THREE-DIMENSIONAL KINEMATIC STUDY OF THE PADDLE STROKE IN INDIVIDUAL FLATWATER KAYAKING

Abstract

Propulsion in kayaking is achieved by alternating paddle strokes. One stroke on the right side of the boat followed by one stroke on the left constitutes a paddling cycle. Any asymmetry in the performance of the paddler affects the displacement speed of the kayak. Therefore, it is important to determine any movement differences between the right and the left stroke. The one-person f1atwater kayak is an extremely unstable boat. According to international rules, its length must not exceed 5.2 m, its width must not exceed 51 cm and its weight must not be less than 12 kg. The paddler uses a twin-blade paddle, with one on each end, as a propulsion instrument. Basically, each side of the kayak paddling technique is a movement system that can be analyzed in four main phases: entry of the blade into the water, pull of the paddle, exit of the blade from the water, and recovery. The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in the performance of a K1 (individual kayak) paddler with respect to the range of movement of the elbows and shoulders dur,ing a paddling cycle, ,both in sustained paddling and during the first few strokes that constitute a start in a f1atwater kayaking race. Thus, the main objective is to determine the possible asymmetries between the execution of the paddle strokes performed on the right side of the boat, and those performed on the left side.