Back Kanurennsport-Weltmeisterschaften 1981 German Campeonato Mundial de Piragüismo en Aguas Tranquilas de 1981 Spanish Championnats du monde de course en ligne de canoë-kayak de 1981 French 1981-es síkvízi kajak-kenu világbajnokság Hungarian Campionati mondiali di canoa/kayak 1981 Italian VM i padling 1981 NB Mistrzostwa Świata w Kajakarstwie 1981 Polish Чемпионат мира по гребле на байдарках и каноэ 1981 Russian Sprintvärldsmästerskapen i kanotsport 1981 Swedish
The 1981 ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships were held in Nottingham, Great Britain.
The men's competition consisted of six Canadian (single paddle, open boat) and nine kayak events. Three events were held for the women, all in kayak.
This was the sixteenth championships in canoe sprint.