Most canoe races in the Northwest will fall into one of three main classifications:

3/27 or Pro Boats:
This class continues to increase in popularity as a result of the Canadian Marathon Association's recognition of the 3/27 as the standard for their races. The 3/27 rule states that canoes must be 18'6" in length, 27" in width at the 3" waterline and 33" wide at the gunnel (measured within one foot of the center of the canoe). Bow height must be 14" to 15" and the stern height must be 8". These canoes are considered to be the fastest of the racing canoes. The Jensen V-1 and Jensen P3 offered by Clipper Canoes meet the 3/27 requirements.

4/32 or Amateur Racing Class:
Often referred to as the amateur racing class, 4/32 class canoes can be shorter than 18'6" in length. These canoes must have a minimum width at the 4" waterline of 14.375% of the canoe's length.

Citizen's or Amateur Class:
In this class of canoe racing, organizers may specify a certain type of canoe to be used for a given race. The Clipper Tripper has been designated in many races as a standard amateur canoe. In Manitoba the 17' Jensen is the standard while the 18' Jensen Stock is the designated canoe of choice for the Yukon River Quest.