Canoeing
What is it?
Rugby is a fast and exciting team sport where players work together to move an oval-shaped ball up the field and score points. Players can run with the ball, pass it backwards to teammates, or kick it forwards to gain distance, while the other team tries to stop them. The main aim of the game is to work together as a team to carry the ball over the opponent’s try line and score a try.
Rugby is all about teamwork, skill, and respect, as every player has an important role in helping their team attack, defend, and support each other. Some players use strength to win the ball and protect their teammates, while others use speed and agility to find space and score points. The sport is played all around the world and is known for its energy, teamwork, and strong sense of sportsmanship, where players respect their teammates, opponents, and the referee.
There are several types of rugby, including contact and non-contact versions. There are many differences, but are focused on the true spirit of rugby in developing confidence, teamwork, and important skills. If you enjoy running, working together, and exciting team games, rugby is a sport full of action and fun.
Explore Activity Types
After exploring this page below, and discovering all about the activity, and deciding that you wish to learn more, progress as a Trailblazor by exploring the Activity types to decide which one interests you.
On Activity Type Pages, you will have the opportunity to attempt Simply Grow Missions to develop your skills, and decide if you wish to challenge yourself with Simply Inspire Missions to progress as an Activity Ambassador.
Simply Snapfacts
Why do many beginners start paddling on flat water?
Calm water helps paddlers practise balance, steering, and paddle control safely.
Recreational Paddling
0
Why do sprint kayakers paddle at such high rhythm?
Elite racers use extremely fast stroke rates to maintain speed across flat water.
Sprint Kayaking
0
Why do kayakers wear spray decks around their waist?
Spray decks seal the cockpit to stop water flooding the kayak during rough conditions.
Kayaking
0
Why do kayak cross races sometimes begin from a ramp above the water?
Athletes launch into the water simultaneously to create explosive starts and immediate racing battles.
Kayak Cross
0
Why do slalom canoeists sometimes hit gates even on perfect-looking runs?
Powerful currents can suddenly change boat direction while athletes pass through narrow gates.
Slalom Canoeing
0
Competitive Formats
Rugby is a diverse and inclusive sport that, the aim is to advance the ball forward, to score a try. Whether you enjoy fast-paced running games, physical challenges, strategic teamwork or adaptive formats, there is a version of rugby to suit different interests, abilities and goals. Each format has its own rules, number of players, playing environment, playing time and, in many cases, its own governing body or competition structure. While every version is unique, all share rugby’s core values of respect, teamwork, confidence and belonging.
Non-Contact Rugby
Non-contact rugby includes formats where tackling is replaced by touches, tags or other methods of stopping play, making the game more accessible while still retaining many of rugby’s core skills and principles. It focuses on passing, movement, teamwork, decision-making and spatial awareness, often with fewer stoppages and a faster flow of play. Each format has its own rules, number of players, playing time, pace and governing body. Non-contact rugby can also be adapted to support players of different ages, abilities and needs, and always searching for new ways that more people can enjoy and participate in the game.
- Touch Rugby
- Tag Rugby
- T1 Rugby
Contact Rugby
Contact rugby includes formats where touches or tags are replaced with unique elements like scrums, rucks, mauls and line-outs. These elements of the game are introduced after game is stopped by penalty or tackling and physical contact that form part of the game. Games can differ significantly in rules, number of players, playing time, pace, playing environment and governing bodies. Many formats can too feature unique elements such as kicking contests and set pieces, while adaptive formats may modify or replace some of these aspects and can be either contact or non-contact depending on the version being played. Each offers its own challenges, requiring skill, teamwork, determination and resilience.
- Rugby Union
- Wheelchair Rugby
- Rugby League
- Beach Rugby
- Rugby Sevens
Inclusive Rugby
Rugby has continued to develop new formats to engage all individuals, irrespective of ability, experience or circumstances to participate, challenge themselves and enjoy being part of the game. Every individual is encouraged to contribute, support others and recognise the unique strengths that each person brings to the team. By working together, players learn how different skills, perspectives and abilities can unite to achieve a common goal. The games can take on one or a combination of rugby disciplines, based on participants and programme. Whether participating recreationally or competitively, inclusive rugby demonstrates that success is defined by resilience, character, commitment and the willingness to work alongside others. It reflects the spirit of rugby at its best, where everyone has a role to play, every contribution is valued and teams become stronger through collaboration, trust and mutual respect.
- Mixed ability Rugby
- Visually Impaired Rugby
- Walking Rugby
Competitive Pathways
Competitive pathways provide a general guide to some of the adventures and opportunities that may be available as you grow, develop and gain experience. They are designed to show what is possible, not define your pathway.
We all have different goals, and those goals can change over time. You may want to have fun, learn new skills, make friends, stay active, compete, or simply try something new. Different activity formats, countries and governing bodies may offer different pathways and experiences.
Explore the possibilities, discover what you enjoy, and choose the pathway that best supports your own Simply Story.
July 5
Early Years Foundation
Discover movement, play, coordination and basic skills through fun, age-appropriate activities.
February 2
Mini's
Learn the fundamentals, develop confidence and begin playing in simple games and team environments.
January 31
Juniors
Build skills, understanding and experience through regular training, competition and personal development.
January 31
Regional
Represent a wider area, competing against stronger opposition and demonstrating advanced ability and commitment.
January 31
National
Compete or represent at a national level, performing among the highest standard of players in the country.
January 31
Olympics / ParaOlympics
Compete on the world stage, representing your country at elite international competitions, Olympic or Paralympic events.
Search for a Local Club
Simply FACT
Simply History
1871
Rugby Union
Rugby Union was formally organised in 1871 when the Rugby Football Union was founded in England to standardise the rules.
1883
Rugby Sevens
Rugby Sevens was created in Melrose, Scotland, in 1883 by Ned Haig and David Sanderson as a fundraising tournament.
1895
Rugby League
Rugby League was created in 1895 when northern English clubs split from Rugby Union over payments for players who missed work.
1960
Touch Rugby
Touch Rugby developed strongly in Australia in the 1960s and 1970s as a non-contact rugby-style sport.
1977
Wheelchair Rugby
Wheelchair Rugby was originally called Murderball when it was created in Canada in 1977 by athletes with quadriplegia.
2000's
Tag Rugby
Tag Rugby became widely used in schools in the late 20th century as a non-contact way to teach passing, movement and teamwork.
2023
T1 Rugby
T1 Rugby was launched by World Rugby in 2023 as a new non-contact version of rugby designed to make the sport faster, safer, and more accessible for players of all ages and abilities.
Simply Scorecards
Try
Canoe Slalom
Canoe Sprint
Canoeing
Kayak Cross
Kayak Sprint
Kayaking
Para Canoe
Recreational Paddling
Sea Kayaking
Slalom Canoeing
Conversion
Canoe Slalom
Canoe Sprint
Canoeing
Kayak Cross
Kayak Sprint
Kayaking
Para Canoe
Recreational Paddling
Sea Kayaking
Slalom Canoeing
Drop Kick
Canoe Slalom
Canoe Sprint
Canoeing
Kayak Cross
Kayak Sprint
Kayaking
Para Canoe
Recreational Paddling
Sea Kayaking
Slalom Canoeing
Penalty
Canoe Slalom
Canoe Sprint
Canoeing
Kayak Cross
Kayak Sprint
Kayaking
Para Canoe
Recreational Paddling
Sea Kayaking
Slalom Canoeing
Simply Comparisons
Starting Age
Canoe Slalom
9+ Years
Canoe Sprint
8+ Years
Canoeing
8+ Years
Kayak Cross
10+ Years
Kayak Sprint
8+ Years
Kayaking
8+ Years
Para Canoe
8+ Years
Recreational Paddling
8+ Years
Sea Kayaking
8+ Years
Slalom Canoeing
8+ Years
Players
Canoe Slalom
1 paddler
Canoe Sprint
1, 2 or 4 paddlers
Canoeing
1 or more paddlers
Kayak Cross
4 racers per heat
Kayak Sprint
1, 2 or 4 paddlers
Kayaking
1 or 2 paddlers
Para Canoe
1 paddler
Length of Play
Canoe Slalom
Around 90–120 seconds per run
Canoe Sprint
30 seconds to 4 minutes per race
Canoeing
30 minutes to several hours
Kayak Cross
Around 1 minute per race
Kayak Sprint
30 seconds to 4 minutes per race
Kayaking
30 minutes to several hours
Para Canoe
30 minutes to several hours
What is it all about?
Canoe Slalom
Canoe Slalom is a paddling event where athletes steer through gates on moving water.
Canoe Sprint
Canoe Sprint is a fast paddling race on calm water over a set distance.
Canoeing
Paddlers usually kneel or sit using a single-bladed paddle to move through calm or moving water.
Kayak Cross
Kayak Cross is a fast paddling race where kayakers compete through gates and obstacles.
Kayak Sprint
Kayak Sprint is a fast aquatics race where paddlers race on calm water.
Kayaking
Paddlers sit low and use a double-bladed paddle to explore, race or tackle water routes.
Para Canoe
Adapted canoe or kayak racing where disabled athletes compete using strength, rhythm and technique.
Recreational Paddling
A relaxed way to enjoy rivers, lakes or canals while building confidence on the water.
Sea Kayaking
Sea Kayaking is a form of canoeing & kayaking that helps people practise the key skills of the activity in a fun, focused and active way.
Slalom Canoeing
Paddlers navigate gates on moving water, combining speed, control and quick decision-making.
Olympic Status
Canoe Slalom
Summer Olympics, 1972
Canoe Sprint
Summer Olympics, 1936
Canoeing
Non-Olympic
Kayak Cross
Summer Olympics, 2024
Kayak Sprint
Summer Olympics, 1936
Kayaking
Non-Olympic
Para Canoe
Paralympics, 2016
Recreational Paddling
Non-Olympic
Sea Kayaking
Non-Olympic
Slalom Canoeing
Summer Olympics, 1972
Player Positions
Canoe Slalom
Paddler, Canoeist, Kayaker, Racer, Coach, Race Official
Canoe Sprint
Paddler, Canoeist, Kayaker, Racer, Coach, Race Official
Canoeing
Paddler, Canoeist, Kayaker, Racer, Coach, Race Official
Kayak Cross
Paddler, Canoeist, Kayaker, Racer, Coach, Race Official
Kayak Sprint
Paddler, Canoeist, Kayaker, Racer, Coach, Race Official
Kayaking
Paddler, Canoeist, Kayaker, Racer, Coach, Race Official
Para Canoe
Paddler, Canoeist, Kayaker, Racer, Coach, Race Official
Recreational Paddling
Paddler, Canoeist, Kayaker, Racer, Coach, Race Official
Sea Kayaking
Paddler, Kayaker, Guide, Coach, Race Official
Slalom Canoeing
Paddler, Canoeist, Kayaker, Racer, Coach, Race Official
Simply Try
Let the Journey Begin
The Discovery Missions are designed to introduce the sport, in a fun and inclusive way.
- Read the Discovery Mission and learn what you’ll be doing.
- Discover what you’ll learn and the skills you’ll develop.
- Complete the Mission and have fun!
- If you wish to, Record and reflect on your experience by writing in your Personal Journal.
- Earn an Adventurer Badge for each completed Discovery Mission.
- Unlock your Adventurer Certificate when you have successfully completed 3 of your chosen Discovery Missions.
Browse Equipment
Browse Pre-Loved
Pre-loved shopping is a smart and sustainable way to find quality items at great value. From sports equipment and books to games, hobbies and everyday essentials, many pre-loved items have been carefully looked after and are ready for their next adventure. Browse trusted brands, discover hidden gems and find products that have already stood the test of time.
Browse New
Spending money is an important decision, so it’s worth exploring your options before you buy. Browse a variety of stores to compare products, prices and services, helping you find the right item at the right value. Whether you’re looking for sports equipment, books, games or hobby supplies, take the time to shop around and make an informed choice.
Simply Tip: Create a wishlist for birthdays, save or earn pocket money by doing chores.
Test your friends & family's knowledge by flipping Simply Snapfacts
Inspire-Me Galleries
Challenge-Me Galleries
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When did recreational angling become organised?
Recreational angling became widely organised in Britain during the 1800s, with clubs, rules and fishing publications growing in popularity.
Coarse Fishing
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What ancient craft influenced kayaking history?
Sea kayaking traces back to Inuit kayak designs used for hunting and travel in Arctic waters thousands of years ago.
Sea Kayaking
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