How to Become a Competitive Kayaker

The world of competitive kayaking demands athleticism of the highest caliber. If you want to join these prestigious ranks you must be willing to train hard and intelligently to maximize your potential while minimizing your risk of serious injury.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Contact your local kayaking clubs to see what kinds of competitions are offered in your area. Competitive kayaking is a tightly knit community that often overlaps socially, so don't be afraid to make new friends.
2. Attend kayaking events to get a feel for different venues and competitions. Seeing the level of competition can give you an idea of how hard you'll have to train.
3. Spend some time in the weight room developing the strength and endurance needed to make the most out of your time in your kayak. A kayak may be light, but the current of a river demands incredible strength.
4. Get in touch with a coach who specializes in training for competitive kayaking. A kayaker needs the nuanced feedback of a top professional in order to get to the top of his or her game.
5. Maintain a protein rich diet that maximizes lean muscle and minimizes useless fat. A healthy kayaker will have tremendous advantages over someone who isn't as disciplined.
6. Spend as much time in the water in your kayak as you can, getting a feel for the local rivers. A kayaker must understand the little tricks of each stream before getting involved in a competitive event.

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