Biomechanics and equipment (sprint and slalom): a review of scientifically confirmed information

The choice of equipment that an athlete makes for sprint racing is determined by the aim of completing the race distance in as little time as possible. The racing paddles used now are essentially derivations of the original design. Further developments have occurred, with paddles now made exclusively of carbon fiber with a number of options for size and shape. This chapter describes the key biomechanical factors that underpin canoeing and kayaking that will help athlete, coaches, and practitioners understand the basis of the environment. The limited research on foot bar forces in kayaking has shown that the pushing forces on the footrest are generally higher than or equal to the forces found at the paddle, and are initiated immediately before the start of the paddle stroke. Equipment changes in canoe slalom were often driven by rule changes and course changes. The interaction between the boat and water is very different in canoe slalom.