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Physiological characteristics and performance of the white-water paddler

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Abstract

Tests have been completed on 10 men and 2 women, all aspirant members of the Canadian national white-water team. Objective scores account for some 75% of the variation in ability noted by the team coach, and can provide (i) a useful counterweight to errors of judgement by the coach, and (ii) indications for an individualized training programme. The successful white-water paddler is characterized by many years of experience, a substantial standing height and lean body mass, good general muscle development with particular emphasis on the leg muscles, a good but not outstanding aerobic power, an above-average vital capacity, and tolerance of a large oxygen debt; control of body fat does not seem particularly vital to success. The maximum heart rate and the parameters of the recovery curve seem as in the normal population; however, a single Astrand nomogram prediction does not provide adequate information on the aerobic power of the individual athlete.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. of Environmental Health, School of Hygiene, University of Toronto, Canada

    K. Sidney & Roy J. Shephard

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  1. K. Sidney
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  2. Roy J. Shephard
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Sidney, K., Shephard, R.J. Physiological characteristics and performance of the white-water paddler. Europ. J. Appl. Physiol. 32, 55–70 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00422428

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00422428

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