Abstract
The ability to quantify power within the sport of slalom kayaking would provide coaches
and athletes objective data to monitor performance. This study determined the validity
of a kayak paddle power meter and subsequent relationship between work rate and stroke
kinetics. One participant completed multiple trials of a flat-water, straight-line
sprint and a sequence of slalom gates at numerous intensities to attain the velocity:power
relationship. Laboratory results identified the kayak paddles’ strain gauges were
valid and reliable, and field tests presented a cubic relationship for power as a
function of velocity in the straight-line sprint (R2=0.982) and the slalom-specific test (R2=0.993). Further analysis of stroke kinetics identified velocity of hand movement
at individual peak force capability to be critical in the highest work rates achieved
for both slalom and flat-water sprinting. It was concluded that the kayak paddle power
meter tested is a valid means of recording work rate and stroke kinetics during kayaking
in the field.
