Training
Brain doping - the newest weapon in the quest for athletic performance
Let's face it - doping has sadly become the main issue facing sport. Almost every day we are bombarded by news of doping scandals at all levels. Athletes, federations, and clubs are under constant scrutiny and it's becoming more and more difficult for the media to enjoy doing our work.
How does surface finish effect boat speed and performance in kayaks?
Which boat finish is best at giving you that extra bit of free speed is an age old discussion; but what really works? And is it really worth the effort?
Thoughts on the Nelo Cinco design: or why is the nose upside down?
It’s been around for a few months now but the Nelo Cinco is still getting comments about its strange looks so we thought we should have a dig in to the ideas behind the changes.
Nelo launches complete app solution for paddling
An app that is the perfect partner for paddling sessions, together with a web solution to analyse, compare and improve training.
The state of anti-doping and drugs testing in canoeing and kayaking
People seem to be happy to talk about drugs in athletics and cycling these days. But what about canoeing? What are we doing? Canoeing is a smaller sport with less of a media spotlight.
Performance Measurement Technology - Which Device Will Help You Paddle Faster?
The recent influx of performance measurement technology over the last decade is fantastic news for paddlers - knowledge is power as they say, and the more you know about how you’re performing, the more you can do to improve your results.
What’s so important about core strength?
Core training does two really important things - it helps you look thinner (not exactly the main objective for most athletes), and it supports your spine and helps with things like balance.
How to find satisfaction as an athlete, regardless of the outcome
I wrote the following essay as a way to organize my thoughts about my current state as an amateur athlete. I've been on and off the Canadian national canoe team for 7 years, but have yet to really break through to the top. Through much reflection I’ve managed to put down some things I’ve learnt about myself as athlete and a person. I’m hoping that others will find this useful.
Faster, stronger, quicker – deliberate practice
It is, as every athlete is crucially aware his or her physical Training that has the greatest degree of net positive effect on performance. Which is precisely why, day in day out, rain or shine the elite athlete is committed to and dedicated to his or training regimen. It is the biggest influenceable variable on performance outcome.
Stay motivated - Preventing burnout and staying fresh
Motivation is a key component in all the paddling disciplines, and the most successful paddlers demonstrate Mastery Motivation – the attitude, determination and commitment to achieve mastery over yourself, your competitors and your environment by performing to the best of your own ability.
Building strong relationships with journalists
Nurturing your relationships with journalists is crucial if you’re hoping to tell your story to a broader audience. Journalists in the sport industry are a passionate bunch. Be good to them and they’ll be great to you. So, how can you be good to them?
“Paddle in the Park” with KayakPro – São Paulo Style
Currently excitement and infatuation has been engulfing Brazil due to the FIFA World Cup, yet the tropical Portuguese-speaking country is home to another notable sports scene – canoeing and “The Paddle in the Park”.
On the ergometer with 200 meter sprint specialist Petter Menning
How do you make your canoeing training as effective as possible when you can't go out on the water? It's a question that's occupied a lot of minds in Europe this winter as the continent was repeatedly lashed by floods, high winds and freezing temperatures.
Sprint Canoe Drills: It’s a Balancing Act!
As canoeists, we can all remember our first time trying out a sprint canoe. Steadying yourself against the dock, paddle in hand, pushing off gingerly (perhaps with the help of someone else holding on to the stern of the boat) and slapping the water repeatedly with your blade. SPLASH! Into the water again. It’s a familiar cycle: push off, fall in, climb up, repeat.
Sex wins - sex before sport has its benefits
Latest research into the effect sex has on sports performance suggests that as long as the interaction occurs 10 to 12 hours before the athlete takes to the field, it makes little to no difference to the athlete’s output.
Adopting a High Performance Attitude
Everyone knows about Mohammed Ali, one of the most vocal and successful boxers of all time. He came across as pretty arrogant and over-confident, but the one thing we can't deny is that he was the greatest when it came to self belief. He talked the talk, and walked the walk, but most importantly, he also did the work, which allowed him to totally believe in his ability to beat his competitors.
Pass it on! How do I pass on my knowledge and experiences to others?
Since the London Olympics I have been asked to do a number of talks to a wide variety of people who are interested in learning about my sporting journey. I believe it is part of my responsibility as an athlete to pass on what I have learnt from competing at the highest level to the community.