ThePADDLER 92
PADDLEFIT
OUR GUIDE TO GETTING FIT FOR PADDLESPORTS
Words : Richard Harpham Photos Richard Harpham & Ashley Kenlock ,
It ’ s that time of the calendar year when New Year ’ s resolutions are fading from the forefront of people ’ s minds . As paddlers , we are often polarised between fairweather paddling where our dreams of warm aquamarine waters with golden rays are , in reality , cold , dank winter paddling days . In the end , with warm clothing , drysuits and preparation , winter paddling often offers greater flow , epic white water and perfect training time for races , events and adventures .
At Canoe Trail , we have an adventurous and competitive DNA with team members completing big canoe and kayak races , including the infamous Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race ( 125 miles and 77 portages of pain time ), the Muskoka River X race ( 80 miles of Canadian lakes , rivers and wilderness ) and the Yukon River Quest – ‘ The YRQ ’ ( 444 miles and the world ’ s longest annual canoe and kayak race ). Training for these serious endurance races is addictive , fun and great for personal well-being . The Devizes to Westminster , for example , has 77 locks that require portaging , and in some cases where they are close together , it is quicker to run some sections rather than get in or out . This equates to running a half marathon with a kayak or canoe on your shoulder . Fun times !
So getting fit for paddlesports like any fitness campaign is best served by some goals , measures and milestones to help with motivation and progress . It is also worth thinking about paddle fit in terms of different disciplines such as : l Endurance and stamina l Strength and conditioning l Balance l Flexibility l Well-being / positive mental health l Tone l Aerobic fitness l Active core l Goal focussed l Technique l Diet