Kayaking & Canoeing

Paddling sports, including kayaking, canoeing and rowing offer a unique mode of being active in the outdoors. Excursions on the water take participants to destinations unreachable by land, and offer a stunning viewpoint on wildlife and the surroundings. Kayaking and canoeing are usually done over longer periods at a lower intensity, while rowing can be a much more demanding sport on the cardiovascular system. All three sports require a strong core as a foundation for the paddling and rowing motion. When training for a paddling sport, your program will evidently have a strong upper body component. The lower body strength demands sets rowing apart from the other paddling sports.

Although kayaking and canoeing can be performed at a higher intensity requiring aerobic conditioning, they generally are not. Indoor rowing machines (ergs) are fantastic tools for sport specific cardiovascular conditioning. General aerobic exercises, including running, cycling, and hiking
are great cross training options that will develop the crucial aerobic base and prevent muscle imbalance.

To help you prepare for your excursions, your trainer will include cable exercises that mimic the paddling motion and are particularly useful for improving sport specific strength and endurance. Balanced strength and flexibility in the upper body will allow you to maintain a maximal range of motion for your paddling and increased stroke efficiency. General flexibility will allow you to maintain a comfortable sitting position in a kayak or canoe over long periods. Skill and water safety are further considerations to train for in order to gain maximum enjoyment from these sports.

Contact us today for a kayak specific training program and you're on your way to an injury free trip to the Broken Islands!