Flatwater

Flatwater is what its name says, flat water. That does not mean that the surface is flat - in fact, flatwater can have some serious waves. However, the average surface is horizontal - whereas the average surface of whitewater is sloped.

Often it is a description of the type of course for a race.

There is Olympic-style flatwater racing, where the racers compete in straight line sprints.

For recreational racers, flatwater describes a race that does not include whitewater or rapids. There may be current if the course is on a river or in a tidal area and there may be waves. But in any case the designation of flatwater means that a sea kayak or other long, narrow and fast kayak is appropriate and that the maneuverabilty of a whitwater kayak is not needed.