The Science of Canoeing By Richard Cox

Differences between kayak and Canadian paddlers in any one of the above dimensions was not statistically
significant although Canadian canoeists do tend to be lighter and shorter in arm length, trunk length and overall
height.
The relative importance of any one of these variables associated with body build is highly debatable and as long
as one falls within a reasonable range of these mean norms one should not feel unduly concerned. If you are
especially tall or short, ectomorphy or endomorphy, there is nothing you can do to change these features. Since
you have to live with them, you can either choose a different sport to which your body build is better suited or
accept that you might have to assert greater effort to achieve the same results as some of your contemporaries.
Equipment and Clothing
Considerable debate ensues in canoeing circles, as in most fashionable sports, about the relative merits and
shortcomings of different designs/brands of equipment and clothing. Such debate is usually prompted by sales
'hype' and attempted explanations as to why a particular individual is experiencing sudden success or loss of
form. Such debate is not always healthy, especially amongst younger and less accomplished paddlers who lose
confidence in their ability to achieve success with the equipment they are using.
In terms of basic equipment, that is, boat and paddle the most crucial factors to look out for have already been
touched upon in earlier chapters of the book. The basic dimensions and characteristics of a racing kayak (that is
the maximum length, maximum width and maximum weight- see p20) are clearly laid down by the ICF. Within
these parameters, however, are an infinite range of design and construction techniques which may or may not
enhance overall performance. In terms of kayak design, slenderness of the hull, shape of the cross-section and
the quality of the surface finish are the most significant variables to look out for. Slenderness of the hull is
important because it determines to a great extent, the wave-making resistance of a craft. The cross-sectional
design of a given hull length will dictate the amount of wetted area, which as we noted in Chapter Three,
influences the skin friction generated as the canoe travels through the water.
Evaluation of a craft in terms of weight and construction is also straightforward. A lightly built canoe requires
less power to accelerate through the water than a heavier one but at the same time is less likely to be very robust.
The introduction of carbon-kevlar in the construction of racing boats has improved strength-weight ratios. It is a
very light, yet strong material which does not flex in the same way as glass fibre strand or mat. As with all
racing craft the surface of the hull should be hard, smooth and free from undulations in order to keep surface
friction at a minimum.
Many of the characteristics identified above are often in conflict with one another and it is the task of the
designer/manufacturer to achieve the best compromise between speed, stability, strength and production costs.
Because of individual characteristics and personal taste, no hierarchy can be attached to the relative importance
of these variables. What is the most suitable model for one individual may not be the same as for another. A tall
paddler with a