Selection for IVF Sprints 2026 - First Trial on 7-8th Feb 2026

Jan 28
5 min read

Updated: Jan 29

This is a national time trial (500m) to select the Elite crew representing Singapore for the IVF World Championships.

Oc1 TT:

The top 9 men and top 9 women will be shortlisted for V6.

The top 15 men and top 15 women will be shortlisted for V12.

The OC1 time trial will select competitors based on overall ranking nationwide, regardless of age.

V1 TT:

The top 3 men and top 3 women will be shortlisted for V1/age category

(eg: Top 3 men opens, top 3 men 40’s, top 3 men’s 50’s etc.)

If you are shortlisted, you will be invited into a selection process that will include additional training and trials. Final selection will be made immediately after the Singapore National Championships in April.

Race details

Each participant will be given a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 3 tries for the trial.

OC1 (Selection for V6/V12 Elite representatives)

Boat model:	Puakea Kahele/Kahele Pro All boats will be weighed, with pro models having extra weights loaded for the difference. All ama’s will be rigged to the lowest and most stable position for consistency. No changes to rigging are allowed. Puakea Volare/Volare Pro For paddlers weighing over 85kg, you have the option to use a Volare/Volare Pro instead. Weighing of boat and rigging practices are the same as the Kahele.	Kahele Pro : Hull Weight: 16 lbs Kahele (Standard): Hull Weight: 18 lbs Rigged weight increased in accordance with hull weight, i.e. Kahele Pro 21lbs, Kahele 23lbs Volare Pro: Hull Weight: 18 lbs Volare (Standard) :Hull Weight: 19.5 lbs Rigged weight increased in accordance with hull weight, i.e. Volare Pro 22.5lbs, Volare 23lbs
Race format:	In 500m race course

V1 (Selection for Elite representatives)

Boat model:	Fai 4si/4si pro All boats will be weighed, with pro models having extra weights loaded for the difference. All ama will be rigged to the lowest and most stable position for consistency. All footplates will be removed. No changes to rigging are allowed.	Fai 4si Pro : Hull Weight: 17.4 lbs Fai 4si (Standard) :Hull Weight: 19.3lb Rigged weight increased in accordance with hull weight, i.e. Fai 4si Pro 26.5lbs, 4si standard 27.8lbs
Race format:	In 500m race course

Race details

Venue:	Marina Reservoir - view here
Race lane:	The time trial will be held within the 1000m lanes near the Marina Barrage (Start point 500m> End point 0m) Note : Race lane 0m is closer to the F1 pit, Race lane 7 is near the shore

Race rules and details

Race start / Lining up:	The race start will be indicated by the call : "Ready / Set / Go" Race lane 0m is closer to the F1 pit, lane 7 is near the shore Competitors must be present on time at the starting line, in the order stated for the day’s events. Starting signals shall be given regardless of absentees. The position at the start should be such that the bow of each competing canoe is lined up in its assigned lane without movement on the starting line. If a canoe is over the line preventing the race to start, it will be called out. It will be expected from paddlers to check themselves whether they are the one over the lines. Should you start over the line or go out of lane at any point after race start, you will be disqualified
Equipment:	No accessories may be brought into the va’a by competitors. Bringing in seat and footboard accessories is not allowed (yoga blocks/ anti-slip mats for eg). This includes time devices attached to the boat (Garmins/watch buddies/ speed pros for eg) You may still wear your watch on your wrist. Cameras, go pros and other video recording accessories are also not allowed on the boat Competitors MUST wear a PFD and footwear on the pontoon. PFDs are mandatory on the water, footwear is not. Leave your footwear on the pontoon before setting off if desired Waist PFDs are not allowed. Non compliance to any of the above will result in disqualification
Rounds:	Each competitor will only have a minimum of 2 and maximum of 3 trials per craft For example Oc1 x2-3 (To attempt to qualify for V6/V12) + V1 x2-3 (to attempt to qualify for V1) It is not mandatory to sign up for both categories, but it is of course encouraged and be smart about how many rounds you plan to do!
Race finish / DQs:	Once the bow is passed the finish line, you have to be fully seated in your canoe to be considered valid The following incidents would disqualify you immediately from your trial: Starting over the start line after the green flag goes up Going out of lane Starting in the wrong lane Finishing in the wrong lane / not properly seated in your canoe before the bow passing the line
Protests and penalties:	In the situation where you have been impeded or collided with a competitor who has gone out of lane, you will not be awarded a time bonus, but you will be given another chance to redo your trial at another slot. If such an incident occurs, approach the race official to make your protest within 30 mins after your race concludes. Protests outside of the time window will not be considered.
Finish:	Your timing will be clocked once the bow of the va’a passes the finish line.

FAQ

I want to compete for IVF, but I don't know how to paddle single craft. How can I still join?

This round of selections are done for the Elite crew (hence the need for a single craft trial). There will be time allocated for OC6 time trial by age categories so you may discuss with your coach in the event you still want to join the trial but have never been on a single craft before.

There will be a Club crew selection in April too, where you can compete as a V6/V12 with your club team! More details on club crew trials soon.

Can I use my own boat?

No. The models of boats for this national time trial are standardised and will be provided by VAS as mentioned above.

To make it objective and fair, competitors will be assigned boats and lanes at random by VAS.

Should I use my own paddle?

Yes! Paddles are not standardised nor are they provided by VAS.

Can I wear a waist PFD?

No! In accordance to the rules of Kallang reservoir, only PFD’s with a minimum of 2 straps are allowed.

What if Cat 1 occurs before/during my round? (Lightning warning)

In accordance to the rules of Kallang reservoir, the races for the day will be rescheduled according to the weather.

What time do I report?

After the full race schedule comes out, it is suggested to report at least an hour before your race.

If I mess up my trial, can I appeal to do it again?

You are allowed a maximum of 2 selection / craft / day.

Maximum numbers of trials in total is 3.

Can I adjust the rigging of the boat to make the ama lighter?

Changes to boat rigging are not allowed, the only thing you can adjust is your seat position.

I don’t know how to paddle V1, can I still do the time trial?

You will only need to do the trial on V1 if you are aiming to qualify for the elite V1 spot, otherwise, you only need to do it on OC1 to qualify for V6/V12 teams!

For the Oc1 trials will we be grouped by age category, or is it a random draw?

As the OC1 trials are ranked by overall timing, it will be a random draw. You will be aiming to get the best timing out of every person of your gender participating to qualify, not just the best timing in your heat!