There were four events in sprint and slalom each (K1 and C1 for both genders).

All athletes qualifying for an event must have competed in the same event in the other discipline (slalom or sprint) or risk disqualification.

There were two events: the 2013 Junior Sprint World Championships in Welland, Ontario and the 2013 Junior slalom championship in Liptovsky Mikulas, Slovakia were quotas were awarded.

A total of 64 athletes competed, including 10 spots reserved for universality (5 per gender) and 2 for the hosts.

[1] The schedule was released by the Nanjing Youth Olympic Games Organizing Committee.