The Technique of Elite Flatwater Kayak Paddlers Using the Wing Paddle

The technique of elite New Zealand kayak paddlers using the Norwegian wing paddle was analyzed to identify factors leading to success. Five male New Zealand kayak paddlers were filmed with two high-speed cinematographic cameras. Paths of the blade tip and joint centers were determined from film data. Velocities ranged from 4.63 to 5.38 m/s. Stroke frequency ranged from l .93 to 2.26 cycles/s. Results indicated that the more successful paddlers, based on previous competitive performances, had similar movement patterns and blade paths and that these differed from those of less successful paddlers. Their blade tip and joint center paths were more consistent across trials. More successful paddlers entered their blade well forward and closer to the longitudinal axis of the kayak than did less successful paddlers, and moved the blade a large distance laterally from the kayak and only a small distance backward with respect to the water.