The Relationship between Anaerobic Power Output and Race Performance during Marathon Canoe and Kayak Competition

Paddle sports are low impact activities that result in high aerobic demand. Although this sport relies on the aerobic system, with the addition of shorter distances in competition settings it has led to interest in the importance of anaerobic capacity. The purpose of this study was to identify the relationship between anaerobic power and endurance paddle race performance. Fifty (n = 50) endurance paddle athletes completed a 13-mile course either by kayak or canoe. A modified Wingate anaerobic power assessment protocol was conducted using a canoe or kayak paddling adaptor. Canoers completed one 30 second bout on their strong side followed by a 2-minute rest and a second 30 second bout on the opposing side. The kayakers performed one 30 second maximal bout given the bilateral nature of the stroke. Results revealed that anaerobic power for both left and right-side canoe strokes and kayak strokes was significantly correlated to endurance paddle race performance. In conclusion, it was determined that improvements in anaerobic power output may translate to increased efficiency in endurance paddle events.