Paddle selection and adjustment for young male kayakers: the science behind the art

This study aimed to produce predictive equations to determine the optimal paddle size for young Iberian kayakers competing in three categories: U14, U16, and U18. Data were collected in Portugal and Spain between 2005 and 2018, with a sample that includes 149 kayakers aged 14.42 ± 1.20 years. The kayakers were assessed for somatic maturation using the maturity offset and the percentage of the predicted adult height (%PAH). For anthropometry, assessing body mass (kg), stretch stature (cm), sitting height (cm), arm span (cm), arm length (cm), forearm length (cm), biacromial diameter (cm) and chest girth (cm), and for equipment setup, measuring paddle and blade length, blade maximum width, handgrip distance. A stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was performed to determine which anthropometric and maturity attributes could predict the paddle configuration for the total sample and each category analysed. Significant differences were found between the three categories for anthropometry, paddle setup, and maturity, except for PAH. Significant differences between U16 and U18 were only found in CA, maturity offset, %PAH, and paddle length. The predictive equation for the total sample explains the variance in paddle length by 75% and may be used as a more objective guide for paddle scaling.