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Canoe slalom C1 stroke technique during international competitions
Molly L Tilden1, Avleen R Oberoi1, James M Wakeling2
1School of Kinesiology, University of the Fraser Valley, Chilliwack, Canada.
Sports Biomechanics
|June 22, 2021
Summary
Male and female canoe slalom athletes exhibit distinct paddling techniques. Female athletes use more on-side strokes and switch transitions, while males favor off-side strokes and faster cross transitions.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Biomechanics
- Canoe Slalom Performance Analysis
Background:
- Canoe slalom is a technically demanding sport requiring efficient stroke and transition execution.
- Understanding sex-based differences in technique can optimize training and performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the frequency and duration of on-side/off-side strokes and transitions between male and female canoe slalom athletes.
- To identify specific technical elements that differentiate elite male and female competitors.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 33 International Canoe Federation (ICF) race videos (2018-2020).
- Frame-by-frame recording of drive durations, transition durations, and stroke/transition types.
- Statistical comparison of technique parameters between male and female athletes.
Main Results:
- Female athletes performed more switch transitions and on-side strokes; males performed more cross transitions and off-side strokes.
- Male athletes executed faster cross transitions; transition speed varied: on-on/off-off < cross < switch.
- Females had longer drive durations and lower stroke frequency than males.
Conclusions:
- Significant sex-based differences exist in canoe slalom stroke technique and transition strategies.
- Findings provide a basis for sex-specific training programs and further biomechanical research in canoe slalom.
