Kayak cross is a combination of all canoeing's white water disciplines, with competitors racing in identical plastic creek boats.

The excitement begins from the very start, with four competitors sliding off a ramp more than two metres above the water and splashing onto the course as one.

From there it's a race to the first buoy, and it really is a case of anything goes as each paddler tries to steal an advantage over their opponents.

Athletes need to negotiate both downstream and upstream buoys, and contact is allowed – adding to the thrills and spills and excitement for spectators and athletes alike.

Then there's the compulsory kayak roll. Athletes only have a short window of opportunity to successfully roll their kayaks, and they need to do a complete 360 degree flip.

There are a variety of ways to get disqualified – breaking the start, missing a buoy, dangerous paddling, and failing to complete the kayak roll within the allocated area.

Most races are over in around a minute, but times are not important. Kayak cross is very much a race of tactics, and often it does not pay to lead early. Athletes also have choices to make, including which side of the course they should take.