Re: [Paddlewise] paddling and fitnesstraining

In a message dated 1/18/01 11:31:01 PM Pacific Standard Time, 
dlloyd_at_telus.net writes:

<< I go with low reps, and
 moderate to heavy weights, doing about ten reps with the last two being
 the difficult ones.  >>

Doug and All,

When it comes to lifting weights to stay in shape for sea kayaking, I prefer 
low weights and high reps, which is better for developing the endurance 
necessary for the sport.  Most of my exercises are with only 5 pound 
dumbbells and a 20 pound barbell.  I try to do 3 sets of up to 20 reps.

I found that lifting twice a week and paddling once a week is enough training 
to finish 20 mile paddles at an average rate of 3 knots without becoming 
sore.  I'll lift and paddle twice a week to train for longer paddles.

I agree with Doug about stretching being important.  For three years now I've 
been doing yoga after each paddle or workout.  It really does help prevent 
injuries, and I can't imagine life without doing it.

By the way, during and after my nonstop 50 mile circumnavigation of Catalina 
Island, in which I spent 13 hours and 45 minutes in the kayak seat, I 
experienced zero back pain.

On the cockpit issue, I spent a lot of time in the surf with sea kayaks and 
white water kayaks, all with large cockpits, and I have never been sucked out 
or have a sprayskirt fail on me.  Of course, I use all neoprene sprayskirts 
that fit very tight and are designed for white water.  A lot of the touring 
skirts are too flimsy.  My favorite skirts are the Snap Dragons.  It's nice 
having that large cockpit for fast exits when you hit the sand in dumping 
surf and for being able to bring your legs up.  I had an ocean cockpit VCP 
Skerrey for a short while, and the cockpit prevented me from being able to 
reach my feet or to adjust the footpegs while I was in the boat.  I had to 
take off a wetsuit in the water, and in a large cockpit, I could've taken it 
off while still sitting in the seat, but with the small cockpit, I had to 
raft up with Jim Gabriel and climb up on the decks.  I like a cockpit that is 
about 30" x 16".

Duane
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