Abstract

Little is known about the biomechanics of sprint canoeing, especially for women’s
canoeing, and a quantitative kinematic description of the motion would help coaches to
develop valid technique coaching models. Five highly-trained female canoeists were
filmed at 150 Hz while undertaking a 50 s maximal effort on a canoe ergometer, whose
trolley motions were taken to represent those of the boat. Selected boat, body and paddle
kinematics were evaluated at three key stroke cycle events (Contact, Paddle Vertical, and
End of Drive) and their patterns monitored across the stroke cycle. While no clear trends
between the kinematics and power output emerged, a range of strategies were identified
and the data represent an initial step in the construction of detailed technique models that
can be used to evaluate and monitor individual athletes.