The competition comprised heats, semi-finals, and a final round. Heat winners advanced to the 'A' final, with all other boats getting a second chance in the semi-finals. The top three from each semifinal also advanced to the 'A' final, and competed for medals. A placing 'B' final was held for the other semi-finalists.[2]
The fastest three canoeists in each semi-final qualified for the 'A' final. The slowest two canoeists in each semi-final qualified for the placing 'B' final.