working hard and building up lactic acid rower cannot pull a crew to victory alone; in their muscles. Once the boat is up to speed, the crew settles into its race pace and the it takes the whole crew to win. Bladework rate steadies out—around 38–40 for a men’s eight. At tactical points in the race, or to counter and timing must be synchronized; body threats from the opposition, there may be a call for a “power 10” on the legs or an “up two” positions and movements must be of the rating. Approaching the finish, crews wind up for another sprint and the stroke rate coordinated. Crews are numbered from rises again—46 or more is not uncommon—and the rowers’ muscles and lungs will be the bow through to the stern, with Bow burning even more than they did at the start. A high rate does not always guarantee speed, first, then Two, Three, and so on through however; a good technical crew may go faster than a less able crew rowing at a higher rate. to Seven and finally Stroke. Stroke Seven Six Five Four Three Two Bow ROWING A good technical Supports Stroke Leads the “engine Backs up six in Lynchpin of the Provides power Leads bow pair; First over rower who sets and transmits room” of the middle supplying power engine room, Four and keeps bow a technical rower the finish line: the pace and the rhythm and four crew members; to back up the connects the pair in touch who has quick another technical rhythm for cadence to the helps keep rhythm stern pair and crewmembers in with the rhythm bladework and rower who, with the crew rest of the crew and length in transmitting rhythm the bows to the in the boat can anticipate Two, helps the water action in the stern each stroke balance the boat Coxswain Steers the boat and calls the tactics (see box, p.264) STAT CENTRAL INSIDE STORY “Modern” competitive rowing probably began WORLD BEST TIMES (MEN) between the watermen of the Thames River in London, but had spread to Europe and North CLASS CREW TIME YEAR America by the late 18th century. In the UK, 2017 The Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge M1X NEW ZEALAND (R. Manson) 6:30.74 2012 universities was first held in 1829, followed by the first annual regatta at Henley in 1839. M2– NEW ZEALAND (H. Bond, E. Murray) 6:08.50 2014 In the US, Yale and Harvard established their 2012 own intercollegiate race in 1852, and by 1892, M2X CROATIA (Valent Sinkovic, Martin Sinkovic) 5:59.72 1991 the sport’s popularity ensured its inclusion in 2014 the 1896 Athens Games, although bad weather M4– GREAT BRITAIN (A. Triggs-Hodge, T. James, P. Reed, A. Gregory) 5:37.86 prevented the Olympic debut until the 1900 2017 Paris Games. Women’s events were first M4+ GERMANY (J. Dederding, A. Weyrauch, B. Rabe, M. Ungemach, A. Eichholz) 5:58.96 introduced in the 1976 Montreal Games, and lightweight rowing has been an Olympic M4X UKRAINE (Artem Morozov, Ivan Dovgodko, Olexandr Nadtoka, Dmytro Mikhay) 5:32.26 sport since the 1996 Games in Atlanta. M8+ GERMANY (M. Jakschik, M. Sauer, R. Schmidt, J. Weissenfeld, T. Johannesen, 5:18.68 INTERNATIONAL ROWING FEDERATION J. Schneider, M. Planer, H. Ocik, F. Wimberger) The International Rowing Federation (Fédération Internationale des Sociétés d’Aviron; FISA) is the world governing body for WORLD BEST TIMES (WOMEN) rowing. FISA organizes international regattas such as the Olympics, the World Championships, and the Rowing World CLASS CREW TIME YEAR Cup. Founded in 1892, it is the oldest international sports 7:07.71 2002 federation in the Olympic movement. W1X BULGARIA (R. Neykova) 6:49.08 2017 6:37.31 2014 W2– NEW ZEALAND (G. Prendergast, K. Gowler) 6:14.36 2014 6:06.84 2014 W2X AUSTRALIA (S. Kehoe, O. Aldersey) 5:54.16 2013 W4– NEW ZEALAND (G. Prendergast, K. Pratt, K.Gowler, K. Bevan) W4X GERMANY (A. Thiele, C. Baer, J. Lier, L. Schmidla) W8+ USA (E. Regan, A. Polk, K. Snyder, K. Simmonds, G. Luczak, H. Robbins, L. Schmetterling, V. Opitz, C. Lind)

KAYAKING NEED2KNOW SPORT OVERVIEW Kayaking differs from canoeing in that From the adrenaline-fueled excitement of the whitewater competitors paddle from a seated position slalom to the sheer speed and lung-busting effort of the and use a double-bladed paddle. flatwater sprint, kayaking is a sport of supreme athletic Especially popular in North America and ability and technical skill. In the Olympics, there are Europe, kayaking is governed by the individual, paired, and four-person flatwater sprints over International Canoe Federation (ICF). various distances, as well as the dramatic whitewater The Olympic Games are the highest level of slalom. In this individual race against the clock, each competition. The ICF World Championships competitor paddles around a series of gates, in assigned are also highly prized. order and direction, without touching any part of the gate. Flatwater and slalom races require different In addition to the Olympic events, marathon and wildwater techniques, and some of the gear used is races are contested at international level. There is even a unique to each event. ball sport, confusingly called canoe polo, played in kayaks. ON THE COURSE COMPETITOR PROFILE Olympic flatwater events take place Flatwater kayak events demand a high degree of aerobic fitness over 656 feet (200 m); 1,640 ft (500 m); and muscular stamina. Competitors must maintain excellent technique or 3,280 ft (1,000 m) of calm water. The under pressure. Technical ability is more important in slalom races, straight course is marked into nine lanes but strength, power, and aerobic endurance are still essential. (see right), each of which is 29 ft 3 in (9 m) wide. Slalom events take place on Propulsion Gripping the paddle Head protection the rapids of natural rivers or purpose- High-level competitors use a Many competitors use The helmet is made built waterways. The course varies in double-bladed paddle made from a paddle grips to provide from reinforced plastic, length but always includes between lightweight carbon-epoxy laminate a better grip for more fiberglass, or super-light 18 and 25 gates (pairs of poles) efficient paddling carbon. Compulsory in the suspended above the surface of slalom, the helmet protects the water. Each gate has a number the head from impacts that marks the route of the course. against rocks or gates Competitors must negotiate at least six of the gates upstream. Staying afloat A personal flotation SAFETY FIRST device (PFD) is an Kayaking gear is designed with safety in mind. Perhaps the essential piece of most important safety equipment is the personal flotation paddling gear. Lightweight and device, which keeps a kayaker afloat in the water. Equally comfortable, the foam-filled important, however, are wetsuits and drysuits, which guard PFD keeps the competitor against hypothermia in cold water. afloat after capsize Staying dry Outer shells made from synthetic fabrics are waterproof and windproof yet allow sweat to escape from the inside Power paddle Spray skirt Kayakers need fantastic upper A neoprene spray skirt fits around the body strength to power through the waist and stretches around the cockpit water—the more forceful their of the kayak to form a water-tight seal paddling, the faster they will travel

FLATWATER BASIN Keeping in line 295¼ ft (90 m) WATER SPORTS Depending on the facilities at a particular competition, the An aligner lies on each lane flatwater basin may be used to host canoe and kayak races of of the starting jetty to ensure all distances, as well as all the rowing events. The basin is usually each kayak starts from the sheltered from the wind and has no current. The sides of the basin same position are designed to absorb waves rather than reflect them. Scoreboard Finish line On-course judges Displays the names Finish line judges Two judges follow the of the competitors, manually record the race in motorboats and their nationality, lane finish time of each use red flags to signal number, race time, competitor to back up infringements to the and final position the electronic systems chief race official 3,280 ft (1,000 m) KAYAKING White buoys Starting line White buoys mark the lanes for An official at the most of their length. Red buoys starting line gives the mark the last 650 ft (200 m) starting signal and checks with the alignment judge to rule on false starts Control tower Grandstands SHUNYI SUCCESS The control tower is home to Spectators watch THE SHUNYI ROWING-CANOEING PARK the chief race official and the the race from either WAS ONE OF THE FIRST OLYMPIC race announcer, who relays side of the course VENUES TO BE COMPLETED FOR THE race information over a 2008 BEIJING GAMES. IT WAS THE tannoy system BIGGEST OF ALL THE OLYMPIC VENUES IN BEIJING, SPANNING AN AREA OF 0.63 SQ MILES (1.62 SQ KM). FLAT KAYAK CLASSES WHITEWATER SLALOM In flatwater Olympic races, there are three different kayak The whitewater slalom is a technical and demanding race classes: K1, K2, and K4. The letter “K” stands for “kayak,” and in which competitors guide their kayaks through a series of the number represents the number of competitors in the boat. numbered gates over challenging rapids. In the Olympics, In the K1, men race over 656 ft (200 m) and 3,280 ft (1,000 m). there are single slalom kayak events for men (K1) and women In the 2020 Olympics, men will race over 3,280 ft (1,000 m) (K1). Each competitor has two attempts on the course. The in the K2 class and over 1,640 ft (500 m) in the K4 class. final result is based either on the faster of the two runs or Women race over 656 ft (200 m) in the K1 class and over the total time for both runs, plus any time penalties. 1,640 ft (500 m) in all three classes. The specifications of the single, double, and four-person kayaks are listed below. GATE PENALTIES There are between 18 K1 SINGLE K2 DOUBLE K4 FOUR-PERSON and 25 gates on a typical LENGTH 17 ft (5.2 m) 21 ft 3 in (6.5 m) 36 ft (11 m) Olympic course. Officials BEAM 1 ft 10 in (51 cm) 1 ft 11 in (55 cm) 2 ft 1 in (60 cm) hand out time penalties for WEIGHT 26 lb 6 oz (12 kg) 39 lb 10 oz (18 kg) 66 lb (30 kg) touching or missing gates or taking them in the wrong JOHN MACGREGOR AND ROB ROY direction. MANY PADDLERS DATE THE BEGINNING OF RECREATIONAL SEA KAYAKING TO JOHN MACGREGOR’S FAMOUS Paddle penalty ADVENTURES IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE 19TH Competitors keep paddles CENTURY. MACGREGOR COMMISSIONED A KAYAK OF vertical when going CEDAR AND OAK, WHICH HE CHRISTENED “ROB ROY” through gates to avoid AFTER THE FAMOUS SCOTTISH OUTLAW TO WHOM HE touching them WAS RELATED, AND TRAVELED AROUND EUROPE AND THE Gate stripes MIDDLE EAST. HIS BOOK A THOUSAND MILES IN THE ROB Gates with green and white ROY CANOE BECAME AN INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER. stripes are navigated downstream. Red and white stripes mean the kayaker has to paddle upstream

COMPETITION WARM AND DRY Water Sleeveless top CLOTHING The vest and trunks resistant Vests prevent chafing Competitors’ clothing is made from the are made from A waterproof under the arms caused latest synthetic materials. The aim is to lightweight by repetitive paddling keep warm, dry, and comfortable, but antimicrobial dry top the clothing also incorporates some vital fabrics. These combines with Tight trunks safety features, such as the combined undergarments the spray skirt Tight-fitting, quick- dry top and spray skirt, which stops act as base drying trunks have water from entering the cockpit of the layers, keeping to prevent durable seat panels kayak and prevents it from sinking. competitors warm, water from and hidden seams dry, and free entering the to prevent chafing from infection. cockpit of around the crotch the kayak K1 slalom: maximum 13 ft (4 m) ABOUT A BOAT Modern flat-water racing kayaks are usually made out of At least 24 in (60 cm) lightweight composites. Ultralight carbon fibers or aramid fibers (such as Kevlar) are the materials of choice, with epoxy resin used to glue the layers together. Top-end K1 or K2 kayaks cost anything upward of $4,000. The ICF publishes strict guidelines for each kayak class. Kayaks must conform to standards for the maximum length, minimum beam (width), minimum weight, and boat shape. K1 flat-water: maximum 17 ft (5.2 m) At least 20 in (51 cm) At least 7½ in K1 flat-water: maximum 7–9 ft (2–3 m) Wing paddle (20 cm) The curved, winglike blades catch the water better than traditional flat blades. This creates greater propulsive force PADDLING SKILLS FORWARD SWEEP The body is the driving force behind The forward sweep is a control stroke used to spin the kayak in a stationary position or to make all the key paddling strokes. Beginners a turn when moving forward. It is both a propulsive stroke and a turning stroke, so it is the best often try to power the stroke with the way of turning without losing momentum. The stroke is powered by a solid catch at the same arms, resulting in rapid fatigue and time as rotating the upper body. poor technique. Experienced kayakers STARTING THE SWEEP use the body as the engine, the arms as The forward sweep begins in the same the transmission, and the blades as the position as the basic forward stroke. The wheels. Another common mistake for kayaker plants the blade in the water and novices is to grip the shaft tightly with then rotates his or her upper body toward both hands. An experienced kayaker the stern. The kayaker then pushes the grips the shaft securely with the control legs in the direction of the new course. hand only. The shaft should be able to SWEEP TO STERN rotate freely in the other hand. The kayaker sweeps the paddle through an arc extending about 3 ft (1 m) from the boat, PADDLING at the same time rotating his or her upper Every stroke in kayaking involves pulling body as the blade moves to the stern. Most against the water with the control hand of the power is produced as the paddle and letting the other hand relax and push sweeps between the hip and the stern. the stroke through. The stroke is done with both arms held comfortably in front of the BODY BALANCE body. A left pull starts by cocking the wrist At the end of the sweep, the kayaker’s of the left hand down to turn the pulling body faces toward the side of the turn, blade into position. After the pull, the left with the shaft of the paddle over the water hand relaxes and rotates the shaft into and parallel to the kayak. Before starting position for the right pull. the next stroke, the kayaker edges his or her body back into the center of the kayak. CATCH Plant the paddle BRACE Body rotation The basic paddling stroke The kayaker plants The brace steadies the kayak Upper body and paddle starts with the catch, when the in preparation for the main driving paddle enters the water. the paddle firmly propulsive phase of the stroke. rotate to one side, in the water ready for the stroke

OTHER KAYAK SPORTS SIDELINES WATER SPORTS Flat-water and white-water slalom are the only kayak events contested at the Olympic Games, but there are many other 45 The cost, in millions of dollars, to construct KAYAKING competitive races and sports held at international level. Wild-water is a race against the clock along a white-water the Deodoro Olympic Whitewater Stadium for slalom section of a river. Marathon races are long-distance races canoe-kayak events at the 2016 Olympic Games in on natural bodies of water. Canoe polo is a ball sport played Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. by two teams of five players in kayaks. 44:49 The record, in hours and minutes, WILD-WATER Unlike the slalom events, there are no gates to consider in wild-water; to complete the 460-mile Yukon River Quest in a solo the simple aim is to complete the course in the fastest time possible. kayak. The record is held by American Carter Johnson. There are two types of events. Sprint events are frenetic dashes over 545–820 yd (500–750 m). Classic races take place over a longer 80 The number of Olympic medals won by distance, usually 4–6 miles (6–10 km). The kayaks used for wild-water racing are longer and narrower than those used for flat-water racing. Hungary in canoe-kayak events—more than any other MARATHON nation in the sport. ICF rules set the minimum distance for marathon races as 12½ miles (20 km) for men and 9½ miles (15 km) for women. At the World Cup SURFSKI RACING and World Championships, races usually cover up to 25 miles (40 km) SURFSKIS ARE LONG, NARROW KAYAKS USED FOR and include obstacles such as rocks and shallows. Many marathon LIFESAVING IN SURFING HOT SPOTS AROUND THE races are extreme endurance events that are often held over hundreds WORLD, ESPECIALLY AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND, of miles and take many hours to complete. SOUTH AFRICA, AND CALIFORNIA AND HAWAII IN THE CANOE POLO UNITED STATES. MANY LIFEGUARDS COMPETE IN Described as a cross between water polo and kayaking, the object of SURFSKI RACES ORGANIZED BY THE INTERNATIONAL canoe polo is to score more goals than your opponent in two 10-minute LIFESAVING FEDERATION (ILF). THERE ARE MANY halves. The game is usually played in an indoor swimming pool. Enjoyed DIFFERENT EVENTS, FROM SHORT SPRINTS TO competitively in many countries throughout the world, the pinnacle is LONG-DISTANCE “IRONMAN” SURFSKI EVENTS. the World Championships, which is held every two years. ESKIMO ROLL INSIDE STORY INTERNATIONAL CANOE FEDERATION The Eskimo, or sweep, roll is a technique Competitive kayaking first came about The International Canoe Federation (ICF) that involves a flicking hip motion and in the 19th century, when people began is the ruling body for all canoe and kayak use of the paddle to right a capsized kayak. to race over set distances. Flat-water events held at international level, including The hip flick is the key step in a kayak roll. racing became an official Olympic sport the Olympic flat-water and slalom races. It involves jerking the lower body to one at the 1936 Berlin Games. White-water It is also responsible for dragon boat racing side so that the kayak begins to return to an slalom is a more recent addition to the and ocean kayaking. The ICF was founded upright position. The Eskimo roll is one of the Olympic calendar, becoming a regular in Stockholm in 1946 to replace the easiest techniques to master. Other roll styles event since the 1992 Barcelona Games. International Repraëtantschaft für suit different kayaks. An example is the hand Kanuspart (IRK). It is now based in roll, which is performed without a paddle. Lausanne, Switzerland. SIT-UP START To do an Eskimo roll to the left, the kayaker FLICKING THE HIP FLIPPING OVER does a “sit-up” to the right side and pushes Keeping the head near the water’s surface, The hip flick continues until the kayak flips his hands up and out of the water so the the kayaker then sweeps his body and paddle all the way over to an upright position. forearms press against the side of the kayak. away from the side of the kayak. The hip flick The kayaker straightens his back to begins at the same time as the sweep. recover and begin paddling again. Hip flick A flick of the hips starts to flip the kayak over STROKE Held aloft TRANSITION Side swap Propulsion is achieved The paddle is almost The transition of strokes As soon as the blade as the blade sweeps vertical as the kayak is from side to side should be through the water. as smooth as possible. emerges, the catch propelled forward starts on the other side

EVENT OVERVIEW NEED2KNOW Canoeing is a strenuous water sport for men and women, competing either individually or as a pair. Competitors race to A popular worldwide sport, canoeing is complete the course in the quickest time and use a single- governed by the International Canoe bladed paddle to propel the craft through the water. There are Federation (ICF), based in Switzerland. two competitive disciplines: slalom and flatwater canoeing. Developed by the indigenous peoples of the Staged on fast-flowing water, slalom events involve competitors Americas, boats are sometimes referred to negotiating a series of gates, while flatwater racing takes place as Indian or Canadian canoes. on calm water with competitors racing side-by-side. Unlike Competitors from 88 nations competed kayakers, canoeists usually paddle from a kneeling position. in 37 events at the 39th ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships in Hungary in 2011. CANOEING Head protection COMPETITOR A helmet is essential to prevent injuries from PROFILE the hard structure of the course, from slalom Competitive canoeists tend to develop a very high level obstacles, or from the canoe itself of physical flexibility, strength, T-bar paddle handle and stamina, as the repetitions involved in the aerobic activity Canoe paddles often feature a T-bar of paddling make use of all the at the end of the handle to make it muscles in the upper body— abdominals, arms, shoulders, easier to steer and propel the canoe back, and chest—as well as Tandem canoe those in the legs. The team member in the back paddles on one side from a kneeling position, while his or her seated teammate paddles on the opposite side in the front THE SLALOM COURSE Slalom gate poles Slalom events are staged on natural stretches The colored poles of water, such as fast-flowing rivers, or on indicate which purpose-built courses that recreate the effects direction the canoeist of fast-moving currents. In each case, the course should take when is approximately 1,300 ft (400 m) long. Gates negotiating the gates (pairs of poles) are suspended above the water to define the route. Green and white striped gates Gate judges CLASS ACT must be negotiated in a downstream direction, Judges positioned Whitewater is classed in six while at least six red and white striped gates alongside the course categories, where class 1 is require the canoeist to paddle upstream. Slalom ensure that each the easiest to negotiate and courses are also used for kayaking. gate is passed class 6 is the most difficult. correctly Slalom courses are usually Artificial river held on class 2–4 whitewater. On purpose-built slalom courses, as shown here, the water channel is constructed from reinforced concrete, with a drop of several degrees between the top and the bottom Creating hazards A movable obstacle system consisting of concrete blocks makes it simple to alter the direction of the water flow Water recycling The water is pumped back up when it reaches the end of the course

SPEED AND SAFETY WATER SPORTS Racing or sprint canoes are long and narrow to facilitate high speeds. Slalom canoes are shorter and are fitted with a spraydeck—a waterproof Solo slalom canoe 12 ft 1 in (3.6 m) apron worn around the canoeist that stretches over the rim of the canoe cockpit to prevent water from entering the boat. Protective helmet A lightweight yet tough and rigid outer shell covers an inner foam lining to provide maximum protection and comfort Paddle top Buoyancy vest Team racing canoe 16 ft (5 m) CANOEING A fully waterproof To help a canoeist remain cagoule (or cag), afloat in case of a capsize, which allows a foam-filled vest is a useful the canoeist piece of safety gear, particularly complete freedom on fast-flowing watercourses, of movement, such as whitewater rivers is made from a special lightweight Lightweight paddle rubber material Many modern canoe Flexible spraydeck paddles consist of a durable The cagoule is combined with a polypropylene blade mounted rubber spraydeck that stretches on an aluminum shaft over the canoe cockpit to form a watertight seal TOUGH HULL Canoe hulls, which need to be lightweight yet impact- resistant, are constructed from materials such as fiberglass, Kevlar, polyethylene plastic, or ultralight carbon fiber. SLALOM RACING EXTREME PADDLING The object of canoe slalom racing is to negotiate a rapid-flowing natural AS WELL AS SLALOM AND FLATWATER or artificial river course measuring around 1,300 ft (400 m) in length. The RACING, CANOEING HAS MANY OTHER course is defined by 18–25 gates, and the competitor must finish the DISCIPLINES. IN PLAYBOATING (OR RODEO), course without making any faults in the shortest time possible. Each FOR EXAMPLE, COMPETITORS EARN POINTS competitor’s run is accurately timed, with a time penalty of two seconds BY PERFORMING STUNTS AND TRICKS, WHILE added for touching a gate. An international competition consists of two EXTREME RACING INVOLVES NEGOTIATING runs, and the times are added together to give the overall time. DANGEROUS WHITEWATER. RACING ON FLATWATER ICF-recognized flatwater canoe race competitions take place over clearly POWERING UP defined, unobstructed courses. Competitors race alongside each other, To gain the optimum power from each stroke, the flatwater often in lanes, along courses ranging from 650 ft (200 m) to 1,625 ft canoeist braces his or her body by kneeling on one knee with the (5,000 m) in length. A minimum of three boats are required for each other leg thrust forward. From this position, the paddle is driven race, and the winner is the first canoe to cross the finish line completely. swiftly into the water, with the canoeist leaning into the paddle and As in slalom canoeing, separate events are held for men and women. using their full body strength to pull against the paddle handle. Start position Down stroke Pull stroke Repeat stroke Paddle is held at Paddle is thrust Paddle blade is pulled Blade is returned arm’s length at an down and into a back through angle, ready for vertical position the water to the start the downstroke in the water and upward position and the stroke is repeated

DRAGON BOAT RACING NEED2KNOW SPORT OVERVIEW Originally based on Chinese customs, dragon boat races have been Most dragon boats can carry crews of 20 taking place for more than 2,000 years, and today elite crews race paddlers, although these boats are often each other all over the world. With up to seven brightly decorated raced with just 18 paddlers. dragon boats taking part, the races make an impressive spectacle. The largest boats, called swan boats, carry about 50 people. They are largely Shell design All in Working as one ceremonial and seldom raced. Smaller The hull of a modern Crews may Paddlers follow phoenix boats are raced with 10 paddlers. dragon boat is made contain both the strokes of the Competitive events are held over a range of from lightweight men and women pacers, the two distances, between 217 yd (200 m) sprints fiberglass paddlers at the and marathons of 311⁄4 miles (50 km). front of the boat In control The steerer, or helmsman, stands in the stern; with the best view of the water ahead, he has overall command of the boat Stern look The stern has a traditional shape to symbolize a dragon’s tail; it is painted in the same style as the head, so the whole boat resembles a dragon Steering oar The helmsman has a long oar that trails behind the boat; he pulls the handle toward him to go right and pushes it away to go left ON THE HEAD Finishing flag TRADITIONAL ORIGIN Races, especially sprints, may You need to catch your team ACCORDING TO ANCIENT CHINESE be very close. In the days LEGEND, DRAGON BOAT RACING before photo finishes, crews flag to finish, and there are COMMEMORATES THE DEATH OF QU had an elegant solution to penalties if you miss the flag YUAN, A FAMOUS POET AND KING’S determine the winner, one MINISTER OF THE 3RD CENTURY which is still widely used Reaching out BCE. QU YUAN COMMITTED SUICIDE today. As the boat The flag puller IN PROTEST AGAINST CORRUPT approaches the finish, an sits behind the RULERS BY JUMPING INTO A RIVER. extra crew member—the flag drummer until VILLAGERS ROWED OUT TO SAVE catcher—climbs onto the the closing stages HIM BUT WERE TOO LATE. THEY dragon’s head and reaches STAYED IN THE WATER, HOWEVER, forward. The finish line is AND BEAT DRUMS AND SPLASHED marked by flags in each lane, THE WATER TO KEEP FISH AND EVIL and whichever crew’s puller SPIRITS AWAY FROM HIS BODY. THE grabs a flag first is the RACES COMMEMORATE THEIR winner. Boats with large UNSUCCESSFUL RESCUE ATTEMPT. heads to accommodate pullers originate from Taiwan.

EQUIPMENT DIRECTING PROGRESS The shaft Rudder blade WATER SPORTS The boats and equipment used in modern The rudder is for steering only, Flattened facets This has a much dragon boat racing are produced using the not propulsion; unlike the along the length of bigger surface area latest technology and materials, but it still paddlers’ oars, the rudder the shaft help the than racing blades may be rested on the side. helmsman’s grip must conform to a set of traditional standards. about 6 ft (1.73 m) Drum role Stiffer than a board about 4 ft (1.1 m) DRAGON BOAT RACING The drum is held Modern racing paddles are Tail safe between the caller’s molded from carbon fibers When not in use, the legs; some boats for high strength and tail (and head) are carry a gong instead stiffness with little weight stored in a temple SYMBOLIC CREATURE Dragons are the only mythical creatures Scaly fins in the Chinese zodiac; they The fins are a symbol rule the rivers and seas of the dragon’s and govern rainfall. reptilian origins Dragon’s beard Racing feature Legend says that The tail and head are the dragon has the only used in races; they are whiskers of a catfish detached for training sessions Drum control Dragon’s head SYMBOLIC SPORT The caller faces the crew The bow decoration is In China, dragon boat races are held on and matches his beat to traditionally carved from May 5, the so-called Double Fifth—the the same tree trunk as fifth day of the fifth month. The races that of the pacers used in the hull, but it mark the beginning of the rice planting season, and by celebrating the spirit of is nowadays often a the dragon—the ruler of water—the fiberglass attachment racers hope that rain will come to flood the fields. Before a boat can be raced, Hull with no W its dragon head is “awoken” by a priest Traditional wooden boats had or another dignitary, who paints red dots on the bulging eyes. a W-shaped cross-section below the waterline created Today, the safety of crews is taken seriously, but in ancient times, racers by three beams lashed who fell in and drowned were thought to together; today, hulls are have been sacrificed to the dragon spirit—a sign of a good harvest to come. normally flat-bottomed STROKE-PULLING TAKE THE A-FRAME INSIDE STORY A crew must paddle in time to move At the moment of entry into the water, the The sport became popular outside at top speed. Even small discrepancies paddle and the paddler’s upper body should of China in the late 1980s, at first in timing slow the boat. It is hard for form the shape of the letter A. There should be in Canada and the west coast of the people in the stern to see the paddles no splashing, because splashing is inefficient United States. The sport has since of the pacers in the bow; that is why and wastes energy. spread to Australia and Europe. The the caller’s beat is so important. Paddle annual international Hong Kong races blades hitting the water a fraction of a Digging deep Pulling back have been held since the mid-1970s, second after the ones in front is called The top hand The back muscles and a World Nations Championship “caterpillaring” because the paddles steadies the paddle, has been held every two years since resemble a many-legged animal. while the lower provide most of 1995. In the even-numbered years, arm does the power there is a world championship for The largest paddlers sit amidships the pulling the top club crews. to keep the boat balanced and be the powerhouse that drives the boat INTERNATIONAL DRAGON BOAT along. A paddle may be any length FEDERATION (IDBF) between 41 in (104 cm) and 51 in The IDBF currently has 72 member nations, (129 cm). Taller crew members including Britain, Denmark, Germany, Italy, have longer paddles. South Africa, and Switzerland.

Head protection Life jacket Water wear COMPETITOR PROFILE Trick and slalom skiers Tournament Professional skiers Tournament waterskiers require excellent balance and a strong, do not have to wear waterskiers must wear wetsuits that are athletic physique. Flexibility is essential for executing various tricks, helmets, but for jump wear a tournament- specially designed to so their muscles are well defined. However, the focus is on muscular skiers it is compulsory approved life jacket protect against power and stamina over size. Waterskiers are strong, particularly in potential impact the back and shoulders, which absorb much of the force from being damage towed by a powerboat. Waterskiers also have strong leg muscles for maneuvering the ski and maintaining a strong ski position. Strong grip Leg position Waterski boots Waterskiers In order to stay These are rubber wear specialized balanced on the boots that quickly gloves to help ski or skis, a skier release from the ski them grip the must maintain a when a skier falls towline handle slightly bent and stable leg position Taut line To maintain momentum, it is important that the towline remains taut WATERSKIING EVENT OVERVIEW WATER COURSES Waterskiing is a high-speed, adrenaline-fueled Tournament events can be conducted on almost any stretch of water sport. Skiers demonstrate impressive agility still water and are mostly held on lakes or rivers. If courses and balance in executing jumps, turns, and acrobatic overlap, buoys from the unused course must be removed. maneuvers while being towed at great speeds behind a powerboat. Tournament waterskiing SLALOM 95 ft (29 m) 850 ft (259 m) consists of three events: slalom, ski jump, and trick The slalom course is 850 ft (259 m) 154 ft (47 m) skiing. There are winners in each event, as well as in length and consists of six small men’s overall and women’s overall tournament rubber buoys that a skier must Start champions. There are also professional tournaments round. The start and finish gates for other waterskiing sports, such as wakeboarding, are also marked by buoys that barefoot skiing, ski racing, and show skiing. are different in color from the course buoys. The distance from NEED2KNOW the entry gate to the first buoy is 95 ft (29 m), as is the distance Tournament waterskiing is popular all over the world. It is particularly from the sixth buoy to the finish popular in Australia, Canada, Ireland, France, New Zealand, and the gate. The distance between each United States. successive course buoy is 154 ft Waterskiing is not currently an Olympic sport. The closest it has (47 m). The line the powerboat come to acceptance was at the 1972 Olympic Games, where it was a must take runs straight from entry demonstration event. To date, there are no plans for the sport to be to finish gate and is marked by six added to the Olympic program. pairs of buoys spaced 8 ft (2.5 m) apart. A turning buoy is placed 459–591 ft (140–180 m) beyond the start and finish gates, which boat and skier round before returning to continue the run.

EQUIPMENT SAFETY GEAR Helmet WATER SPORTS Water skis were first made of wood, but modern skis are far Protective equipment is Waterski helmets have thick more advanced. Most skis consist of a fiberglass or carbon important to competition ear padding to protect against fiber base, a fin secured to the bottom of the ski to make skiers. They expose eardrum perforations caused turning easier, and a foot binding that holds the skier’s boot. themselves to serious injury when reaching by high-speed falls JUMP SKIS Jump fins extreme speeds and WATERSKIING Long and wide toward Jump skis have dizzying heights and in Stomach the back of the ski, jump short, wide tailfins executing awkward protection skis have raised front suited to sliding on maneuvers. Waterski wetsuits edges that allow for the hard surface of are lined with entry onto the ramp. Life jacket padding in the TRICK SKI a jump ramp Slalom and ski abdominal area. This Wide and flat, the trick Bindings jump athletes protects the ribs and ski has a smooth bottom wear thicker internal organs from and no fins, making it Trick skis can have life jackets damage caused by easier to turn and slide one or two foot than trick high-speed impact on the water’s surface. bindings skiers due to with the water the increased SLALOM SKI Slalom ski risks involved Wetsuits Designed for making Single skis of this Boot buckles Waterski wetsuits sharp turns at high type have sharp Lock-down buckles speed, slalom skis have leading edges increase the are made of a tapered tail and responsiveness neoprene, a concave underside. of the skis synthetic rubber that is flexible and WAKEBOARD Balance allows exceptional This is a wide board with Tapered edges freedom of a concave base, which and grooves on the movement helps the skier achieve underside of the board greater height jumping act as stabilizers Boots off the wake. Waterskiing boots are made from waterproof TOWLINES Towline material rubber and have strong Two lines are used in a Towlines are made of a single- tournament, measuring braided plastic material that must ankle support 75 ft (23 m) and 61 ft meet tournament specifications (18.5 m) respectively. Grip The longer line is used A nonslip rubber for jump skiing and the or similar surface shorter line for slalom. must be used for the handle JUMPING 492 ft (150 m) WATER INTO GUINNESS The jump course is 591 ft (180 m) RALPH HILDEBRAND AND DAVE PHILLIPS WATERSKIED in length, measured from the start 1,337 MILES (2,152 KM) NONSTOP AROUND INDIAN ARM, buoy to the front edge of the jump AN INLET OF THE PACIFIC OCEAN IN CANADA. IT TOOK ramp. The ramp is made of wood THE CANADIANS 56 HOURS 35 MINUTES 3 SECONDS TO or fiberglass and has either a ACCOMPLISH, WHICH GAVE THEM THE WORLD RECORD waxed surface or is equipped with FOR THE LONGEST WATERSKIING MARATHON. a watering system that ensures the surface is continually wet. The RAMP COLOR Starting the jump ramp surface is also required to The sides of the jump ramp are different in color from The front of the ramp be completely flat. It can range the ramp surface so that a fast-moving skier can easily from 21 to 22 ft (6.4 m to 6.8 m) differentiate between the different surfaces. is below the level of in length and 12 to 14 ft (3.7 m the water to 4.3 m) in width. In tournament jump skiing, a skier has a choice Mid buoy 98 ft (30 m) 12–14 ft (3.7–4.3 m) 28°–50° of two heights for the ramp: for Start buoy 1(5.1–8.65fm–t) (45° recommended) men, either 5 ft (1.65 m) or 6 ft (1.80 m), and for women, either 21–22 ft (6.4–6.8 m) 5 ft (1.50 m) or 5 ft 4 in (1.65 m). Beyond the ramp, the water is marked with measurement buoys for measuring the jump distance.

TOURNAMENT COMPETITION SIDELINES Standard competitions involve three events: slalom, jump skiing, and trick skiing. Each event consists of a preliminary elimination round and a final 253.9 The number, in feet (77.4 m), of round. In slalom, the winner is the skier who rounds the most buoys using the shortest towline in the final round. In jump skiing, the skier the world record men’s ski jump, held by Freddy who jumps the farthest distance in the final round is declared the winner. Krueger of the United States since July 2017. In trick skiing, the skier who scores the most number of points in either of two 20-second passes in the final round is the winner. The overall 12,570 The highest number of points tournament champion is awarded to the skier who accumulates the best overall score across the three disciplines. A skier’s overall score is scored by a skier in the trick event. It was achieved determined by adding up the points attributed to their best performance by Alexi Zharnasek of Belarus in April 2011. in each discipline, which are calculated using a predetermined formula. BOAT SPEEDS SLALOM The slalom and jump events both have predetermined The skier is towed through the slalom course and must pass around the outside of boat speeds. For men’s slalom, it is 36 mph (58 kph), and all six buoys and proceed through the finish gate, make a turn, and return through for women’s slalom, it is 34 mph (55 kph). In the jump the course in a similar fashion until a buoy or gate is missed. A skier is allowed event, the maximum speed allowed for men is 35 mph three attempts in the preliminary round and three again if competing in the final (57 kph) and for women is 34 mph (54 kph). In trick round. The length of the towline is reduced for each run, making it harder for a skier skiing, there are no predetermined boat speeds. to get from buoy to buoy. To round a buoy, the skier must ride outside or partially outside the buoy. Riding over or partially inside the buoy does not score. A run is concluded once the skier misses a buoy or misses an entry or finish gate. Between buoys Stretching out Body position When traveling between buoys, a To round a buoy, a skier will lean into the turn and grip the rope A stable body position is competitor leans back slightly on with one hand. By extending the body, a skier can make a sharp important. A slalom skier uses the skis in a crouch position to turn and effectively reduce the distance between each buoy controlled movements of the maximize speed to the next buoy lower body to initiate a turn, keeping the shoulders level and facing down the course SKI JUMP CRACK THE WHIP Towed behind a powerboat at a fixed speed, the skier cuts a deliberate path across ALFREDO MENDOZA DEVELOPED THE MODERN the course to achieve maximum speed onto the ramp. The path takes the form of an SKI JUMP APPROACH IN 1951. THE DOUBLE- “S” shape, known as a “double-wake cut,” with the skier cutting across the wake of WAKE CUT, OR “CRACK THE WHIP” AS IT WAS the boat to create a slingshot effect. This method can increase approach speed up KNOWN THEN, HELPED MENDOZA WIN MANY to 66 mph (100 kph). The skier is then slung from the ramp high into the air for WORLD TITLES DURING THE 1950s. many feet, holding the body rigid to reduce wind resistance. For the jump to be scored as complete, the skier must land and ski away without falling. Aggressive approach Ramp position Flight position Approaching the ramp, The skier must maintain a crouch The skier positions the skier crouches low and launch themselves from the the skis in a V-style and cuts aggressively formation, because it across the wake to ramp’s edge with expert timing is aerodynamically increase speed for increased distance efficient and helps increase jump distance Raised edges Flight path Nearing the ramp, the skier will The skier launches to create a steeper raise the front edges of the skis angle than the incline of the ramp

TRICK SKIING TOEHOLD WAKE FLIP WATER SPORTS The trick ski course is 574 ft (175 m) in One of the more awkward tricks is the “toehold.” A One of the most exciting tricks is the “wake flip.” length. The skier is towed behind a powerboat special harness is used to secure the skier’s foot to A skier uses the wake created by the powerboat at a constant speed of their choice, usually the towline handle. The competitor then proceeds to as a ramp from which to launch into the air. While about 18 mph (29 kph). The skier is allowed execute combinations of step-overs, jumps, and airborne, the skier flips forward or backward and two 20-second passes to complete as many spins, with the foot secured to the handle. This trick lands upright on the water. During the flip, the skier tricks as possible, which must be submitted requires exceptional balance and, although not as will also incorporate twists or spins and is capable to the judges prior to starting the competition. breathtaking as a flip, it is still very difficult. of rotating through 720°. A skier can use one or two skis, with each option suited to different types of tricks. A trick Do the twist Head above water Short ski is any action completed by the skier that is In order to execute a If a skier’s head Most skiers use a specified in the tournament trick rules. Points spin, skiers create touches the water short ski for the are awarded for any successful trick according momentum by rotating during a flip, no flip, because it is to its degree of difficulty and the accuracy their upper body points are awarded easier to control of its execution. The degree of difficulty for that trick on landing is calculated according to preset scores No touching attributed to different elements of a trick. Once in the toe WATERSKIING TRICK TECHNIQUES harness, a skier A trick skier’s run will involve various cannot intentionally combinations of flips, turns, spins, and touch the ski with holds. The highest scoring tricks usually the harnessed foot combine the greatest number of spins and flips. A spin is known as a “wake-turn” Taut rope (when executed in midair crossing the wake) To maintain or “water-turn” (when executed on the water momentum in surface). A skier will rotate anywhere from executing the 180° to 900° during a spin. A “step-over” involves the skier jumping over the towline flip, the and is often combined with a spin or spins. towline must Variations of both forward- and backflips are remain tight used, which must involve the tail of the ski passing directly above the skier’s head. OTHER WATERSKI SPORTS SHOW SKIING One of the main attractions of waterskiing is its variety. It is also one of the few Teams have one hour to perform “acts” sports in which exhibitions are every bit as exciting as competitions. A number of of their own design. These acts can new waterskiing sports have their own international tournaments and are rapidly involve activities such as a “ballet line,” a gaining the popularity of traditional waterskiing events. team ski jump, and a “final pyramid” that displays all team members creating a BAREFOOT SKIING human pyramid while skiing. Backing The three main competitions in barefoot skiing tournaments are similar to those in tournament music and the skill of the powerboat waterskiing. In the trick event, competitors have two passes (each of 15 seconds) in which to drivers is also considered in the scoring, execute as many tricks as possible. In barefoot slalom, the objective is to cross the powerboat’s which is assessed by five judges. wake as many times as possible in the 15-second time limit. In the jump event, the goal is to jump the farthest distance, with top professionals capable of clearing 88 ft (27 m). SKI RACING INSIDE STORY This is the fastest form of waterskiing. It is held over long set-courses, the longest distance The invention of waterskiing is widely covered by an event being 87 miles (140 km). Skiers race each other at high speeds and are accredited to Ralph Samuelson. In 1922, capable of reaching 118 mph (190 kph). Professionals use a long, single ski because it is easier Samuelson first tried skiing on the to control. The skier holds and is harnessed to a towline to reduce the strain on the arms. Mississippi River on two curved staffs WAKEBOARDING detached from a wooden barrel. He This event is almost identical to trick fastened the staffs to his feet using two skiing, except that the skier uses a long, leather straps and his brother Ben pulled wide board. Competitors are allowed a him along using a window sash as a two-pass run over a set course, which towrope. Samuelson later fashioned varies in length between 1,000 ft waterskis out of two lengths of wood. (305 m) and 1,400 ft (427 m). Board style Speed limit GOVERNING BODY The wakeboard platform is With top speeds of no The International Water Ski Federation is the sport’s short and broad, with front more than 16–23 mph governing body, which sets the official rules for and rear fins events. Founded in 1946, it was originally known as (25–37 kph), the World Water Ski Union. It later organized the first wakeboarders move World Championship in 1949. across the water slower than conventional waterskiers

WINDSURFING EVENT OVERVIEW Extra strength WINDSURFER Windsurfing is both a high-speed and acrobatic Sails are reinforced with “battens” The basic premise of the windsurfer water sport. Competitors sail or race a board to make the sail more taut and has not altered much since it was first powered by a single sail across an inland lake therefore stable in strong winds patented by Jim Drake and Hoyle or the open sea. When professional windsurfers Schweitzer of the United States in 1970. aren’t reaching speeds of up to 50 mph (80 kph), they are performing gravity-defying tricks Luff tube such as jumps, spins, and loops. There are a The luff is the leading number of professional disciplines—some focus on speed and technical skill, while edge of the sail, others focus on tricks and style. which houses the mast NEED2KNOW in a sleeve called the luff tube The popularity of windsurfing peaked in the 1980s, when it Sail size was first introduced as an Small sails catch less Olympic sport in 1984. Indoor windsurfing is a popular wind and are easier event. In 1991, the first indoor to maneuver. Large race was held in Paris. Sailors sails catch more wind race in a 246 ft (75 m) pool with 25 fans set up to create wind. and are good for The first professional windsurfing high-speed sailing World Cup tour involving multiple events in various countries was Leech established in 1983. This is the rear edge of the sail. A loose leech COMPETITOR makes the sail easier to PROFILE handle in high winds, and Windsurfing is a very physical a tight leech keeps power sport. Studies have shown that in the sail in light winds Olympic windsurfers are as fit as Olympic rowers and Sail material cross-country skiers. This is made from a Competitors must be extremely lightweight polyester strong through the chest and composite material shoulders to control the sail in strong winds and must and is reinforced have powerful leg muscles with a light but for maneuvering the board on rough open water. Stamina is strong Kevlar mesh also crucial for extended periods of racing in difficult conditions. Sail types There are two types of sails: PLANING The term given to how a windsurf the camber-induced sail board skims across the water surface and the rotational sail. is “planing.” In winds of 17–29 mph (28–46 kph), the windsurfer is lifted Camber-induced sails create onto the water surface and can reach greater speed and stability. significantly faster speeds because it is Rotational sails are easier to no longer breaking through the water. handle and maneuver Wishbone boom The boom is the steering mechanism for a windsurfer. It is attached to the mast and supports the sailor Seat harness The sailor is attached to the boom with a harness, which provides stability and lower back support Board weight At the top level, race and wave boards can weigh as little as 11–15 lb (5–7 kg)

COMPETITION OLYMPIC AND FORMULA WATER SPORTS The main competition divisions of windsurfing each In both Olympic and Formula competition, sailors race as one fleet (a fleet focus on differing elements, such as speed, can be as many as 120 windsurfers) around a set course marked by buoys. WINDSURFING technical skill, tricks, and style. A competition has two to three races per day, which are usually 60 minutes in duration. Races are held on a “windward/leeward” course (meaning it WAVE AND FREESTYLE contains mainly upwind and downwind sections) or a trapezoid-shaped course Wave and freestyle competitions are the high-flying, (see below). In Olympic competition, sailors must use identical windsurfers. acrobatic divisions of windsurfing. In wave performance, In Formula competition, sailors’ boards and sails can differ slightly in size sailors perform jumps and tricks in a predetermined area but must still be certified Formula-class windsurfers. of surf and are judged on how well they execute tricks and ride waves. Freestyle competitions involve timed runs on a Follow the buoys set area of open water, where sailors perform jumps and Competitors begin at tricks for which they are judged and awarded points. the green start flags, SLALOM do a loop of the first Slalom courses follow a figure-eight pattern and are raced primarily downwind. Races can be started afloat or ashore, two red buoys, and and competitors race together. The course is on open then proceed from water and marked by buoys, which sailors must follow and “jibe” or “tack” around in completing the course. the start point An event will normally constitute a number of heats around the outside (maximum of 15), using either elimination rounds or an aggregate points system to find a winner. of the trapezoid- SPEED SAILING shaped course There are two forms of speed sailing. The first involves sailors racing separately on a 1,641 ft (500 m) course. Course buoys A sailor’s best two speeds from a two-hour heat are Buoys mark the averaged, and the sailor with the best average speed wins. course that sailors The second format is based on record attempts. Sailors wait for favorable winds to attempt to break the current must follow speed sailing record of 56 mph (90 kph). Course finish The sailor who passes the finish point in the fastest time is the winner EQUIPMENT OLYMPIC SLALOM FREESTYLE Windsurfers come in various All competitors must use a The board and sail used for slalom Maneuvering and jumping are the key shapes and sizes. The type of windsurfer made to identical are designed to maximize speed and features of freestyle windsurfing. windsurfing being practiced will specifications. All competitors must planing ability. A slalom sail is usually Boards are therefore short in length use a board that weighs no less shorter than an Olympic sail but has and weigh only 11–15 lb (5–7 kg). determine what style of windsurfer than 34 lb (15.45 kg). Formula- more battens, making the sail taught Wave performance windsurfers have is needed. Some sailors choose class boards are similar in size. and therefore faster. similar dimensions. to wear wetsuits on the water, especially in colder weather, and Rigid sail Sporty and light competitors are responsible for Standard slalom Freestyle sails are wearing life jackets suitable for Uniform sail sails are taught small, measuring from racing. Head protection is advised Men use sails and measure from 48 sq ft (4.5 sq m) to but not required. measuring 102 48 sq ft (4.5 sq m) 70 sq ft (6.5 sq m) sq ft (9.5 sq m). to 108 sq ft Women use (10 sq m) Compact sails that shape measure 91 Wide board BOARDS sq ft (8.5 sq m) The board The compact Board sizes are measured by measures shape gives volume in liters. A beginner’s board 25 in (63.5 will typically measure 150–250 l the sailor (33–55 gal). Professional boards cm) in width greater are much lighter; for example, a control freestyle board measures 80–110 l (18–24 gal), which makes them Narrow tail harder to control but faster and The narrow tail easier to maneuver. Professional One design reduces drag on boards are fragile, consisting of a All competitors polystyrene foam core and reinforced use a Neil the water Pryde surface RS:X board with a composite casing of carbon 9 ft 4 in (2.86 m) fiber, Kevlar, and fiberglass. 7 ft 8 in–8 ft 2 in (2.40–2.50 m) 7 ft 5 in–8 ft (2.30–2.45 m) SAILS Footstraps Wide tail The size and shape of a sail Footstraps The wider will give it particular performance on both tail provides characteristics. Larger sails catch sides of the more wind, so they are better in light greater wind conditions, while smaller sails board secure stability on are used in strong wind conditions. the sailor the water when sailing

STAT CENTRAL COMPETITION REGULATIONS Competitions for all disciplines are governed by strict regulations, primarily MEN’S OLYMPIC MEDALISTS about who has right of way over whom. When windsurfers are on the same “tack” (turning), a windsurfer who is positioned downwind has right of way 2016 RIO DE JANEIRO over a windsurfer who is positioned upwind. When on opposite tacks, a GOLD DORIAN VAN RIJSSELBERGHE (NED) windsurfer on a “port tack” (wind blowing from the left side of the board) must give way to a windsurfer on a “starboard tack” (wind blowing from SILVER NICK DEMPSEY (GBR) the right side of the board). In general, turning windsurfers must stay clear BRONZE PIERRE LE COQ (FRA) of those not turning. In racing competitions, if a windsurfer is on the inside line when rounding a buoy, they have right of way over a windsurfer on the 2012 LONDON outside line. In trick events, windsurfers coming into shore must give way GOLD DORIAN VAN RIJSSELBERGHE (NED) to those going out. In wave performance, if two windsurfers share a wave, the first board completely on the wave sailing shoreward has possession. SILVER NICK DEMPSEY (GBR) BRONZE PRZEMYSLAW MIARCZYNSKI (POL) 2008 BEIJING SCORING WIND GOLD TOM ASHLEY (NZL) In slalom and racing events, points are awarded CONDITIONS SILVER JULIEN BONTEMPS (FRA) according to placement in a predetermined A wind speed range of BRONZE SHAHAR ZUBARI (ISR) number of heats. In trick events, a panel of judges 7–40 mph (11–65 kph) is awards points for tricks executed in each run, best for windsurf racing and WOMEN’S OLYMPIC MEDALISTS based on the style and successful execution of trick events, with a minimum the maneuvers. The winner of a heat scores 0.7 wind speed of 7 mph (11 kph) 2016 RIO DE JANEIRO of a point, the sailor in second place two points, required for most disciplines. GOLD CHARLINE PICON (FRA) and so on. Scores are aggregated at the end of Ideal wind conditions for an event, and the competitor with the lowest score racing allow sailing along wins. In speed sailing, the average speed from a or back toward the shore sailor’s best two runs determines their placement. for the benefit of spectators. The sailor with the best average speed wins. SILVER PEINA CHEN (CHN) BRONZE STEFANIYA ELFUTINA (RUS) AIRBORNE ACROBATICS Freestyle and wave performance are the crowd pleasers of windsurfing. 2012 LONDON Accomplished sailors perform stunts and tricks in dizzying combinations GOLD MARINA ALABAU NEIRA (SPA) with apparent grace and ease. In sailing out over the waves, windsurfers SILVER TUULI PETAJA (FIN) execute various loops and jumps, and when returning to shore on a wave BRONZE ZOFIA NOCETI-KLEPACKA (POL) will display a number of spins and turns. A panel of three to five judges awards points based on the style, variety, and quality of a performance. 2008 BEIJING GOLD YIN JIAN (CHN) BACK LOOP SILVER ALESSANDRA SENSINI (ITA) There are three classic loops: forward, backward, and push loops. Of these, the back BRONZE BRYONY SHAW (GBR) loop is a notoriously difficult move to execute successfully; while initiating the takeoff is relatively simple, a clean, nose-first landing is another matter. Speed, timing, and correct body and board position are fundamental. Performed by professionals, the back loop looks smooth and effortless and is a high point scorer. SIDELINES Catching air Landing The wind catches in the sail The board is brought over the 5,046 The windsurfing sailor’s shoulder, then brought and helps lift the board to down nose-first to land on the distance record, in miles (8,120 km). the apex of the loop water Flavio Jardim and Diogo Guerreiro traveled from Chui to Oiapaque in Riding the face Rotation Brazil, from May 2004 to July 2005. The sailor rides As the sail begins to fall, up the face of the the sailor rotates the body 4 The number of consecutive world wave, with speed, to position the board for a at its highest point titles won by Finian Maynard in speed nose-first landing windsurfing. Maynard was world champion from 1998–2001. 13 The age at which Robby Naish of the United States won his first world championship. Naish went on to claim another 22 world titles over the next 16 years in various divisions. 46.49 The speed, in knots (53.49 mph), of the 500 m world speed record in the women’s division. This was set by Zara Davis of Britain in 2017 in Luderitz, Namibia.

SAILING TECHNIQUES ADVANCED MANEUVERS WATER SPORTS In windsurfing, the sail catches the wind to create lift, which There are a variety of maneuvers available to a windsurfer, with the raises the board and allows it to plane across the water’s full repertoire mainly used by freestyle and wave windsurfers. Many surface. The stronger the wind, the faster the board can move. maneuvers have unusual names, such as the “Vulcan,” “Flaka,” and A key windsurfing technique is “sheeting,” which is angling “Spock.” The Vulcan, also called the “Air-Gybe,” is one of the most the sail to increase or decrease the amount of wind in the sail, direct methods of switching direction. It involves launching the board and thus control the speed of the board. “Sheeting in” (holding off a small wave or swell and swinging it with the feet into the the sail close to the body) increases power by catching more opposite direction. The Flaka is an aerial spin through 360° executed wind. “Sheeting out” (holding the sail away from the body) by jumping the board off a wave or swell into the wind. The Spock decreases power by catching less wind. A key technique again involves launching off the water and landing on the nose of the only allowed in certain disciplines is “pumping”: in light board while spinning the sail. This causes the windsurfer to pivot, winds, sailors repeatedly pull the sail toward the body to creating an eye-catching spin. Professionals also use variations of create wind, which can induce planing and increase speed. these moves, which are more difficult to execute. BREAKING THE BARRIER INSIDE STORY GOVERNING BODIES WINDSURFING THE 50-KNOT BARRIER HAS LONG BEEN THE HOLY GRAIL The first windsurfer patent was granted The International OF WINDSURFING SPEED RECORDS. FASTER SPEEDS HAVE in the US in 1970, to Jim Drake and Windsurfing Association BEEN SET IN RECENT YEARS BY WINDSURFING ALONG Hoyle Schweitzer, widely seen as the (IWA) and the SPECIALLY CONSTRUCTED 500 M COURSES RATHER founders of modern-day windsurfing. Professional Windsurfers THAN THE TRADITIONAL NAUTICAL MILE (1.51 MILES). However, windsurfing was practiced Association (PWA) are IN 2012, FRENCHMAN ANTOINE ALBEAU, SURFING ON THE earlier by ingenious amateurs. In the the main governing LUDERITZ CANAL IN NAMIBIA, SUCCESSFULLY REACHED 1940s, a young Australian boy built bodies of the sport. A SPEED OF 52.05 KNOTS (60 MPH). KITEBOARDERS ARE crude windsurfers out of iron canoes Many professional ABLE TO REACH FASTER SPEEDS DUE TO THEIR SMALLER, that he equipped with sails and windsurfing events LIGHTER EQUIPMENT, AND THE RECORD STANDS AT 57.97 booms made from split bamboo. He are organized and KNOTS (67.71 MPH). successfully sailed these on a river in sanctioned by these Perth and is recognized by some as bodies, which are also the first individual to sail a windsurfer. responsible for making new rules and providing support and services for windsurfers worldwide. KITEBOARDING NEED2KNOW EVENT OVERVIEW Major kiteboarding competitions, along Kiteboarding fuses elements of surfing and parasailing with the development of the rules of the to create an extreme sport in which competitors sport, are overseen by the International use a large kite to steer a board across water, Kiteboarding Association. performing tricks and jumps as they do so. The sport has gradually increased in The optimum wind speed for kiteboarding popularity since the late 1990s, and in is 15–25 mph, up to a maximum of 40 mph. 2012, after a high-profile campaign, the Olympic Committee agreed to include it in In 2012, the number of kiteboarders the official program for the 2016 Games worldwide was estimated at 1.5 million. as a replacement for windsurfing. However, later in the same year, they reversed their decision. STYLES There are a number of kiteboarding styles, but the most popular competitive disciplines are freestyle, wave riding, course racing, and slalom. In freestyle, competitors perform tricks such as spins and jumps and are awarded points for their efforts by a panel of judges. Wave riding is a crossover between kiteboarding and competitive surfing, with boarders attempting to execute complicated maneuvers on breaking waves. In course racing, competitors navigate a route in the shortest time possible, while slalom racing involves multiple competitors racing along a figure-eight course.

SURFINGNEED2KNOW Most of the Earth’s prevailing winds are westerlies, so many of the best surfing areas are on western coasts, such as those of California and Cornwall, England. The world championship EVENT OVERVIEW circuit, organized by the World Exhilarating for both participants and spectators, the object of competition Surf League (WSL), takes in surfing is to ride breaking waves for as long as possible, performing tricks top venues in Australia, and maneuvers to impress a panel of judges. The most familiar form of South Africa, Hawaii, surfing involves standing on either a shortboard or a longboard. Variations Tahiti, and Fiji. include bodyboarding, bodysurfing, kneeboarding, surf-skiing, kite surfing, and windsurfing. The most spectacular category is tow-in surfing, There are separate events for men and women in competitions at all levels. when the boarder is hauled by a boat onto waves so big and powerful that they could not be caught any other way. COMPETITOR PROFILE Water wear Wiping out in big waves can be dangerous, Surfing wetsuits have permeable middle layers so most surfers are outstanding swimmers. that let in water, which is then warmed by the Professional surfers have excellent all-around heat of the surfer’s body and provides the surfer fitness and a fine sense of balance. The with insulation from the cold outside ability to pick the best waves for the best rides is gained partly from local knowledge and partly from experience. Training on dry land involves gym repetitions on the leg muscles and abdomen. Lifeline A leash links the board to the surfer’s ankle so the two are not separated Board basics Traditionally wooden but now made of fiberglass and polystyrene, most boards weigh less than 2.2 lb (1 kg) Surf stabilizers Fins on the rear underside of the board help stabilize it on the wave STAT CENTRAL THE BOARD There are two main types of surfboards: the longboard and shortboard. Pro surfers use WSL WORLD CHAMPIONS: MEN shortboards for international competition, although there is still a longboard category in the International Surfing Association (ISA) World Championships. YEAR NAME (COUNTRY) 2018 GABRIEL MEDINA (BRA) LONGBOARD Minimum 9 ft (2.75 m) 21 in 2017 JOHN JOHN FLORENCE (US) The heavy longboard 6 ft (1.8 m) (55 cm) 2016 JOHN JOHN FLORENCE (US) provides greater stability 2015 ADRIANO DE SOUZA (BRA) than the shortboard but is 2014 GABRIEL MEDINA (BRA) harder to turn. For this reason, longboards are WSL WORLD CHAMPIONS: WOMEN often used by beginners. YEAR NAME (COUNTRY) SHORTBOARD Nonslip 18 in The shortboard is light and Pads or wax (46 cm) 2018 STEPHANIE GILMORE (AUS) streamlined to allow for aid traction 2017 TYLER WRIGHT (AUS) tight turns. A wax covering 2016 TYLER WRIGHT (AUS) or nonslip pads on the 2015 CARISSA MOORE (US) surface of the board give 2014 STEPHANIE GILMORE (AUS) the surfer better grip.

BREAKER RULES A SURFEIT OF SURFERS WATER SPORTS Surfers take to the water either two or four at a time and ride the waves several times in IN 2003, IN CORNWALL, 20-minute heats. The regulations may vary from event to event, but in general the best two, ENGLAND, A TEAM OF 12 three, or five rides are marked by a panel of five or six judges according to the following MEN AND TWO WOMEN criteria: choice of wave (the harder, the better); position on wave (the crest is best); time on SURFED THEIR WAY INTO wave; and quality of maneuver. In a four-surfer heat, the top two progress to the next round. THE GUINNESS BOOK OF BOARDING PROCEDURES RECORDS BY RIDING THE There are two basic ways of addressing any wave: forehand, in which the surfer faces the WORLD’S BIGGEST BOARD, wave, and backhand, where the surfer has his or her back to it. Getting the board position A 37 FT (11 M) MONSTER right is important, but its what the surfer does while riding the wave that counts for points WEIGHING 400 LB (180 KG). and prizes. Two of the fundamental surfing techniques are outlined below. CUTBACK This is a turn from the SURFING top to the bottom of a breaking wave and back up again. The surfer rides to the crest of the wave, transfers their weight onto the heels, and leans back, twisting the upper body into the turn. At the bottom of the wave, the surfer PUSH BACK TURN AWAY SPEEDING UP THE REMOUNT The surfer rides up to the crest Twisting the upper body, the The surfer relies on the power The surfer pushes down on the swings back onto the of a breaking wave and pushes surfer turns into the wave as of her turn to pick up speed for back of the board to remount wave again. back on the heels. the board hits the foam. the remount. the crest of the wave. FLOATER BREAKING WAVE OVER THE LIP SKIMMING THE FOAM FINAL ASCENT The floater is a tricky The surfer rides up the face Instead of turning, the surfer The surfer hovers on the foam, As the board drops down onto maneuver that a of the wave to approach the continues to ride up onto the lip arms outstretched, as the wave the wave face, the surfer bends surfer uses to ride up breaking section. of the wave as it peels away. breaks below the board. the knees to absorb the impact. onto the lip of a breaking wave and then “float” back down with the foam onto the clean face of the wave. The surfer’s biggest challenge is making a good landing as the board hits the wave face. SURF SLANG breaks, leaving a hollow tube HANG FIVE (OR TEN) To place INSIDE STORY Surfing has its own language, that the surfer rides through. one (or both) sets of toes over Surfing was commonplace among much of which originated CRUNCHER Any big, hard wave the front of the board when Pacific Islanders for thousands of in the United States. Here are that is almost impossible to ride. riding a wave. years before Europeans got wind just a few surfing terms you GLASS HOUSE The space inside NATURAL FOOTER Someone who of it from Captain James Cook, who might encounter when reading a barrel or tube. rides the surfboard with the left observed the practice when he about the sport: GOOFY FOOTER Someone who foot forward. Also known as a discovered Hawaii in 1778. Although BARREL (OR TUBE) The ultimate rides the surfboard with the regular footer. the main surfing centers are still in wave-riding experience—a right foot forward. Left foot SOUP Foam, or whitewater, from the Pacific, the sport is now also wave that curls over as it forward is the normal stance. a broken wave. popular all over other parts of the world, including Brazil, Costa Rica, SIDELINES 64 The time, in minutes, for the longest South Africa, Australia, France, Ireland, Jamaica, and Spain. 79.98 The height, in feet, of ride on a single wave. The record belongs to Steve King, who in February 2013 surfed the THE WORLD SURF LEAGUE the tallest wave to be ridden. Rodrigo Koxa Kampar River in Sumatra, Indonesia, for The World Surf League now runs the achieved this feat in 2017 in Nazaré, 12.8 miles (20.6 km). highest level of competition worldwide, Portugal, where a deep underwater the WSL World Tour. canyon creates unusually large waves.

WINTER



NEED2KNOW THE COURSES There are no set lengths for alpine-ski courses; the more famous ones have been The early form of skiing is known used for decades and have remained largely unchanged in that time. Speed-event as Telemark, after the Norwegian courses are designed to test competitors with a mixture of steep drops, sharp turns, mountains where it was and flat stretches. Slalom races are held on less challenging slopes, and the developed in the 1870. Telemark courses follow a much straighter route down the mountain. All courses are clearly boots are bound to the ski at the marked with colored gates, through which every racer must travel. Men’s races are toe only, making it easier to lift held over longer distances and contain more gates than women’s competitions. the foot and the ski when crossing flat areas. Hand in glove Number check Second skin The first downhill race using Gloves keep All racers must wear a standard Racers wear alpine skis and boots was held in the hands warm polyester bib that displays each skintight suits to 1921 in Switzerland. In 1930, the and must not competitor’s race number cut down on air downhill and slalom disciplines reach past the resistance that might were recognized as official elbow; they are slow them down; the sports. They have been Olympic not a required suits may be padded events since 1936. piece of racing on the shins and The word slalom comes from the equipment, but around the shoulders Norwegian for “gentle slope.” few skiers race Alpine skiers learn slalom skills without them first before attempting downhills. Point and stick Ski poles are used to help maintain balance during tight turns when the skier’s bodyweight is shifted from side to side EVENT OVERVIEW PLAYER PROFILE Alpine skiing is an exhilarating sport of speed and skill. Millions of Although it is the force of gravity that amateur skiers get a taste of the excitement every winter at the provides the main propulsion in alpine skiing, world’s many ski resorts, but few of them compete in organized races. the sport requires a high level of fitness. Most There are five official types of alpine-ski competitions. Two of the of the work is done by the legs; the upper disciplines—downhill and super giant slalom—focus on speed. Slalom body and arms are only really involved in and giant slalom are more technical events, where a competitor’s skill will maintaining balance. The muscles of the win the day. The fifth “combined” event tests both speed and technique. lower legs are especially important, since skiers use them to lean forward. ALPINE SKIING

DEADLY SLOPE OPEN AND CLOSED WINTER SPORTS THE FASTEST AND MOST DANGEROUS DOWNHILL RACE IS Alpine-ski courses are set out on managed slopes, or pistes, HELD ON THE HAHNENKAMM, NEAR KITZBÜHEL, AUSTRIA. using pairs of colored flags called gates. The gates are most THE EVENT HAS BEEN RUN THERE SINCE 1931, WITH widely spread on the downhill courses and placed closest COMPETITORS REACHING SPEEDS OF 93 MPH (150 KPH). together for slalom races. A gate composed of flags positioned SKIERS RACE ON A RUN CALLED THE STREIF, WHICH side-by-side is called an “open” gate. A “closed” gate has one BEGINS WITH THE MOUSETRAP, A 164 FT (50 M) JUMP flag positioned in front of the other. Open gates show the THAT HAS PROVED FATAL ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. direction that the competitor must follow down the piste, while closed gates are used to force racers to turn across the fall AT THE GATE line—the natural line of descent. A competitor passes though an electronic gate to start Letting it slide At the summit ALPINE SKIING the timer and enter the The course is prepared by spraying it with salt and Downhill and super giant course. Two beeps followed water to melt the top of the snow and create a layer slalom courses start near by a higher-pitched tone of ice, which ensures racers achieve top speeds the top of the mountain signal each racer to begin. Cutting up Clear off Icy courses are best because they do not Most races are degrade quickly, although rutting occurs at sharp bends run on pistes ordinarily occupied by Watch out tourists; however, the Spectators line the route, cheering racers on by ringing steepest slopes are large cow bells reserved just for races Big drop The longest Doing the splits courses are The time taken to complete half 3 miles (5 km) and descend up the course shows spectators to 3,281 ft whether a racer is likely to finish (1,000 m) for men’s races in the fastest time so far BEND NOT BREAK The first slalom courses were marked with bamboo poles. In the 1980s, these stiff sticks were replaced with “breakaway” gates, which are flexible plastic poles that have a hinge at the base. THIS IS THE END Flat out In the net WINNING WAYS The finish line is marked by a giant The lower section Stretches of the Alpine skiing events are time trials in which racers battle gate. Often, competitors can see their of a course might be a lot course with high against the clock to complete the course in the shortest course time displayed on a large flatter than higher up; racers drops at the side are time. Downhill racers are allowed to practice on the screen as they approach the finish. have to ensure they arrive lined with netting to course (to find the best racing line) in the three days on flats at top speed so they stop racers from prior to the competition. However, slalomists would do not lose momentum falling; pads cover cause too much damage to the pistes during practice, so solid objects that they are limited to a one-hour course inspection. might cause injuries SIDELINES 1 The minimum number of minutes 75 The average speed, in miles per 70 The maximum number of gates it must take to complete a downhill hour (120 kph), of a downhill skier. race. Any less than that and the on a men’s giant slalom course; 56 is the course must be lengthened. 765.5 The maximum vertical minimum number. A women’s competition has between 46 and 58 gates. 0.01 The fraction of a second drop—the difference in yards (700 meters) between the altitudes of the start and finish— to which races are timed. of a women’s downhill race.

PISTE-WEAR HELMET Hit me again Alpine skiers wear as little as possible to make Every competitor in an alpine-ski race The protective shell themselves aerodynamic. Loose clothing creates must wear a crash helmet. These must drag, which slows the racer down. However, a cover the head and ears only; spoilers is designed to racing suit must conform to a minimum air or fins are forbidden. withstand several permeability—in other words, it must not be treated to make it airtight and so offer less In place impacts without resistance to the air. The helmet is kept needing to be in place by a replaced Racers are allowed to protect parts of the body padded chin strap with pads. The pads must not alter the natural GOGGLES shape of the competitor’s body in a way that might Well-fitting ski goggles are essential for protecting reduce drag. For example, skiers may wear back the eyes from the elements. Certain lenses also help protectors. These are heavily controlled and improve visibility in low-light conditions. monitored for creating any aerodynamic advantage. SKI BOOTS Soft touch Strap to it Snug fit Alpine ski boots are The lower leg is The hand passes A wide band keeps made from stiff plastic; surrounded by though the strap the goggles firmly they are close fitting and thick padding from below; the hold the feet tightly to strap is held in place create a very sturdy between the palm connection between the and handle Tinted shield legs and the skis. The The color of the goggle foot is unable to move Nice curves lenses cuts out glare and inside, but the lower leg Downhill skiers keeps snow out of the eyes can bend forward. use curved POLES poles that tuck Ski poles are used to balance the skier and help Clunk click Chunky heel Tight fit in behind the them shift their weight. The length of a pole depends Several buckles The thick sole is A plastic plate body and on the height of the skier; with the knees slightly tighten the boot attached to the ski covers the instep minimize drag bent, the pole should reach just above the elbow. around the foot Lightweight Stiff upper Poles are made from IT’S ANCIENT HISTORY Top alpine skiers aluminum tubes THE WORLD’S OLDEST SKI IS have the stiffest Basket APPROXIMATELY 4,500 YEARS OLD. boots; beginners A plastic basket REMAINS OF THE WOODEN RELIC wear more flexible stops the pole WERE FOUND IN A SWEDISH BOG. footwear sinking into the snow SKIING IS THOUGHT TO HAVE BEEN INVENTED BY THE ANCESTORS OF THE SAMI PEOPLE FROM LAPLAND. SKIS AND BINDINGS SLALOM Slip and slide 66 in (165 cm) Each alpine-ski event demands a certain type of ski. An The shortest alpine skis The underside of the ski is coated alpine ski has a particular shape. When viewed from the are used in slalom races, with wax to keep it slippery side, it has a slight arch, or camber, at the center—a where competitors shape that focuses the skier’s weight toward the tips of the sacrifice speed for skis. Modern skis also have a side cut—both edges of the maneuverability. The ski curve inward from each end, making the ski narrowest side cuts are deeper near the central point. The curved edge cuts, or carves, than on other skis so that into the snow easily, making turning faster. the ski cuts into the piste and bends into turns. GIANT SLALOM Trailing edge 26 in The skis used in giant Slalom skis have a flat (67 cm) and super giant slalom heel (rear edge) to stop races are hybrids of the back of the ski from Length Low rise slalom and downhill skidding away during Downhill skis must be a The central section has a camber that skis. They are longer to sharp turns minimum of 83 in (210 cm) keeps it off the snow for much of the time produce speed but have Double tip medium-depth side cuts The rounded heel to make turning easier. makes it easier to ski DOWNHILL over rough ground Long and wide skis produce the fastest 25 in speeds because they (65 cm) glide over the surface of the snow better. 85 in (215 cm) However, wide skis are hard to steer. Downhill skis have a small side cut to aid turning.

MASTERING THE SLOPES RUNNING ORDER WINTER SPORTS Every alpine-ski discipline requires a different set of skills. The speed A competitor’s starting position can have an effect on events are decided by a single timed run. Mistakes from world leaders the race. During a downhill in snowy conditions, early and lucky runs from unknowns often turn the leader boards on their racers are slowed by the fresh snow and may be beaten heads. Technical racers make two runs, both on the same day, and the by late starters. Starting first in a slalom is an advantage, times are added to determine each racer’s finishing place. Competitors because the course has yet to be rutted by previous runs. in the combined event are placed according to the combined time of a downhill and slalom run. The super giant slalom requires a unique set The 15 highest-ranking entrants race first. Their of skills. Like in a downhill race, competitors have just one run to show starting positions are allocated by a draw. Any what they can do. However, as in other slalom events, practice on the remaining racers start according to their world ranking. course is forbidden—a super-G course is run once, and once only. In the second run of slalom races, the 15 fastest from the first run race in reverse order. DOWNHILL Colored GIANT SLALOM Top to bottom ALPINE SKIING Courses are generally A downhill course The longest technical Giant slalom courses between 1.5 and 3 miles event, a giant slalom have a vertical drop of (2.5 and 5 km) and must is marked with course is filled with about 984 ft (300 m) take more than a minute wide gates of all twists and turns, but to complete—most take unlike in a slalom race, Mix match about two. There are the same color every giant-slalom gate Giant slaloms limits on steepness: men’s Keep it fast does not require a have an equal courses must not drop change in direction. mixture of open more than 3,280 ft Gates are spread out The number of turns and closed gates (1,000 m), while women’s to ensure high is about 13 percent of courses drop less than the course’s vertical 2,300 ft (700 m). speeds, but each drop in meters. gate is always within sight of the next SUPER-G Color changes SLALOM Racing line This is the newest alpine Slalom courses Although it is the safest The horizontal offset skiing discipline; it was are always marked discipline, slalom is also between gates is lowest in introduced in 1982. regarded as the most slalom, creating a direct Super-G merges the with gates of technically challenging route down the mountain concepts of downhill with alternating colors alpine-ski event. Every giant slalom. A downhill Show the way course has combinations Drop course is marked with A super-G course of gates to test the skill of The average vertical giant-slalom gates, but the competitors, including drop between each these are widely spaced has mainly delay gates, which direct so that races are run at open gates racers across rather than gate is 30 ft (9 m) almost downhill speeds. down the slope. Thin out Carving edge Staying wide Heel toe Quick release Slalom skis are A deep side cut The front (and back) The toe (and A lever is pushed down the narrowest of makes the ski turn of the ski is wide to heel) is locked all alpine skis more efficiently to the ski by to release the boot maintain stability the binding In the middle Cut out Making a point Bindings are attached to the ski Giant slalom skis have Slalom skis have pointed tips at the front just behind the central point a small side cut to stop them from digging into snow Falling over Brakes on Each binding is set Stoppers point into the snow to withstand a certain force when the ski boot is off before releasing the ski 72 in (185 cm) Speed above all In the round Twister Integrated The wide ski spreads the skier’s The tips are low and rounded Turning a Alpine racing skis weight and ensures high speeds to make the ski aerodynamic screw adjusts the bindings are sold with to fit different- bindings already sized boots attached

STAT CENTRAL RACING TECHNIQUES It takes several years to learn how to ski at a high level. Most world-class OLYMPIC MEDALS (OVERALL) alpine skiers will have begun to ski before they even went to school. A very few top skiers have been winners in several events. For example, the Swiss MEDALS COUNTRY star Pirmin Zurbriggen won medals in the downhill, super-G, giant slalom, and the combined competition in the 1980s. However, most alpine skiers 105 AUSTRIA concentrate on speed or technical disciplines. 56 SWITZERLAND 43 FRANCE TURNING 39 UNITED STATES For those who have not been on skis, making turns looks complicated. It certainly takes 28 ITALY practice to be able to do it at racing speeds, but thanks to the shape of modern skis, 26 NORWAY turning has never been easier. The latest technique is to make so-called carving turns. 23 GERMANY For example, a racer shifts his weight onto the left ski, making its outside edge cut into 16 SWEDEN the slope. The ski bends to match the shape of the slope, as the ski rotates to the left. 10 CANADA 9 CROATIA DOWNHILL Shifting shape 9 WEST GERMANY In speed events, turning is The skier leans 5 UNITED TEAM OF GERMANY kept to a minimum because her weight onto 5 SLOVENIA it slows the racer. When the lower ski 2 SPAIN adjustments are needed 2 LUXEMBOURG to stay on the racing line, racers rely on their strength and balance to stay on their feet. WOMEN’S OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALS Sign posts Close call Downhill gates are The turn must follow the YEAR DOWNHILL G. SLALOM SLALOM often placed at natural bends in racing line; too wide or 2018 the course too tight will cost time 2014 2010 ITA USA SWE Bend down 2006 SLO SLO USA The racer stays as low 2002 USA GER GER as possible during the 1998 turn to maintain speed 1994 AUT USA SWE Straight up 1992 FRA CRO CRO The crouching skier makes 1988 her skis parallel to get up 1984 GER ITA GER to full speed again 1980 GER ITA SUI SLALOM 1976 CAN SWE AUT Racers are forced to make 1972 GDR SUI SUI turns through slalom gates. 1968 ITA USA ITA Top slalomists make turns 1964 very close to the gates, AUT LIE LIE so their route is as straight Rapid gates GDR CAN GDR and short as possible. Modern slalom gates have a The racers are allowed SUI SUI USA to push the gate poles hinge at the base so they AUT CAN FRA out of the way using bend out of the racer’s path AUT FRA FRA techniques called blocks. Cross over MEN’S OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALS On guard Top slalomists aim the Slalomists are body behind the pole YEAR DOWNHILL G. SLALOM SLALOM allowed to wear while the skis pass in stiff protectors on front; this is known as 2018 NOR AUT SWE their forearm to 2014 AUT USA AUT prevent injuries cross-blocking 2010 Inside-clear Outside-clear 2006 SUI SUI ITA The simplest block Junior racers might use their 2002 FRA AUT AUT is to push the gate outside arm to clear the gate 1998 AUT AUT FRA away using the 1994 inside forearm Up and down 1992 FRA AUT NOR Slalom racers bob up and 1988 USA GER AUT down to shift their weight 1984 between turns; they make 1980 AUT ITA NOR 1976 SUI ITA ITA up to 60 turns in a race 1972 1968 USA SUI USA 1964 AUT SWE SWE AUT SUI ITA SUI ITA ESP FRA FRA FRA AUT FRA AUT

JUMPING Up and away WINTER SPORTS Slalom racers rarely leave the ground; however, faster Downhill jumps, or airs, result when races often involve competitors making jumps. Downhill the racer reaches a steep drop skiers fly up to 260 ft (80 m) in a single jump. A jump at this speed requires a lot of skill to prevent serious injury. Racers who fall on landing also rely on their equipment; the bindings release the skis, and the smooth racing suit allows them to continue sliding and to slow gradually and safely. Tuck for landing Skid lid Don’t dangle Keep it down ALPINE SKIING The heel, or back, Although jumpers At first, the skis drop The racer does not push off as of the ski will land are rarely more down and begin to she leaves the ground; the jump first, and the racer than a few feet point upward needs to be long but not high absorbs the shock above the ground, with her knees while their speed makes helmets essential crouching down into a high-speed tuck position Push forward Straighten out ONE OF THE GREATS As the jump The racer must keep PERHAPS THE GREATEST SKIER OF ALL TIME IS continues, the skier the skis level and JANICA KOSTELIC, A CROATIAN ALL-AROUNDER must keep her weight pointing downward WITH FOUR OLYMPIC GOLDS. IN THE 2006 forward so she is to reduce drag and SEASON, KOSTELIC (BORN IN 1982) WON RACES ready for landing ensure she travels IN ALL FIVE ALPINE-SKI DISCIPLINES. SHE WON in a straight line WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS IN SLALOM AND THE COMBINED EVENT IN BOTH 2003 AND 2005. IN 2005, SHE ALSO ADDED THE DOWNHILL TITLE. SUPER SPEED Head down Wrap around FASTER THAN FALLING The friction between skis and The head is hunched The poles bend in Downhill racers are not the fastest skiers in the world; snow is only small, and the under the shoulders, behind the body, that honor goes to the speed skiers. This sport is biggest limiter to a racer’s speed but the racer still needs so the baskets stay outside the rules of normal alpine skiing: speed skis are are their turns and air resistance, hidden from the front longer and wider than racing designs, and skiers wear or drag. Skiers reduce drag by to be able to see! lightweight foam fins on the limbs and helmet to create making the forward surface area a more aerodynamic shape. Speed skiers make straight that is exposed to the oncoming Fold over runs down 3,280 ft (1 km) courses. Their speed is wind as small as possible by The upper body recorded halfway down, leaving the lower slope for adopting a tuck position. folds down onto slowing down safely. The current world record is held by Italian Ivan Origone, who reached 158.424 mph Out in front the thighs (254.958 kph) in March 2016. That is even faster than The hands are held in front Shin up the terminal velocity of a skydiver (120 mph/193 kph). of the face with the palms The bodyweight facing inward is held forward INSIDE STORY Making a point on the shins The first recorded ski race was held in With the hands and arms, the Tromsø, Norway, in 1843. By the late 19th bent knees form a forward century, competitions were being held across point that cuts through the air Europe and North America. These early skiers Flatten out were using Telemark equipment. Downhill The ankles must keep the skis races using alpine skis and according to flat so the edges do not cut into modern rules have been held since 1921; the snow and slow the skier the first slalom was in 1922. In 1936, alpine skiing became part of the Olympic program SIDELINES 3.65 The number of people for the first time. Giant slalom became a standard event in 1950, and super giant 100.6 The top speed, in who are injured while skiing each day slalom was introduced in 1982. per every 1,000 skiers. mph (161.9 kph), in a downhill race. GOVERNING BODY: FIS The record, set in January 2013, 40 The minimum number of The Fédération Internationale de Ski (FIS; International belongs to Johan Clarey of France. Ski Federation) is the governing body of all ski seconds left between the starts of competitions, including speed skiing, Nordic skiing downhill competitors. (such as ski jumping and cross-country), snowboarding, and freestyle (acrobatics), as well as alpine skiing. The FIS was founded in 1924. It is based in Switzerland and has 111 national members.

FREESTYLE SKIING EVENT OVERVIEW Protective helmet The two main types of freestyle skiing are A helmet is vital for moguls and aerial, while a third variety, freestyle skiing, acro, is practiced on a more limited basis. giving warmth and Moguls involves skiing down a steep slope extra protection covered with “moguls” (small bumps) for the head and jumping off two ramps, while aerial Waterproof involves jumping off a ramp and performing jacket twists and spins in midair. Acro (not an Insulated, Olympic sport) is a combination of gymnastics waterproof and dance performed on a gentle slope. jackets are worn to stay warm GEARED UP Ski poles Ski bindings Competitors in each of the three Poles are crucial for Standard ski bindings disciplines use similar gear. Acro turning and propelling are used to attach the skiers, and the mogul skier shown the skier. Acro poles here, have the full complement of must not exceed the boots to the skis waterproof and insulated clothing, skier’s height, and Twin-tip skis poles for balance, twin-tip skis, mogul poles are helmet, and goggles. Aerial skiers usually 2 ft (60 cm) Freestyle skiers use flexible skis with smooth wear the same clothing and skis shorter than the athlete undersides and raised tips at both ends but don’t use poles. 82 ft (25 m) THREE-PISTE SUIT Starting position 656–885 ft (200–270 m) Moguls, aerials, and acro are distinct-enough The competitor descends the piste Mogul mounds disciplines to each require a dedicated course. from here between the gates. In The moguls are placed Mogul courses are the steepest of the three, with dual moguls, two skiers descend about 11½ ft (3.5 m) apart a constant decline for the whole slope. The aerial at the same time slope has four stages, each at different gradients— Control gates Kicker ramps the inrun, table, landing zone, and finish area. The Contestants pass There are two rows of ramps made acro course is a single slope at a constant gradient. between control from ice called kickers. Skiers take off gates 26–49 ft from these to perform aerial twists, HOT DOGGING (8–15 m) apart A SKIING TREND DUBBED “HOT DOGGING” turns, and somersaults BROUGHT FREESTYLE SKIING TO A NEW Finish line AUDIENCE IN THE LATE 1960s. INSPIRED BY THE MOVES AND STYLE OF SKATEBOARDERS, The run ends when the skier AMERICAN SKIERS BEGAN TO EXPERIMENT goes through a photoelectric WITH JUMPS AND TRICKS ON THE SLOPES AND ADOPTED THE TERM TO DESCRIBE THE cell between two uprights SHOWBOATING STYLE THAT EVOLVED. MOUNTAIN MOLEHILLS Judges’ stand The mogul slope has a constant Each run is scored gradient of 24–32º. Competitors by seven judges, negotiate the moguls at high speed who sit in a stand in before jumping off ramps called the finish area kickers to perform aerial maneuvers.

NEED2KNOW SIDELINES 321 The vertical drop, in feet WINTER SPORTS The first appearance of freestyle skiing 3 The maximum number of backflips (98 m), of the Sauze d’Oulx mogul run, FREESTYLE SKIING was in the 1930s in Norway, when skiers which was used for the Turin Winter began to perform acrobatics during alpine permitted in an aerial competition. Up to Olympics. Fresh snow for the moguls and cross-country training. five twists may also be added in order to was produced artificially from rainwater. Freestyle skiing is one of the most dynamic win as many points as possible for “form.” forms of skiing—the ethos is very much on 4 The total number of freestyle skiing individual creativity and expression. It has 59 The height, in feet (18 m), that top a lot in common with snowboarding, medals won by the United States at the particularly in clothing and techniques. aerial freestylers rise above the slope after 2010 Winter Olympics. Although this Moguls and aerial are both Olympic sports. lifting off from a kicker. Jumps in mogul was the highest national total in the Acro was a demonstration sport in 1988 contests are smaller in size. competition, Canada won two gold medals and 1992, but has not been adopted fully. in comparison to the United States’ one. SKIER PROFILE STYLISH GEAR SKI LENGTHS Each freestyle discipline has its own Headgear and clothing are the same in The skis used for moguls demands, but they all require physical all three forms of freestyle. Acro skis are and aerial have specific endurance and technical ability. Some shorter and more flexible than their maximum lengths. Acro skis freestylists work out by bouncing on mogul and aerial equivalents. may be no more than 80 trampolines while wearing skis, and in the percent of the skier’s height. absence of snow during the off-season, aerial skiers practice on artificial ramps PLASTIC HELMET Ski bindings Maximum length: men 6 ft 3 in (1.9 m); that end in swimming pools or lakes. Helmets are nearly The bindings women 5 ft 11 in (1.8 m) always worn and are secure the SKI BOOTS required for aerial skiers. skier’s boot Made from plastic, ski boots Made from plastic, they onto the ski are incredibly stiff, with high are held in position with sides to support the ankles a chin strap. Padded fit to ensure that the feet are Helmets come with secured firmly to the skis. padding on the inside Ski clips for a comfy fit The boots are closed and secured by a SKI GOGGLES Elastic strap Flexible ski number of clips Goggles are worn to The goggles are The ski’s profile protect the eyes from secured with an is curved, which the glare of the sun, as makes it more well as to prevent snow elastic strap flexible from getting in the eyes. AERIAL SLOPE Table 210–243 ft (64–74 m) On the aerial course, the takeoff slope (known The table is completely as the “inrun”) descends at an angle of between 20° and 25°, then flattens out at the takeoff flat to allow skiers to area (known as the “table”).The landing zone is gauge accurately the built at an angle of 37°. angle of the kickers Judges’ stand Inrun The judges sit on a The length of the inrun raised platform to get a varies according to the good view of the jump angle of the slope Knoll 98 ft (30 m) Marker flags The transition from the table to the landing zone is known as the “knoll” Flags are placed to help competitors and is marked with a red line judge their progress down the inrun Landing zone Sculpted kickers The slope in the landing zone Kickers are individually sculpted from snow is scattered with wood shavings to give the skiers a and have no artificial infrastructure at all. clear view of the ground Once built, they must be maintained at the Finish area same temperature throughout the event There are no size regulations for the finish area; it is usually Boundary wall built as large as possible The finish area is enclosed by fencing to keep spectators out

MOGUL MAGIC BACK SCRATCHING Lifted high The goal of moguls is to get down the The back scratcher is a move The poles must be course as fast as possible while winning performed in midair just after a jump, lifted high and wide points awarded by seven judges for the in combination with one or two other to avoid striking the overall style and technique of the positions. The skis must stay in parallel descent and for compulsory elements, with each other. skis or legs such as jumps. There are three scoring elements: the quality of turns around the SPREAD EAGLED moguls, maneuvers made in the jumps, The spread eagle is a popular midair move. and the overall speed of the descent. The skier launches off a kicker and spreads both arms and legs as wide as possible. BUMPY RIDE Skiers can go straight over the moguls, KNEE-TO-SHOW BASIS but this takes longer than twisting and IN 1994, CANADA’S JEAN-LUC turning around them. Bumps are BRASSARD WORE BRIGHTLY absorbed by bending the knees. COLORED KNEEPADS TO ENSURE THE JUDGES MISSED NONE OF HIS Pole position Pointing back TRICKS ON THE MOGUL SLOPE. HE As the skier prepares to The skis are pointed TOOK GOLD, AND NOW EVERYONE down at the ground WEARS THEM. turn to the right, he or and the trailing ends she pivots on the right pole and shifts his or her “scratch the back” weight to the right ACRO AFFAIR Swing into line Tripod moment Acroskiers perform a 90-second In the penultimate As the skier flips, he or choreographed routine of flips and spins phase of the she is supported on set to a musical accompaniment chosen somersault, the skier both poles and the by the competitor. The maneuvers fall into brings the trailing ski trailing ski, which is one of three categories: spins, leverage as close as possible implanted upright in moves, and somersaults. to the first ski the ground FORWARD SOMERSAULT The forward somersault is a key acro move. It can be augmented by holding the upside-down position on the poles before returning to the ground. Over and out Pushing off Braced for action After landing on both The skier pushes back on Both poles are skis, the skier returns to pushed into the the upright position and the ski that, later in the snow together, continues down the slope maneuver, will be raised ahead of the skis THE ACRO SLOPE Acro skiers perform their moves on a above the head first slope with a gradient of approximately 24°. The slope must be as smooth as Judges’ stand 490 ft (150 m) 82 ft (25 m)) possible—the winter sports equivalent Seven judges observe from a of a bowling green. Competitors use stand alongside the middle the whole available area, beginning section of the slope their routines almost as soon as they Colored edgings have left the starting line and ending A colored line marks right at the finish. the edge of the skiing area Finish line Warning flags Smooth slope Starting position A photoelectric cell Flags give a clear In complete contrast Skiers begin their between the uprights at indication of the with the moguls slope, routine close to the the end of the slope extent of the the descent is smooth, start to fit as many performance area with no bumps maneuvers into their routine as possible

MOGUL MOVES 540° AERIAL TURN WINTER SPORTS The highlights of each mogul run are the This impressive maneuver consists of jumps and maneuvers that are carried one-and-a-half horizontal rotations out at the two kickers. Competitors build performed in midair up as much speed as possible before they get to the jumps. Most skiers attempt either a sequence of up to three individual moves, such as the back scratcher and spread eagle, or a single jump involving multiple twists. Touchdown Revolution #1 No waving Takeoff FREESTYLE SKIING The knees are bent to After completing The skis must stay At the lip of the jump, absorb the impact; on two-thirds of the move, together throughout the the skier starts to spin landing, the skier pushes the skier twists again for spin; the judges penalize by turning the head and off down the slope the final half-circle deviations in either the shoulders to the right; the horizontal or vertical plane rest of the body will follow AERIAL ACTION In aerial events, each skier has two Rotation #4 High-speed approach jumps, which are scored by seven The last rotation is The skier moderates the judges. Five judges score the takeoff, completed in the last length, height, and form of the jump, phase of the jump speed of approach while the other two score the landing. according to the jump The total is multiplied by a degree of Backflip #1 difficulty (DD) to give the total score. The skier performs one backflip on the upward path of the jump DOUBLE FULL-FULL-FULL while rotating the skis This jump involves three “full” Takeoff time somersaults, with two horizontal twists The body is kept stiff and on the first somersault and one on parallel to the ground at each of the other two. Three is the the point of takeoff maximum number of somersaults permitted in competitive aerials. Parallel lines The skis must be kept parallel on landing, and the knees are bent to absorb the impact STAT CENTRAL OLYMPIC CHAMPIONS: MEN’S MOGULS OLYMPIC CHAMPIONS: MEN’S AERIAL INSIDE STORY The first freestyle skiing World YEAR NAME COUNTRY YEAR NAME COUNTRY Cup was held in 1981; the inaugural World Championship 2018 MIKAEL KINGSBUR (CAN) 2018 OLEKSANDR ABRAMENKO (UKR) followed four years later. Moguls 2014 ALEXANDRE BILODEAU (CAN) 2019 first featured in the Winter 2010 GUILBAUT COLAS (FRA) 2010 ANTON KUSHNIR (BLR) Olympics in 1992; aerials joined 2006 DALE BEGG-SMITH (AUS) 2006 the Games in 1994. Acro ski 2002 JANNE LAHTELA (FIN) 2002 ALEXEI GRISHIN (BLR) is still unrecognized by the International Olympic Committee XIAOPENG HAN (CHN) (IOC), although it was a demonstration sport at the ALES VALENTA (CZE) 1988 and 1992 Olympics. OLYMPIC CHAMPIONS: WOMEN’S MOGULS OLYMPIC CHAMPIONS: WOMEN’S AERIAL GOVERNING BODY The Fédération Internationale YEAR NAME COUNTRY YEAR NAME COUNTRY de Ski (FIS) currently has 123 member nations. 2018 PERRINE LAFFONT (FRA) 2018 HANNA HUSKORA (BLR) 2014 2014 ALLA TSUPER (BLR) 2010 JUSTINE DUFOUR-LAPOINTE (CAN) 2010 LYDIA LASSILA (AUS) 2006 2006 EVELYNE LEU (SUI) 2002 HANNAH KEARNEY (USA) 2002 ALISA CAMPLIN (AUS) JENNIFER HEIL (CAN) KARI TRAA (NOR)

NEED2KNOW SPORT OVERVIEW Developed in the United States in the 1960s, snowboarding Snowboard Cross, in which four boarders combines the skills required for skiing, skateboarding, and race each other downhill through a series surfing. Riding on a single, wide, skilike board to which both of obstacles, was introduced at the Turin feet are attached, snowboarders are known for their speed Winter Olympics in 2006. and boldness on the slopes and their agility in snowparks. In “Big Air” riders jump off a 60 ft (18 m) ramp, then spin and flip for 100 ft (30 m). RACING AND TRICK RIDING Craig Kelly, the “godfather of freeriding,” Snowboarding has a variety of different elements, including downhill riding won four World Championships and three and racing, mogul techniques, tricks performed in half- and quarter-pipes, US Championships. He was killed in an and powder riding. Racing, known as alpine snowboarding, uses skills avalanche in January 2003. similar to downhill ski racing. The race course is set up with gates and is called giant slalom. The object of the race is to go as fast as possible. PLAYER PROFILE Missing a gate results in disqualification. Parallel giant slalom consists Aside from being daring, with a great deal of of two boarders racing against each other on parallel courses. self-confidence and a sense of adventure, a snowboarder has to have excellent physical EXTREME SNOWBOARDING posture from which they gain strength, Done on near-vertical (45°-plus) mountain slopes with cliffs, deep snow, chutes, and flexibility, and agility. As with any snow trees, extreme snowboarding is not for the fainthearted. Competitions include racing sport, balance and coordination are and freestyle events that involve courses of up to 4,000 ft (2,000 m), with many vital, as is quick thinking. A flair for natural obstacles. Entrants are judged on factors such as time and style. putting on a performance is an important quality in freestylers. Helmet Sweatshirt Gloves Light and colorful and similar to Lightweight, warm, and Mitts or gloves have palm Goggles a bicycle helmet, the helmet breathable, sweatshirts and finger reinforcement and Goggles protect the eyes against protects the head in a fall are an essential item for are waterproof. They are snowblindness. They also prevent comfort on the slopes or usually lined with fleece or snow from getting in the eyes, which in the snowpark synthetic material for warmth can cause temporary vision loss, dangerous at high speeds Regular or Lower body Upper body goofy? Padded pants and knee protection reduce Body gear is designed to protect This refers to the the shoulders, elbows, and foot at the front of damage from bangs and falls. Technical spine. Dense, high-impact the board. Left foot material wicks away sweat while keeping foam is used, along with leading is regular and neoprene for flexibility right foot leading is goofy. the wearer warm Wrist guard It is a matter of what feels Binding angle In the event of a fall, comfortable and has nothing to The angle of the feet on wrist guards reduce do with handedness the board can be varied the likelihood of Stance to suit the rider’s style sprains or breaks The feet are commonly placed a little more than shoulder-width apart. A narrower stance gives SIMON DUMONT more control for turning on the slope, and a wider DUMONT SMASHED THE WORLD one is more stable for freestyle boarding QUARTER-PIPE RECORD ON APRIL 11, 2008. THE 21-YEAR-OLD AMERICAN BOARDER JUMPED 35 FT 6 IN (10.8 M), EXACTLY 3 FT 3 IN (1 M) HIGHER THAN THE PREVIOUS RECORD. SNOWBOARDING

HALF-PIPE Jumps Platform or deck Entry ramp WINTER SPORTS A half-pipe is a specially constructed, U-shaped, sloping, An experienced rider can A flat edge runs around the Snowboarders enter the tubular arena with curved walls and a flat bottom in which jump to a height of up to edge of the half-pipe. This half-pipe via the ramp, snowboarders can carry out acrobatic displays. Half-pipes 26¼ ft (8 m) above the creates the lip (top edge) which helps them to originated in skateboarding parks. flat floor of the half-pipe. where tricks begin gain speed beforehand This gives plenty of “air” to perform a series of impressive tricks HOW IS IT DONE? Snowboarders descend one wall of the U to get up speed; this enables them to ascend the opposite wall and reach the lip, from where they jump into the air and perform moves and tricks. The farther up the pipe they start, the more jumps they can do. To use a half-pipe, riders need excellent edge and turning control. They need to be able to go backward (fakie) as well. 164–328 ft (50–100 m) SNOWBOARDING COMPETITIONS Most half-pipe competitions have five judges, each responsible for a different area. Scores are given for tricks, such as spins and flips; technical merit; landing; and the height a rider attains in jumps. Vertical (vert) Transition (trannie) The upper section of the This is the curved wall is vertical. The right- area between the angled lip links the verts floor and the vertical with the platform or deck wall (vert) End to end Snowboarders must travel the whole length of the pipe, from the entry ramp 42–59 ft (13–18 m) to the exit INDY GRAB TECHNIQUES In a half-pipe, a boarder employs a variety of techniques, such as a rolling edge To make an indy grab, get plenty of “air” at the (ascending on one board edge and descending on the other) and making a slide lip, draw your knees up, turn (on the snow or ice) or jump turn (in the air) at the top of the vertical. use your trailing hand to ALLEY OOP grab the board between This half-pipe trick the bindings, and extend involves an uphill turn your leading arm. through 180° in the air. The rider needs to be traveling at speed Grab Body bend Release Upside down Straight leg Leading arm to achieve enough In the air, grab the Turn your body to the front Release the grab as Being upside down Once you have Use your leading arm height in the air, and toe edge of the of the board. As with all the board approaches is part of being a made the grab, the board must be flat board to start the jumps, draw your knees up the half-pipe lip and talented freestyle straighten the to counterbalance on takeoff. snowboarder. leading leg as Grabs assist midair stability during turn to your body when in the air land flat to ride away complicated tricks far as possible EQUIPMENT Toe space Highback INSIDE Boots and boards are the most basic The toes should A molded STORY requirements. There are two main types support sits The first crude snowboards of snowboard: freestyle (free-riding) and not be able to behind the ankle were made in the 1950s alpine. A freestyle board is comparatively feel the end of and extends up by surfers and skaters who short and flexible with symmetrical nose the boot, but the wanted to try a new sport. and tail. Alpine boards are long, narrow, foot should feel the calf In 1965, Sherman Poppen and rigid, with a distinct front and back. bolted two skis together to snug and make a “snurfer,” a hybrid protected board that came somewhere between a skateboard and SNOWBOARD BOOTS BINDINGS a toboggan. Jake Burton Snowboards have a light, strong, and flexible wood Freestylers use flexible boots These hold the feet on the Carpenter started making core with fiberglass lamination. The base is made of of soft synthetic leather. Alpine board and do not release fiberglass snowboards in a porous plastic saturated with wax for a smooth, rider’s boots are like ski boots, automatically. Bindings can 1979, and added bolted-on fast run, and is patterned to channel snow and water. with a stiff plastic outside. be adjusted for a perfect fit. bindings for more control. Steel edges arrived in the Curve 1980s, as did highback The edges are symmetrically curved. bindings. Snowboarding Curves assist turning. The shorter became a Winter Olympic the radius, the tighter the turn sport in 1998. Edges A steel edge 1⁄8 in (2 mm) square creates board “grab”

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING EVENT OVERVIEW NEED2KNOW Cross-country skiing is probably the most grueling of the winter sports. Competitive cross-country is divided into classical and freestyle, and Cross-country skiing has long been races are run over distances from 1⁄4 mile (400 m) sprints to 31 mile popular in northern Europe and (50 km) marathons or longer. In classical competitions, skiers use Canada. It has grown considerably in a straight stride and stay within predetermined tracks, only leaving the US, along with other countries them to overtake. In the faster freestyle discipline, skiers push off with extensive winter snow cover. on alternate skis in a style of movement that resembles skating. The sport is on the programs of the Head cozy COMPETITOR PROFILE Winter Olympics, the FIS World Cup, A ski hat keeps the head A cross-country skier needs huge strength and the Nordic World Ski warm, and nonfogging and stamina, as well as a perfect technique. Championships. eyewear reduces sun glare Training on snow in winter and an arduous There are 12 cross-country skiing without impairing vision regime of cycling, running, and roller skiing competitions at the Winter Olympics, in summer build the athlete’s physical and six for men and six for women. mental strength. Technique is perfected through practice on the white stuff. Poles apart COMPETITION Freestyle poles may come up GUIDELINES to the chin or mouth to allow Cross-country circuits vary enormously, for a higher arm action. but international competition guidelines Classical poles (shown right) recommend that a course contains are shorter uphill, downhill, and undulating terrain Competition bibs in roughly equal measure. The uphill Skiers wear their start numbers on section should have a gradient of 9–18 their chest and back; numbers may percent. For sprints, the difference also appear on the leg closest to the between the lowest and highest points camera at the finish line should not exceed 98 ft (30 m). For Handcover races of 9.3 miles (15 km) and more, the Cross-country gloves are difference should not be greater than 656 lightweight, thermal, and ft (200 m). However, Norway’s Birkebeiner windproof race involves more uphill than downhill. Ski suit A stretchable, close-fitting Lycra suit allows THE “NANNESTAD EXPRESS” unrestricted, streamlined body movement SKIER BJORN DAEHLIE HAS WON and the maximum release of perspiration 12 WINTER OLYMPIC MEDALS. FROM NANNESTAD, NORWAY, DAEHLIE IS Ankle support FAMED FOR HIS SPEED. HE WON HIS The boots used for freestyle EIGHT GOLDS AND FOUR SILVERS cross-country skiing are relatively FROM 1992 TO 1998. IN 1994, HIS rigid and give more ankle support RELAY TEAM MISSED GOLD BY JUST than classical boots 0.4 SECONDS—AFTER A RACE OF ALMOST 25 MILES (40 KM)! Fixed toe Slippery stuff Curved tips The binding secures only Skiers apply wax to the underside of Cross-country skis are the toe of the boot to the skis to influence speed and grip, as well ski. The heel remains free as to prevent the build-up of ice or dirt longer and narrower than those used by Alpine skiers, and the skis have steeply curved tips to avoid catching the snow