Montgomery Whitewater Park to Host 2024 Canoe Slalom and Kayak Cross Olympic Team Trials

The American Canoe Association has selected Montgomery Whitewater Park in Alabama to host the first of two selection events for the 2024 Canoe Slalom and Kayak Cross Olympic Team Trials on April 13-14.

Montgomery Whitewater Park opened in July 2023 and hosted the American Canoe Association age group national championships in canoe slalom and kayak cross. The facility is the newest of three Olympic-caliber pumped whitewater courses in America capable of hosting international events. Riversport OKC in Oklahoma City will host the other Trials qualifier for kayak cross and canoe slalom from April 26-28.

“We are honored to host the 2024 Canoe Slalom And Kayak Cross Olympic Team Trials and look forward to welcoming these elite paddlers and coaches to experience our state-of-the-art park,” said Dave Hepp, chief executive officer of the park. “We also invite the region to come out and be inspired by these amazing athletes to get out on the water and try paddling for themselves.”

Canoe slalom is contested by two types of boat, canoes and kayaks. In canoe, a single-blade paddle is used by an athlete who is kneeling in their boat. In contrast, kayakers use a double-bladed paddle and are sitting. Canoe and kayak competitions are timed events where competitors navigate a whitewater course by passing through a combination of gates. Kayak Cross is the latest addition to the Olympic Program and will debut in Paris. This event puts four kayakers in a head-to-head format, racing down a section of whitewater while negotiating several inflatable gates.

“Montgomery had a vision to provide unique outdoor opportunities to its community and the Montgomery Whitewater Park is the realization of this vision,” said Beth Spilman, executive director for the American Canoe Association. “They have embraced our sport and we are beyond thrilled to be able to bring the Olympic Trials there.”