The competition comprised heats, semifinals, and a final round. The top six boats from each heat progressed to semifinals. The top two boats in each semifinal and the next two best boats overall advanced to the "A" final, and competed for medals. A placing "B" final was held for the next eight best boats.
The fastest two canoeists in each semifinal, and the overall next two best boats qualify for the 'A' final. The next eight best boats overall qualify for the 'B' final.