Sprint canoeing is one of the best-known competitive canoeing disciplines in Australia.  Sprint canoeing is all about speed on Flatwater over distances of 200 metres, 500 metres and 1000 metres. The craft that have developed are sleek and fast but unstable.

Sprint kayakers use specially designed paddles allowing  for extra power and efficiency. K1, K2 and K4 are the most popular classes of sprint kayaking but there are also canoe classes, C1, C2 and C4. Both men and women compete in kayaks, but only men compete in canoes.

In sprint racing, events are contested over three distances 200 metres, 500 metres and 1000 metres. Sprint racing at the Olympic Games is contested over 500 metres and 1000 metres only.

Victorian Flatwater Racing (Sprint) Committee is responsible for organising the sport in Victoria.  Several clubs run sprint training courses and races for club members - check with your local club Spritn representative or Club Secretary for details.

Regattas are organised around the State and regattas are regularly held at Nagambie Lakes, but others may be held on the Yarra River, Maribrynong River, National Water Sports Centre Carrum, Barwon River Geelong, Lake Wendouree Ballarat or Lake Weeroona Bendigo.