Self-reported training habits of Australian outrigger canoe paddlers

The purpose of this descriptive study was to investigate training habits of Australian outrigger canoe paddlers. A 1-page questionnaire was hand-delivered to 101 paddlers. The survey addressed training factors, use of supplementary training, ergogenic aids, sports performance professionals, and injury history. Paddlers train for an average of 3.2 on-water sessions per week, with each session lasting an average of 1.7 hours. The 6-person canoe is favored by 55% of paddlers surveyed. Seventy-one percent of paddlers use strength training to accompany paddling with a mean frequency of 2.5 sessions per week. Seventy-four percent of paddlers report additional cross-training, with a mean of 3.1 sessions per week. Ergogenic aids are used by 55% of paddlers, and 52% utilize the services of sports science or sports medicine personnel. Forty-nine percent of paddlers (n = 49) report injuries related to paddling, with the most common sites being the shoulder and lower back.