Race Ready

Advice
#1

Ive been doing Kayak Racing for several years after switching from Whitewater to touring.

And would be interested in two things.

  1. Racers how do you get ready for the season is there anything in particular you do. I’m not going to ask you to give away all your secrets. I’m just looking to improve the boat’s engine more than anything else.

  2. Non-Racers what do you do to get ready for the paddling season. Again things that improve the boats engine.

Unlike when I was younger and could just jump into things now that I’m an AARP senior, I find I have to start getting ready pre-season and then throughout the season until race day comes If I have any chance of winning Class and Division.

#3

Non-racer. I’m lucky to have a Concept2 rower, so I use that as well as shoulder exercises. I walk at least 30 minutes a day as well.

The shoulder exercises are easier than the rower.

#4

what type of shoulder exercises do you do?

#5

It really boils down to 2 basic things. Learn how to get as much efficiency out of a wing paddle as you possibly can, and lay down as many base miles before the racing season as you can. That will give you efficiency and a good cardio base.

#6

My off season cross training is running, snowshoeing and Nordic skiing. I do a bit with weights, kettlebells, etc and stationary bike plus a Concept 2 with single blade adapter setup. My big race this year is early, so I’m ramping up the routine but imho there is nothing that exceeds seat time so am anxious for open water here in the north east

#7

The PT exercises I was told to do after fracturing my shoulder years ago.

#8

What is lost, is all of the benefits of a good fitness routine that you enjoy doing, even if paddling is not involved. Just for its own sake of just doing it.

#9

Not lost on me, I enjoy all of those activities “just for the sake of doing them”… non racers think we miss out on something, nothing could be farther from the truth.

#10

That says it all. It is not just the result, which is very satisfying in and of itself, but the fun getting there.

Edit: I should have added, “To many people…”

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