Flatwater Canoe Racing

An Overview Showing the Benefits of Seated Paddling on Core Strength

and Conditioning

Paul J. Cosentino Ph.D. P.E. Professor, Florida Institute of Technology,

Civil Engineering Department

Today’s PresentationBackground on Flatwater Canoe RacingMy Background Related to Canoes and BaseballOverview of the Sport and its Benefits to Baseball

Flatwater Canoe RacingHawaiians and Polynesians have used it to travel between IslandsPopular races include Dragon Boat and Hawaiian Outrigger

What brought me here today?

I love TeachingAmerican Society of Civil Engineers 30 year old Concrete Canoe Competition.

If Civil Engineering students can make an concrete canoe they can make any other concrete structure.The canoes are racing hulls and must Float Full of WaterThe Florida Institute of Technology Concrete Canoe Team

Eight time National QualifierUnselfish help from former US National Canoe and Kayak Team Paddler Dennis Beek, Satellite Beach FL

And I have been playing, coaching, managing baseball for 45 plus years. Yep still playing

This ProgramTeam Building in a different sportConditioning without joint stress

Aerobic and Anaerobic Lifelong benefits

Let’s Get StartedLearn the Fundamentals

Triangle of PowerTop hand motion is a ½ heart path

Straight down and stop at the height of your opposite shoulder

Bottom hand and arm part of rotation

Paddling and ThrowingThe basic racing stroke is similar to throwing overhandBecause it’s in the water no dynamic or jarring impact on jointsIn a typical hour long paddling session over 1000 strokes are taken.The rotator muscle group, the core muscles, the hands and forearms are strengthened

Proper Technique

Now a Short VideoThis link shows the 2011 National Concrete Canoe Florida Institute of Technology, Men’s Sprint.

Lorenzo Fevola (Bow) and Alvaro Urcuyo (Stern) finish in 1:09 (fastest in FIT history).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wwfSUp0m7A&feature=youtu.be

The Fundamentals Top Hand ½ heart (Rotator Cuff) Balance (Core) Good “Catch” with Paddle (Hands

& Forearms) Rotation (Core) Pump your feet (Core) Timing Should be Perfect

How Can We Accomplish This?

Choose a convenient locationBradenton, Melbourne, etc.,

Transport Equipment to LocationDevelop Timeline for TrainingDevelop Training Program

Thank you for your timeQuestions?Now it’s time to paddleDid I mention how much fun this sport is?