How do kayakers prepare during the winter months, when there are no races and the conditions for training on the water are not always completely optimal? One would say that there is a kind of dead time in the year-round preparation. However, reality is the opposite of this assumption.
Winter brings athletes a wide range of possible activities. Some nationalities paddle all year round, some prefer a break from training on the water and include other activities. There are also countries that have no choice. They can't go on the water, thanks to the very bad weather. However, the variety and variability of winter training is huge. Training requirements vary from individual to individual and there are many alternatives for both aerobic endurance and strength training.
"At our club, we have a rule that we take complete time off paddling during the winter. There are several reasons for this - we are more looking forward to paddling from the beginning of the season, we are not constantly in the stereotype and the body can rest easily and has the opportunity to include other muscle parts," explains Adam Satke, the winner of the wild water Czech Cup.
"I don't usually take full „time off“ after the season. This year I had health complications so I had about a two-week rest, during which I enjoyed greater regeneration. Normally, I focus more on changing activities that will make the year-round system more enjoyable," adds Adam. "I really like winter training. I spend a lot of time in the mountains on cross-country skis. We went on a large amount of training on cross-country skis this year. I also include winter hiking, skiing, workout – gym, swimming, football ... There are many options.“
French competitors have almost perfect conditions for training on the water and on skis. Nature offers many alternatives and the national team often works together during the winter season. "After the season, I take a short break to regenerate my body. The length of the rest depends on when the season ends. When the world championship ends in September, there is not much time to rest, because winter training begins very early," describes Mathilde Valdenaire, a silver medalist from the U23 World Championships.
"I currently live in Toulouse. I do canoeing in the winter, because the weather here is very friendly. I also include cross-country skiing, gym, running or swimming. I like sports on a large scale and I think that complementary sports help my physical activity in all directions," adds the French racer.
The training of Italian competitors does not change completely compared to the summer months. "Because I spend almost every day paddling, usually I’ve something like two or three weeks of rest after the season. During this time I literally don’t wanna see any boat or paddle, which I hope is understandable. During winter preparation I'm used to paddle and do gym. Unlike other nations, I've never done cross country skiing." says Cecilia Panato, the current best world competitor on C1W.
Compared to the beginning of last year, when the situation was very unclear and most athletes spent time in isolation, this year is going according to plan. The upcoming highlight of the season is the Worldchampionship, which is scheduled for June in Treignac, France.
"I am looking forward to the upcoming season. I set my goals gradually, so I would like to make a place in the Czech national team first. If Isucceed, I will focus on the main race of the season, the worldchamp, where I would like to think about the highest places. But that cannot be planned. I will see what form I will be and what form the opponents will be. For me, the main thing is to focus on that preparation and get the most out of it,"says Adam
"This year's world championship will take place in France, which is a huge opportunity and motivation for all French competitors. Everyone wants to race in our country and be supported by family and friends. My goal is to prepare for this race and show the best," comments Mathilde.
„I’m not that kind of person who expects something… I mean I take what I deserved. For sure I hope to confirm myself in some races but you know it’s hard so we’ll see! I'm just looking forward to the season to start,“ describing Cecilia. „Anyway the major event will be the World championships in Treignac, I love this river so I hope to will have good races there!“