Quick Dips

Paddling Away

New Zealand's world-class kayakers are being closely watched by researchers from Otago University's Physical Education faculty. Master's student Selina Kendal hopes to identify winning stratgies which can be used to develop effective training techniques.

The initial phase has shown that good kayakers have consistent rhythm and movement, minimising inefficiencies. Kendal and her project supervisor, Dr Ross Sanders, are attending the National Championships this month to film trialists and to take readings from accelerometers and strain gauges attached to the kayaks and paddles. They hope to gain funding to travel to the Barcelona Olympics next year to continue the research.