In 1939, when its first competition was held, it was a natural rapid at the base of a dam in the Sava River.

Tacen hosts a major international competition almost every year, examples being the 1955, the 1991, and the 2010 Championships.

To increase its length to 275 meters, the course was extended upstream into the lake behind the dam and downstream into the natural flow of the Sava River.

The upstream extension meant that each paddler had to begin the race with about an 8-second flatwater sprint and reach the top of the spillway at maximum speed.

That plus the usual upstream gate at the bottom of the spillway make for a challenging start, unlike that of any other venue in the international competition circuit.