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In addition to the high level of skill required to compete as a paddler, to be successful you need, among other things, good upper body muscular strength and endurance and good arm reach. However, which of all the components are more important?

Below is a discussion about the fitness requirements for paddlers, which can help with developing training programs for this sport, and for interpreting fitness testing results and determining the relative strengths and weaknesses of a competitor.

You Need to have good Muscular Endurance

We have a poll about the component of fitness most important for success in paddling. Out of the options of Body Size and Composition, Muscle Strength, Muscular Endurance, Power, Speed / Quickness, Agility, Flexibility, Balance and Coordination, and Cardiovascular Endurance, the factor which is considered most important by the readers of this site is Muscular Endurance, with over 40% thinking it is the most important component of fitness. Other factors which are considered important are muscle power and balance. You can add your vote too, and see the latest results.

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You Need to be Strong and Motivated

In a similar poll, we have asked people to rate the 12 factors of success for sports. Visitors to this site have rated each of these factors for paddling sports, and the most important according to them are: Strength & Power, Motivation & Self Confidence, Skill and Technique, Balance & Coordination.

You can also add your ratings of Which Factors Make Successful Paddlers, and see the latest results.

Most Important Factors for Success (in Order of Importance, 2018)

1. Strength & Power
2. Motivation & Self Confidence
3. Skill and Technique
4. Balance & Coordination
5. Aerobic Endurance
6. Flexibility
7. Coping with Pressure Situations
8. Body Size and Composition
9. Speed / Quickness
10. Reaction Time
11. Analytic & Tactical Ability
12. Agility

Are You an Expert?

I have found that asking all site visitors for their opinion, while it is interesting, does not always lead to accurate results. We want to know what the experts think. If you consider yourself an expert in Paddlers, go here to add your opinion.

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Related Pages

• Fitness for Paddlers
• Muscle Groups Used For Kayaking
• Fitness Testing for Paddle Sports
• Anthropometry for paddle sports
• Paddlers Polls